FAQS
We have prepared a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to provide you with detailed information about our products and services. Should you have any additional queries or wish to share your feedback, please do not hesitate to Contact Us.
Where can I buy your products?
Our products are currently available for purchase online through our dedicated SHOP.
What’s a Masala?
In the world of Indian cooking,"masala" refers to a blend of ground spices used to flavour dishes. They play a central role in the kitchen and are often used in curries and marinades, to add depth, complexity, and distinctive flavours to the finished dish.
Why Stoneground?
At the heart of the Indian culinary tradition lies a time-honoured method: Stone Grinding. Stoneground masalas ensure that the natural oils and flavours of the spices are retained, resulting in a rich, aromatic, and flavourful masala paste. ...and while we all will agree that modern technology has eased our lives inside the kitchen, there's a magic in the old-fashioned techniques cherished by our ancestors.
Are your Masalas cooked?
Our masalas are uncooked — not what you typically find on a shop shelf. The ingredients are combined, 'smashed' and rolled by grinding stones to transform them into lusciously rich, thick, aromatic pastes, left uncooked for you to finish in your own kitchen!
Where do you get your ingredients from?
We pride ourselves on working with a select number of trusted suppliers, prioritising local sourcing wherever possible to ensure a consistently high standard of quality.
Can I freeze your products?
Regrettably, our products are not suitable for freezing.
Can I cook your products in the microwave?
Our products are not suitable for microwave use. However, post-cooking, you can transfer your finished meal into a microwave-safe bowl for reheating if necessary.
How do I prepare your masala pastes and spice blends?
Preparing a meal using our products is straightforward, with comprehensive and clear instructions provided on each jar.
What should I mix your products with?
Our masalas and spice blends present remarkable versatility, complementing a range of ingredients such as chicken, lamb, beef, seafood, vegetables, paneer, or even boiled eggs.
How many people do your products serve?
A single masala jar, when prepared according to the instructions on the packaging, serves 4-5 people. Additionally, our Signature Spice and Pakora Masala can be utilised to cook more than one meal.
Are any of your products vegetarian or vegan?
Our products are suitable for both vegetarians and vegans. The cooking instructions allow you the flexibility to omit specific ingredients that may not align with your dietary preferences.
Do your products contain allergens?
Our products do not use allergenic ingredients, however, please note that our labels include Precautionary Allergen Information “MAY CONTAIN.” This cautionary labelling signifies the potential for unintentional allergenic cross-contamination during the production process or when various ingredients are manufactured in the same premises. We understand the challenges faced by individuals with food allergies, and the 'may contain' warning is designed to provide transparent information, enabling our customers to make informed and safe choices.
If you have a food allergy or you are sensitive to an ingredient, please don’t hesitate to write us an email to ensure we get your order just right!
What is the shelf life of your products?
Every jar of product produced in Monalisa's Kitchen is meticulously handmade without the use of any preservatives, which contributes to it's shorter shelf life when compared to supermarket/mass produced products. This process ensures a healthier and fresher product, aligning with our commitment to maintaining product integrity and quality.
Once shipped, the masala's maintain a remaining shelf life of at least 3 months and the powdered spices have a shelf life of at least 5 months. Specific Use By/Best Before dates are clearly indicated on all labels.
Is your packaging environmentally friendly?
We take pride in our packaging, utilising glass jars with twist cap lids to ensure product protection and freshness. Our commitment to using the finest ingredients and optimal production methods, rather than additives, not only guarantees freshness and shelf life but also contributes to reducing food waste. In addition to conveying essential product information, our labels feature clear, step-by-step instructions, recently commended by a customer as 'foolproof.'
Can my order be delivered to multiple recipients?
Unfortunately, orders cannot be split for delivery to multiple addresses; each order may only have one designated delivery address.
Can I change/cancel my order after it has been confirmed?
Referring to our Terms & Conditions, once an order is placed and payment is made, changes cannot be made. For further inquiries, please contact info@monalisaskitchen.com.
I’ve received a damaged/defective product. What can I do?
In the unfortunate event of products being damaged during shipping, please email info@monalisaskitchen.com. Provide a brief description of the damage, including the batch number (usually located on the package's bottom) and your order number. Don't forget to include photos of both the damaged product and packaging, as these will be required for further assistance.
I've received an incorrect product or a product is missing. What can I do?
If you have received an order with incorrect products or items missing, please email info@monalisaskitchen.com. Provide a brief description of the issue, including batch numbers and your order number. For incorrect products, kindly include photographs for our reference.
I would like to stay up to date about your promotions. How can I do this?
To stay informed about our latest promotions, we recommend you Sign Up for our Newsletter.
How can I unsubscribe from your newsletter?
To unsubscribe from our newsletter, kindly forward your request to info@monalisaskitchen.com, ensuring to specify the email address used for newsletter sign-up.