Heeng is a popular addition to most dal tadkas around the country. Its a pungent spice that ads an unmissable flavour to any dish it is added to. Hing (Asafoetida) is a spice which is extracted from Ferula Assa-Foetida.It is also popular by several other rather interesting names as well like devils dung, stinking gum, food of the gods & jowani badian in different parts of the country. Buddhist vegetarians steer clear of eating hing, as it is one of the 5 spices avoided by them.