Ras el Hanout means “the head of the shop,” and each shop or family may have their own blend. New York Shuk combines coriander, ginger, clove, black cardamom, turmeric, and other spices to reflect the flavors of Morocco. In North African cooking Ras el Hanout serves the same role as garam masala for Indian cooks, a multipurpose spice blend good with everything.