Kabab Chinni Powder / کباب چینی پاؤڈر / Cubeb Pepper

Kabab Chini Powder, derived from the dried, unripe, tailed berries of the Piper cubeba plant, is a distinct and highly aromatic spice powder known for its complex flavor profile. Unlike simple black pepper, this powder offers a unique combination of warm, mildly bitter, and pungent notes, coupled with a characteristic citrusy and slightly eucalyptus-like (camphoraceous) aroma. Historically significant in classic Mughal and Arab cuisines, Kabab Chini powder is primarily used to impart a sophisticated fragrance and a subtle heat to rich meat dishes, marinades, and specialized spice blends (masalas). When ground into a fine powder, its potent oils are easily dispersed, ensuring that a small amount is sufficient to lift the overall aroma of a dish, making it essential for achieving the authentic flavor of dishes like Nawabi Biryani, Pulao, and luxurious kebabs. Furthermore, due to its unique aroma and traditional uses, the powder is sometimes included in Garam Masalas to provide a distinct aromatic depth that cannot be replicated by using only regular pepper.