If you're after mustard seeds in Los Angeles, you'll find them at Anoras Cash N Carry on S Fairfax Ave. In Indian cooking these are rai — the small dark seeds that pop and crackle in hot oil to start a tadka. We carry whole black mustard seeds and split rai kuria from a few trusted brands.

What are mustard seeds (rai)?

The tiny reddish-black seeds most Indian recipes call for are black (or brown) mustard seeds — rai. Tossed into hot oil, they burst and turn nutty and mildly pungent, the signature first step of South Indian and Maharashtrian tempering. They're also central to pickles and to spice blends like sambar and rasam powder.

What forms can I buy here?

• Whole black mustard seeds (rai) — the everyday tempering spice. Dhanraj Black Mustard Seeds, Laxmi Mustard Seeds and Desi Kitchen Rai.
• Split mustard (rai kuria / rai na kuria) — coarsely split seeds used in Gujarati pickles and some tempers. Deep Rai Kuria.

Availability shifts week to week — if a brand or size isn't showing online, ask us in store.

How do you use mustard seeds?

Heat a spoon of oil until it shimmers, add the rai, and wait for it to splutter — that pop is the flavor releasing. Then add curry leaves, urad dal, dried chilli or whatever your dish calls for, and pour the tempering over dal, sabzi or rice. For pickles, split rai kuria is mixed into the masala for a sharper bite.

Where can I buy mustard seeds 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. Find more whole spices in Spices & Masalas.

Frequently asked questions

Are Indian mustard seeds black or yellow?

Most Indian recipes use small black/brown mustard seeds (rai), which are more pungent than the larger yellow seeds common in Western cooking.

What is rai kuria?

Rai kuria is coarsely split mustard seeds, used mainly in Gujarati-style pickles and some tempering.

Do you deliver in Los Angeles?

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