Frequently Asked Questions
General
What does Amboora mean?
Amboora is the nickname of our founder Nadia's daughter Amber — the inspiration behind the brand. It felt right from the start: warm, a little exotic, full of personality. Just like Moroccan food.
What is the story behind the name?
Nadia founded Amboora out of a deep love for Moroccan food culture and a desire to bring genuine Moroccan flavour to British kitchens. Named after her daughter
Amber, the brand is rooted in authenticity, pride in Moroccan culinary tradition, and a genuine obsession with getting the flavour right. Our Story page. here
What is your background?
Amboora is founded by Nadia Hamila, a foodie deeply rooted in Moroccan food culture. Every product is built on authentic Moroccan recipes and a commitment to real ingredients — no shortcuts, no approximations.
What is your favorite spice blend?
That's like asking a parent to pick a favourite child! But if pressed — our Signature Ras el Hanout. It's the heart of Moroccan cooking and our Great Taste Award winner. Once you try it on roast chicken, you'll understand.
Product
Are all of your ingredients natural?
Yes. Every Amboora product is made from 100% natural ingredients. No artificial additives, no preservatives, no fillers.
Are all of your products vegan?
Yes — all Amboora products are suitable for vegans and plant based diets.
Are all of your products dairy free?
Yes — all Amboora products are dairy free.
Are your products suitable for kids?
Most of our products are suitable for children. Our spice blends and cooking sauces are mild and contain no added heat unless stated. Always check the label for allergen information specific to your child's needs.
How will buying our products help the wider community?
Amboora is a proudly independent, female-founded British brand. Every purchase directly supports a small business built on cultural pride and a passion for authentic Moroccan food.
Where do we source our ingredients from?
We source the finest quality ingredients to ensure every product tastes as authentic as possible. All products are made or packed in the UK.
Online Shop
Do we charge a delivery fee?
Standard UK delivery is £5.50. Orders over £35 qualify for free delivery.
Do we accept returns if you're not satisfied with your order?
We want you to love every Amboora product. If something isn't right with your order, please contact us at hello@amboora.com and we'll do our best to make it right.
What methods of payment do we accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Shop Pay.
Do we offer wholesale?
Yes — we work with independent retailers across the UK. Visit our Wholesale page or email hello@amboora.com to find out more.
Moroccan Food & Spices
What is Ras El Hanout?
Ras el hanout is a complex North African spice blend whose name translates as "head of the shop" — meaning the finest spices the merchant has to offer. It typically includes a warming mix of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric and other spices. Amboora's award-winning Ras El Hanout comes in three varieties: Signature, Smoky and Warm.
What does ras el hanout taste like?
Ras el hanout has a warm, aromatic and slightly earthy flavour with layers of sweetness from cinnamon and gentle heat from ginger and pepper. It is deeply fragrant rather than fiery, making it wonderfully versatile — great with meat, vegetables, couscous and even in baking.
What is Preserved Lemon like?
Amboora's Preserved Lemon Paste has a bold, salty, tangy citrus flavour that adds real depth and brightness to tagines, salads, marinades and dressings.
Where can I buy Moroccan spices in the UK?
You can buy Amboora's authentic Moroccan spice blends, tagine sauces and condiments directly from our online shop at amboora.com, with UK-wide delivery available. We also work with independent retailers and delis across the UK — visit our wholesale page if you'd like to stock Amboora in your shop.
What is the difference between harissa and ras el hanout?
Harissa is a fiery chilli paste originating from Tunisia, made primarily from red chilli peppers, garlic and spices. Ras el hanout is a dry spice blend with a warm, aromatic flavour and little to no heat. Both are staples of North African cooking but serve very different purposes — harissa adds heat and punch, while ras el hanout adds depth and fragrance.