What if we told you honey can taste like dhaniya?

Honey honey, how you thrill me

As I’ve grown older, one thing has become clear: Winnie the Pooh, the beloved teddy bear from our childhood, is actually my hero. For one, he’s staunchly loyal to his friends, frequently lending a helping hand to those in the Hundred Acre Wood. He also has a penchant for naps, and honestly, who doesn’t need a bit of shut-eye on a languorous day? Most importantly, though, he’s obsessed with honey and can never resist a pot of the sweet, golden nectar, often ending up in ‘sticky’ situations as a result.

Like Pooh, I’m a big fan of honey and never miss an opportunity to add a spoonful of it to an otherwise bland meal—plain yogurt, honey, toast, roti, you name it. Because, the truth is, honey is the real MVP of our kitchen. It’s versatile, tasty, and jam-packed with antioxidants. Whether you need a pancake topping or a quick marinade, a drizzle of honey is often all you need to pack in a punch. But, let’s face it: regular honey can get really boring after just a few weeks and it’s not long before you want to switch things up.

So, if you’re craving a change and hope to add a gourmet touch to your meals, your best bet might be to switch to local or indie brands of honey that actually deliver complex and well-rounded flavours. To make the hunt easier, we’ve rounded up unique flavours of honey from different parts of India. Mustard, coriander, and bird’s eye chilli are perfect for anyone who’s eager to experiment, while flavours like lychee and wildflower are a safe choice if you have a sweet tooth.

Flavours of Indian honey that’ll awaken your inner Pooh

Raw eucalyptus honey by Homegrown Platter, ₹510

Boasting an earthy flavour and menthol undertones, this jar of honey is raw, unprocessed, and made from the nectar of eucalyptus flowers in Himachal Pradesh. Eucalyptus is well-known for its health benefits, so if your allergies leave you looking like Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, just a tablespoon can calm your sinuses, fight off infections, and get rid of the khich khich in your throat.

Bird’s eye chilli honey by Thaen, ₹790

Are you guilty of specifically requesting bhaiyya to make your momos extra teekha? Do you consume twice the recommended amount of chilli oil in a day? If you enjoy turning into a mess of tears and snot at every meal, we’re certain you’ll be a fan of bird’s eye chilli honey. Made using the extract of Kanthari chilli flowers, it has high levels of capsaicin and can be enjoyed with savoury meals like toast or noodles for a zesty burst of flavour.

Himalayan white honey by Organic Kashmir, ₹445

Coming all the way from a small Kashmiri forest, this honey is delightfully smooth and creamy, with hints of floral notes. With its exquisite water-white colour, it’s one of the rarest gourmet varieties in the world. We’d suggest stirring some into your smoothies, protein shakes, or morning coffee in place of sugar or drizzling a teaspoon on your salads for a touch of sweetness.

Mustard honey by Bonphool, ₹219

What happens when you combine the sharp tanginess of mustard with the velvety smoothness of honey? You get a versatile condiment that adds a pungent kick to your sandwiches, burgers, and wraps. Plus, the profit generated by Bonphool goes to local fishermen and honey collectors in the Sunderbans, so you’re also contributing to the livelihood of indigenous communities.

Orange blossom honey by Maksika, ₹899

With its fresh scent and citrusy notes, orange blossom honey can feel like you’ve been whisked away to a tropical paradise, but this jar is actually from closer home, namely, the orange plantations of Meghalaya. It’s mildly sweet, making it a safe choice for those who’re trying to limit sugar in their diet. And if you’re a fan of charcuterie boards, pair it with semi-firm cheeses and pretzels for a movie night with your friends.

Coriander honey by Bonphool, ₹285

You’ve heard of pineapple with pizza, ice-cream with sriracha, and Maggi with ketchup. Now, brace yourself for another combination that seems blasphemous at first glance: honey and dhaniya. Coriander honey may sound like a clever ploy by your amma to sneak some veggies into your breakfast. But, surprisingly enough, this honey’s herbal, spicy, and fruity tones lend it a unique and well-rounded flavour, making it a great addition to herbal teas.

Wild forest honey by Under The Mango Tree, ₹350

Collected from the forests of Narmada’s river basin, this honey is rich, velvety, caramel goodness in a jar. With its deep amber colour and earthy notes, it offers a complex flavour profile and pairs perfectly with toast, pancakes, and yoghurt. Unlike other flavours of honey, it’s not too experimental or avant garde—just good ol’ honey, making it a safe choice for kids and fussy eaters.

Lychee blossom honey by Indigenous Honey, ₹618

With its smooth, rich, and buttery taste, this jar of honey from the lychee orchards of Bihar will make you feel like you’re sprawled out in a warm and fragrant lychee field. Add it to milk or Rooh Afza sharbat (Does anyone else have mixed feelings about Rooh Afza?) for a comforting drink, or if you’re feeling a little more experimental, mix it into a chutney to deliver a subtle fruity kick that’ll elicit wide eyes and lip smacks from your guests.