Colombo Powder is a type of curry found on the Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. It is salt- and MSG-free. Colombo Powder can also be called Colombo spice, poudre de Colombo, Colombo seasoning, or Colombo curry powder.

Colombo cooking originated with Sri Lankan servants who were sent to the French West Indies as plantation workers. This curry does not get its heat from chiles like most curry powders do. Instead, its heat comes from brown mustard and black pepper. As a result, it has a sharper flavor and less heat than other Indian or Sri Lankan style curries.

Businesses that frequently purchase Colombo Powder are: 

• Caribbean and fusion restaurants; 
• cafes; 
• catering companies; 
• independent spice shops; 
• seasoning companies; and 
• companies that manufacture snack foods, sauces, and meal subscriptions

Flavor Profile

Colombo Powder is earthy, warm, and peppery, with notes of citrus, maple, and pine. 

How To Use

Use Colombo Powder to make a Caribbean-style curry with pork or lamb. Toss over Colombo Curried Grilled Clams. Swap in as the main seasoning when making Spicy Coconut Shrimp. Mix into ground beef for warming, savory Caribbean Spiced Meatballs with Rice. Choose as the main seasoning when making Jamaican Chicken and Mango Chutney Sandwich, or substitute for curry powder and have a milder version of Quick and Easy Vegetable Curry. 

Choose Colombo Powder when making pork, lamb, chicken, seafood, beef, or chicken. It’s excellent with vegetables, rice, fruits, potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squash, and yogurt.