Chinese five-spice is an all-purpose seasoning blend, used in everything from braises and stews to spice rubs and marinades. Mala Market adheres to the classic combination of star anise, cassia cinnamon, fennel, clove and Sichuan pepper—many other brands substitute this last ingredient for easier-to-find black or white pepper, but Sichuan peppercorns are essential for balancing the sweeter flavors of cinnamon and star anise with savory, citrusy notes.

These medium-ground flakes are a combination of three Chinese chili varieties: er jing tiao chilies for fragrance, facing heaven chilies for color, and xiao mi la chilies for heat. The peppers are toasted and fried, thus possessing an extra-rich flavor and uniquely crisp texture that makes them utterly addictive.

Dobanjiang (alternatively spelled toban djan) is an intensely flavored paste made from fermented broad (fava) beans, chilies, salt and seasonings.Mala Market is importing the best version we have tasted of this pantry staple: remarkably deep, savory and spicy—far more so than any supermarket version. It’ll be your new secret ingredient and salvation for midnight noodles or last-minute meals.