Essential Kitchen Tools for Indian Cooking

Whether you are a new cook or looking for an upgrade or just setting up a new kitchen, here is a list of essential Indian cooking tools and equipment that are necessary to get started.

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There are so many kitchen tools and equipment out there, it can be confusing which one to go for when you are just starting out. This list includes all the basic kitchen tools you require on a daily basis to enjoy Indian cooking.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Indian Cooking

Chakla Belan (Rolling Board and Rolling Pin)

A very useful and essential tool in an Indian kitchen to make perfectly thin, round roti. Always go for a chakla belan that has a perfect balance and grip for comfortable handling. If you are just starting out I would recommend going for a wooden chakla belan set.

Tawa

A flat or concave shaped dish is used for making roti, paratha, dosa, uttapam, and cheela. However, it is better to have separate tawa for roti and dosa. Since dosa tends to stick to the tawa, if it is not properly seasoned. 

Mixing bowls

You will need these almost every time you prepare food like kneading the dough, preparing vegetables, whisking eggs, and many more.

Chapati Chimta (Tong)

Chimtas are like tongs, commonly used for tossing and handling hot chapati, roti, and papad.  

Masala Dabba (Spice Storage Box)

A spice storage box with a number of small tins placed inside for commonly used spices, along with a small spoon for scooping and measuring.

Knife

A good-quality chef knife is enough to make all the prep work.

Peeler

A sharp peeler for removing peels of vegetables and fruits.

Grater

You need a grater to shred vegetables, cheese, chocolate, nutmeg, and more.

Cutting board 

For cutting meat, vegetables, fruits, and herbs. 

Ladle and Spatula Set

A basic metal set for all the cooking 

Mortar-Pestle or Hamam-Dasta

A handy tool in the kitchen used for crushing or pounding ginger, garlic, and whole spices. 

Kadhai 

Kadhai also called kadai is an Indian wok that every Indian home has in their kitchen. It is suitable for cooking many dishes like curries, stews, and deep-fries.

Fry Pan

These are best for stir-fries and omelettes. 

Saucepan

It is a deep stovetop pan with a long handle. You will need it for cooking or boiling anything liquid like milk, tea, stews, soups, and sauces. 

Degchi or Patila or Bhogona

Commonly used for storing water, cooking rice, and boiling milk. 

Strainers

Used for separating solid matters from liquid. Use the small one for straining tea, the medium and large one for straining juices. 

Tadka Pan

Tadka pan is a small, deep pan especially used for tempering(also called tadka) Indian dal, sabzi, raita, chutney, and more. 

Colander 

A handy tool for washing vegetables and draining pasta. 

Pressure Cooker

It cooks food like beans, dal, and lentils quickly within minutes and you can also quickly prepare meals in them. Traditional pressure cookers are very common in Indian homes. However, I would suggest going for an Instant pot if your budget allows. 

Wooden spoons

Very essential especially when using nonstick cookware.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

A set of measuring cups and spoons is what you will need to get the exact measurement when you follow an original recipe's measurements.

Happy Cooking!