What basic items do you keep on the shelf for cooking or as a relish? I'll start out with a few essentials. If you are in a hurry, didn't get to the store or you're a little short here are some items which should be on the shelf to give life to ramen noodles or rice. A good curry powder can make anything cheap taste like decent restaurant food.
madras curry powder
hot sauce
soya sauce
crushed chilli peppers or chilli flakes
garlic or dried garlic granules