More self-explanatory than most spices, Chinese Five Spice powder is a blend that’s used most heavily in the cooking of Taiwan. It’s a balanced combination of cinnamon, clove, fennel seed, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns, for a flavorful blast of warm, sweet, spicy, and bitter all in one go. Based on the idea of the five elements, it’s said that the mix was developed to help balance the body and keep those who ate it well-balanced. Whether or not that’s true, it is guaranteed to add deliciousness to any dishes it touches.