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Black elaichi — also known as black cardamom or bari elaichi — is a widely used spice in South Asian, Middle Eastern and global cooking. It’s valued for its strong smoky aroma and earthy taste, making it essential in hearty curries, biryanis, stews, tea blends and traditional spice mixes. In Dubai, black cardamom is readily available across supermarkets, spice shops, and online grocery stores, and its cost varies depending on packaging size, brand and quality.

Current Price Range in Dubai
📍 Small Packets (100g / 50g)

A 100 g pack of black cardamom is commonly priced at around AED 13–15 in major Dubai supermarkets and online platforms.

Smaller 50 g packets can be found for about AED 8 – 10, which is ideal for occasional home cooking without buying in bulk.

These smaller packs are popular for everyday kitchen use and are usually sold under generic or supermarket private labels.

📍 Bulk and Loose Black Cardamom

When sold loose or bulk, black cardamom can cost significantly more per kilogram compared to packaged small sizes. Supermarket pricing lists suggest that per kilogram loose black cardamom can be around AED 170–200+ for Indian-origin spice, depending on quality and market conditions.

Some grocery outlets also carry 250 g or larger quantities with corresponding price adjustments, where larger packs can be slightly cheaper per gram than smaller ones.

Factors Influencing Cost

Several things affect the price of black elaichi in Dubai:

🔹 Origin and Quality

Cardamom imported from India or East Africa is generally more flavorful and aromatic, which often reflects in a slightly higher price. Cheaper variants may be sourced from other origins with a milder taste.

🔹 Packaging & Branding

Branded, hygienically packed cardamom tends to cost more than loose spice sold at bulk counters. Retail packs with sealed labeling and quality certifications usually command a premium.

🔹 Where You Buy It

Prices in larger supermarket chains and online stores are often more stable, while local spice shops — especially in traditional markets — may offer competitive deals or bargaining opportunities, especially for bulk purchases.

Tips for Buying Black Elaichi in Dubai

Shop around: Prices can vary between neighborhoods and stores. Comparing supermarket prices with local spice vendors often helps get better value.

Check origin labels: If flavor and aroma are important (for dishes like biryani or masala blends), consider varieties sourced from recognized spice-growing regions.

Buy in bulk if you use often: Because the price per kilogram tends to drop with larger quantities, regular cooks may benefit from purchasing bigger packs.

In summary, black cardamom in Dubai is accessible with price points ranging roughly from AED 8 to AED 15 for small consumer packs and going up to around AED 170–200 per kilogram or more for bulk or premium grade.