In the vast culinary landscape, the variety of condiments available is mind-blowing. Despite this diversity, three condiments have consistently dominated kitchen tables and restaurant counters:

• ketchup
• mayonnaise and;
• soy sauce

Here’s a look at the top 10 unique condiments that can revolutionise your meals and bring exciting flavours to your table.

Chimichurri is a fresh, herb-forward sauce that will bring your grilling game to a whole new level. Made primarily from parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil, this Argentinean condiment is light, tangy, and full of vibrant flavours.

While it’s traditionally served with steak, chimichurri is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with chicken, fish, or even roasted vegetables. The balance of the herbs and acidity cuts through the richness of meats, making it the perfect companion for any barbecue.

If you’re tired of the same old ketchup and mustard routine at your next cookout, chimichurri will awaken your taste buds.

Gochujang is a fermented red chili paste that brings a rich, complex flavour to any dish it touches. This Korean staple is spicy but not overwhelmingly so, with a subtle sweetness and a deep, umami-packed finish.

Used in dishes like bibimbap or as a marinade for meats, gochujang can also serve as an exciting replacement for your standard hot sauce. Stir it into soups, use it as a dip for fries, or mix it into salad dressings for a spicy twist.

It’s versatility and bold flavour profile make it a must-try for anyone seeking something a little different.

Tamarind chutney is a sweet, tangy, and slightly spiced sauce made from tamarind fruit, jaggery (a type of unrefined sugar), and spices.

This condiment is a staple in Indian street food, often paired with savoury snacks like samosas, pakoras, and chaat. It provides a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, making it a wonderful alternative to ketchup when you want to add depth to your sauces. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, use it as a glaze for meats, or even mix it into yogurt for a quick dip.

Tamarind chutney is a game changer for those who love to balance sweet and savoury.

Ajvar is a rich, smoky spread made from roasted red peppers and eggplant, seasoned with garlic and vinegar. Originating from the Balkan region, it’s perfect for adding a depth of flavour to sandwiches and burgers, or as a dip for bread.

Unlike the more common tomato-based spreads like ketchup, ajvar provides a subtle sweetness with an earthy undertone, thanks to the roasted vegetables. It’s thick, creamy texture also makes it ideal for use as a topping on grilled meats or even as a base for pizza.

Once you try ajvar, it will likely become a staple in your condiment rotation.

Peri-Peri sauce is a fiery blend of African bird’s eye chilies, garlic, lemon, and oil, originating from Mozambique and popularised by Portugal. It’s perfect for anyone who loves heat but wants something more complex than standard hot sauces. The citrusy brightness paired with the fiery chili kick makes it a fantastic addition to grilled chicken, seafood, or roasted vegetables.

If you’re stuck in a hot sauce rut, peri-peri sauce will provide an exciting new dimension to your dishes. Whether used as a marinade, dipping sauce, or a drizzle over roasted veggies, it offers a delightful balance of heat and flavour.

Harissa is a spicy, aromatic paste made from red chilies, garlic, and various spices such as cumin and coriander. This North African condiment brings a smoky heat to stews, soups, and grilled meats.

Unlike other chili sauces, harissa has a deep, earthy complexity due to the roasted peppers and warm spices, which makes it perfect for adding a rich depth to sauces or marinades.

You can also mix it into couscous, stir it into yogurt for a fiery dip, or even blend it into hummus for a spicy twist. For those who love bold, warming flavors, harissa is a must-try.

Tzatziki is a refreshing yogurt-based sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and incredibly versatile. Made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and fresh herbs like dill or mint, tzatziki adds a cool and bright flavour to grilled meats, vegetables, or pita bread.

It’s often served alongside kebabs or gyros, but its light and refreshing nature makes it an excellent dip or spread for any occasion.

Unlike mayonnaise or ranch, tzatziki offers a lighter, healthier option that still brings creamy satisfaction to your dishes. It’s perfect for hot summer days when you want something cool and flavourful to accompany your meal.

Salsa Macha is a rich, nutty, and smoky chili oil from Mexico that combines dried chilies, garlic, and nuts (like peanuts or almonds). It offers a bold, smoky flavour with a slight crunch, making it a unique condiment compared to typical salsas or hot sauces.

Salsa Macha can be used as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or even as a spread on sandwiches. The combination of dried chilies and roasted nuts gives it a distinctive texture and taste, perfect for adding layers of complexity to simple dishes.

It’s a versatile condiment that’ll give your meals a smoky, nutty twist.

Kewpie Mayo is a Japanese version of mayonnaise, known for its richer and creamier texture compared to standard mayo. Made with rice vinegar instead of distilled vinegar, Kewpie Mayo has a slightly sweet and tangy flavour.

It’s often used as a topping for sushi, drizzled over okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancakes), or used as a dip for fries. Its creamy texture and distinctive taste make it a more luxurious alternative to regular mayonnaise, and once you try it, it’s hard to go back.

Kewpie Mayo is a delightful upgrade for sandwiches, salads, and snacks.

Black garlic is garlic that has been aged and fermented, developing a deep, sweet, and umami-rich flavour. The aging process turns the garlic cloves black, resulting in a soft, almost jelly-like texture.

Black garlic can be spread on bread, mixed into sauces, or used as a garnish for meats and vegetables. Its rich, caramel-like taste with subtle hints of balsamic vinegar makes it an intriguing alternative to traditional garlic.

Whether you use it in dressings, marinades, or as a topping, black garlic brings a whole new layer of flavour to your dishes, transforming them with its sweet-savoury depth.

These 10 condiments offer a chance to break free from the classics like ketchup, mayo, and soy sauce, and instead explore bold, exciting flavours from different culinary traditions.

By trying just one or two of these, you’ll discover how much a simple sauce or spread can elevate your everyday meals into something truly special.