Traditionally, Nepalese dishes required a lengthy cooking process and preparation time. And we had our particular culinary equipment, which is quite distinctive.
Here are some of the popular kitchen items in every Nepali household.
A traditional Nepali stove
It is a three-stone stove made out of clay and bricks.
Karuwa (Water Jug)
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Patila
Patila is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying.
Khukuri
Khukuri is a knife used to chop vegetables, meat, etc.
Chakku (Knife)
A chakku is a tool with a blade fixed into a handle used for cutting or as a weapon.
Kasaudi
In the hills and terrains of Nepal, this is a wide-mouthed pot made of brass, bronze, or aluminum that is usually used for cooking rice and meat.
Karahi (Karai)
Karai is a wok-like cooking utensil. It is used for deep frying and sometimes stir-frying.
Pressure cooker
A pressure cooker is a pot in which food can be cooked quickly under high pressure.
Masala dabba
It is a spice box used to store different kinds of spices.
Chakla and Belan
Chakla is a flat stone or wood used to roll dough, and Belan is a roller. These are used for making chapatis (flatbreads).
Jhanjar
Jhasiger is a spoon with a long handle that has many holes on one end. This is used while frying foods to drain the fat from the food. This aids in the rapid removal of oil.
Dekchi
Dekchi is a traditional pan with a lid used for cooking and boiling.
Kitli (Chiyadani)
Kitli is a tea kettle with a lid, spout, and handle.
Spoon and Fork
The spoon and fork are western utensils that have become common in Nepal.
Bowl (Kachora)
The kachora is a small bowl for eating rice, lentils, and vegetables.
Achano
Achano (also known as a chopping board) is a wooden cutting surface. It may be made of wood or plastic and is used to chop meat and vegetables.
Churner (Madani)
A Madani is a container where the curd is placed and stirred until it becomes ghee or butter.
Jhir
The term jhir is often used to refer to a device with two or more prongs used for barbequing. It can be either single- or double-pronged. Jhir is primarily used in Nepal to produce selroti.
Tawa
It is an iron plate primarily used to make roti (flatbread).
Tai
Tai is an iron pan with a spherical bottom used to deep fry food.
Haadi and Kaptera
The Haadi is a common clay pot for cooking or stirring popcorn, and the Kaptera is used to mix it.
Chulesi
Chulesi is a Nepalese cuisine knife well-known in Nepal's hills and terai regions. The instrument may be used to chop things while resting on the ground. This knife can be used by pushing the end against a foot, grasping the item to be cut with both hands, and cutting it by pushing it against the blades.
Maano and Paathi
In Nepal, the Maano and Paathi are used to estimate the volume of an object.
Tea Strainer
A tea strainer is a small, metal, or plastic sieve with very fine holes that remove leaves and other particulate matter from tea.
Khal Batta (Okhal)
Khal Batta / Okhal is a bowl, typically a mortar and pestle used to grind or pound spices, herbs, and other food items. The mortar is a bowl-shaped container made of wood, metal, ceramic, or stone, while the pestle is a club-shaped tool used to crush and grind the ingredients.
Daadu and Pannyue
The daadu is a wooden spoon that transfers liquid from one container to another, while the pannyue is a spatula used to fry or stir-fry food.
Naanglo
Nanglo is a flat, circular woven tray composed of thin bamboo fibers intermixed on a flat surface to create a loom-like weaving technique. It's used for sifting grains and separating dust particles from rice, wheat, cereals, etc.
Amkhor (Lota)
The amkhora/lota is a metal pot with a handle used to store water or other liquids.
Gagro
The gagro is a cylindrical-shaped clay pot that is used to store water. It can be made of either unglazed or glazed clay, bronze, etc.
Khadkulo
A khadkulo is a huge copper or brass pot used for religious and cooking during the feast.
Momo steamer
A momo steamer is a two or three-tiered steaming container used to cook Tibetan dumplings (momo). The upper tier has small holes to allow steam to pass through, while the lower tier holds the water that produces the steam.
Many Nepalese households have adopted more modern cooking methods and equipment. But some people still prefer to use the traditional methods and tools, as they feel it gives the food a more authentic Nepali flavor.
FAQs
How do you use a Momo steamer?
To use a momo steamer, fill the lower tier with water and bring it to a boil. Then, place the momos in the upper tier and cover them with the lid. The steam will cook the momos in just a few minutes.
Which Momo steamer is best?
There are many different types of momo steamers available on the market. Some are made of metal, while others are made of bamboo. Nepalese steamers are typically two or three-tiered and made of aluminum, but you can also find single-tier steamers. Choose the material that best suits your needs and preferences.
What is the difference between a Momo steamer and a rice cooker?
A momo steamer is specifically designed to cook Tibetan dumplings, while a rice cooker can be used to cook various types of food. Rice cookers typically have multiple settings that allow you to adjust the cooking time and temperature. Momo steamers usually have just one setting.
How much does a Momo steamer cost?
Momo steamers range in price from about $15 to $30. You can find them online or at Asian markets or buy momo steamer online.
What is Momo steamer called?
Momo steamers are also known as Tibetan dumpling steamers or momo makers.
What is a Daadu?
A daadu is a wooden spoon that is used to transfer liquid from one container to another. It is a common kitchen utensil in Nepal.
What Common Kitchen Items are Essential for Cooking Traditional Nepali Dishes?
When cooking traditional Nepali dishes, several kitchen items are essential to capture Nepal's regional cuisine flavors. Must-haves include a sturdy mortar and pestle for grinding spices, a traditional Nepali copper pot for making daal, and a non-stick tawa for making roti. These items are integral to the authentic Nepali cooking experience.
What is a Khal Batta?
A Khal Batta is a bowl, typically a mortar and pestle, that is used to grind or pound spices, herbs, and other food items. The Khal Batta is a common kitchen utensil in Nepal.
How do you use a Khal Batta?
Khal Battas are traditionally used to grind or pound spices, herbs, and other food items. To use one, first, fill the mortar with the ingredients you want to grind. Then, use a pestle will crush and grind the ingredients into a fine powder or paste.
