MCP_INTEGRATION.md

MCP Integration Guide

This guide explains how to connect the Spice Bae MCP server to various AI clients.

Overview

Spice Bae exposes its tools via the Model Context Protocol (MCP), allowing AI assistants like Cline and Claude Desktop to query spice information, nutritional data, and health benefits directly.

MCP Endpoint: https://mcp-1st-birthday-spice-bae.hf.space/gradio_api/mcp/sse

Prerequisites

• Node.js 18+ installed
• npx available in your PATH
• The Spice Bae Space deployed on Hugging Face

Connecting with Cline (VS Code)

Step 1: Locate the Settings File

Cline stores MCP server configurations in cline_mcp_settings.json. The location varies by OS:

• Windows: %APPDATA%\Code\User\globalStorage\saoudrizwan.claude-dev\settings\cline_mcp_settings.json
• macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Code/User/globalStorage/saoudrizwan.claude-dev/settings/cline_mcp_settings.json
• Linux: ~/.config/Code/User/globalStorage/saoudrizwan.claude-dev/settings/cline_mcp_settings.json

Step 2: Add the Server Configuration

Edit cline_mcp_settings.json and add:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "medicinal-cuisine": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "mcp-remote",
        "https://mcp-1st-birthday-spice-bae.hf.space/gradio_api/mcp/sse"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Note: The -y flag auto-confirms npx prompts.

Step 3: Restart Cline

Restart VS Code or reload the Cline extension for changes to take effect.

Connecting with Claude Desktop

Step 1: Locate the Settings File

Claude Desktop stores configurations in:

• Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json
• macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

Step 2: Add the Server Configuration

Edit claude_desktop_config.json and add:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "medicinal-cuisine": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "mcp-remote",
        "https://mcp-1st-birthday-spice-bae.hf.space/gradio_api/mcp/sse"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Note: The -y flag auto-confirms npx prompts.

Step 3: Restart Claude Desktop

Important: You must completely quit Claude Desktop and reopen it (not just close the window). On macOS, use Cmd+Q or right-click the dock icon and select Quit. On Windows, ensure Claude is fully closed from the system tray.

Available Tools

Once connected, the following tools are available:

Tool	Parameters	Description
get_spice_information	spice_name: str	Get comprehensive spice data with nutrients
get_nutrient_content	spice_name: str, nutrient_name: str	Get specific nutrient content
compare_spices	spice1: str, spice2: str	Side-by-side nutritional comparison
list_available_spices	None	List all 88+ spices in the database
get_health_benefits	spice_name: str	Get health benefits from NCCIH
get_safety_info	spice_name: str	Get side effects and cautions
find_substitute_spices	spice_name: str	Find nutritionally similar alternatives
find_spices_for_condition	condition: str	Find spices for a health condition

Example Queries

After connecting, you can ask your AI assistant questions like:

• "What are the health benefits of turmeric?"
• "Compare the nutritional content of cinnamon and ginger"
• "Find spices that may help with inflammation"
• "What are the side effects of taking too much garlic?"
• "List all available spices in the database"
• "What can I substitute for cumin in a recipe?"

Troubleshooting

Connection Errors

1. Verify the Space is running: Visit your Hugging Face Space URL directly
2. Check the endpoint: Ensure you're using /gradio_api/mcp/sse (not /gradio_api/mcp/)
3. Install mcp-remote: Run npm install -g mcp-remote if npx fails

Tool Not Found

1. Restart your AI client after adding the configuration
2. Check JSON syntax in the settings file
3. Verify the Space has finished building

Rate Limiting

The server includes guardrails:

• 10 requests per minute per session
• 100 requests per day per session

If you hit rate limits, wait a moment before retrying.

Security Notes

• The MCP server is read-only and cannot modify any data
• All responses include medical disclaimers
• No personal data is collected or stored
• API usage is tracked for cost control only

References

• Model Context Protocol Specification
• Gradio MCP Server Guide
• mcp-remote Package