If you need cardamom in Los Angeles, you'll find it at Anoras Cash N Carry on S Fairfax Ave. Known as elaichi, it's one of the most-used aromatics in Indian cooking — in chai, biryani and sweets. We carry whole green cardamom pods, the form most recipes call for.

Green vs. black cardamom — what's the difference?

Green cardamom (choti elaichi) is the small, pale-green pod with a sweet, floral aroma — used in chai, kheer, biryani and desserts. Black cardamom (badi elaichi) is larger, dark and smoky, used mostly in savory dishes and garam masala. When a recipe just says "cardamom," it usually means green.

What cardamom can I buy here?

Whole green cardamom pods (elaichi), in 100g and 200g packs — buy pods and crush them fresh for the best aroma. Find more whole spices in Spices & Masalas.

How do you use cardamom?

Lightly crush a pod or two and drop into simmering chai, rice for biryani or pulao, or milk for kheer. Grind the seeds for desserts. A little goes a long way — cardamom is intense.

Where can I buy cardamom near me in Los Angeles?

Anoras Cash N Carry, 567 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036 — in the Fairfax district, near the Original Farmers Market. Open daily, 10 AM–9 PM, with in-store shopping, pickup and local delivery across LA.

Frequently asked questions

Is elaichi the same as cardamom?

Yes — elaichi is the Hindi/Urdu name for cardamom. Choti elaichi is green cardamom; badi elaichi is black cardamom.

Should I buy whole pods or ground cardamom?

Whole green pods keep their aroma far longer; crush or grind them fresh when you cook for the best flavor.

Do you deliver in Los Angeles?

Yes — local delivery across LA plus in-store pickup.