Why Are Sichuan Mala and Xinjiang Cumin Suddenly Showing Up in Malaysian Home Kitchens?

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English Version | 中文版本


HEXA Food has introduced a small range of dry seasonings that point clearly to regional Chinese flavours, rather than generic “spicy” blends.

Two of the most visible examples are its Sichuan mala seasoning and Xinjiang zi ran (cumin) seasoning. Both reference specific regional cooking traditions, but are packaged for everyday home use.

Sichuan mala is built around chili heat and numbing peppercorns, commonly associated with stir-fries and hot dishes. Xinjiang-style cumin seasoning, on the other hand, leans more aromatic than fiery, and is often linked to grilled meats and skewers influenced by northwestern Chinese Muslim cuisine.

What stands out is not the flavours themselves, but how they are positioned. These are dry, ready-to-use seasonings, designed to be added directly during cooking, without complex preparation. The focus is on speed, clarity, and familiarity for home cooks, rather than recreating restaurant techniques.

This approach fits into a broader pattern seen on Malaysian retail food shelves, where regional cuisines are being translated into pantry-friendly formats. Instead of sauces that require specific dishes, spice blends allow more flexible use, whether with stir-fries, grilled proteins, or simple one-pan meals.

Alongside these seasonings, HEXA’s wider portfolio also includes sweeteners and Japanese-style furikake. These products sit more firmly in the daily kitchen utility category, suggesting that the regional Chinese flavours are part of a broader, diversified pantry strategy, rather than a standalone cultural statement.

For consumers, the shift is subtle but noticeable. Regional names that once appeared mainly in restaurants or travel food contexts are now showing up as compact jars on supermarket shelves, ready for everyday home cooking.

English Version | 中文版本

Reference: Hexa Food 

 

Location: Malaysia

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