We are often asked: what is the difference between Curry and Masala? A mix of spices is called a masala. Curry, though widely used, is a much less specific word. In Southern India, it tends to mean a dish with meat, while in Northern India it's more often used for a dish with a gravy. In common English usage, it's usually understood to mean any South Asian (i.e., India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka) dish with spicy flavors and a sauce. The term "curry powder" seems to have originated in England, where people created mixes of dried spices so they could make Indian food more easily—it's the equivalent of a packet of soup.