My Kitchen Favourites

Harcas 10" Premium Bamboo Steamer 2-Tier

Momos, dumplings, steamed fish — this is how. A staple tool that every serious Indo-Chinese cook needs.

Cosori 5.5L Air Fryer

Budget king. Crispy spring rolls every time. Perfect capacity for 2–3 people.

Avoid if: You're cooking for a family of 4+ — go for the Ninja Dual Zone instead.

De Buyer Mineral B Carbon Steel Wok 32cm

French-made professional carbon steel. PFAS-free with beautiful heat-treated blue finish.

VonShef 5L Electric Wok

No gas? No problem. This gets properly hot — consistent high heat for people stuck on weak electric hobs.

Avoid if: You have a decent gas hob. A carbon steel wok on gas will always outperform an electric option.

Hawkins Futura 2 Litre Cast Iron Kadhai with Glass Lid

The proper Indian cast iron kadai. Naturally non-stick once seasoned, includes glass lid.

Ken Hom Carbon Steel Wok 31cm

Classic carbon steel that seasons beautifully over time. Works brilliantly on gas hobs. The original home wok.

Avoid if: You have an electric hob without a wok ring — get a flat-bottomed version instead.

Lodge Cast Iron Wok, 9-Inch

Premium Lodge cast iron with excellent heat retention. 4.6 stars from 5000+ reviews.

Lodge 6.25in Cast Iron Mini Wok

Perfect small cast iron for individual portions or tableside cooking. Lodge quality at budget price.

Ninja AF300UK Dual Zone Air Fryer

Two independent drawers mean you can cook gobi manchurian and rice simultaneously. No more timing gymnastics.

Avoid if: You only cook for one — the Cosori is plenty. This is overkill for small batches.

NJ Portable Gas Stove 3.8kW Wok Burner

When you're ready to get serious about wok hei. Proper burner heat for outdoor use or serious high-heat sessions.

Avoid if: You only cook occasionally or don't have outdoor space. This is for dedicated wok enthusiasts.

Kristie's Kitchen Splatter Screen Set of 3

Less mess means you'll actually make chilli chicken on a Tuesday. Makes high-heat cooking tolerable in UK kitchens.

YOSUKATA Wok Lid 32.5cm (for 34cm Wok)

Trap the heat, finish the sauce, serve it hot. The tempered glass insert lets you see inside without lifting.

9-Pc Stainless Steel Spider Strainer Set

Comprehensive skimmer set covering multiple sizes and handles — great value.

Traditional Bamboo Wok Brush 2-Pack

The only way to clean your wok properly. Maintains carbon steel seasoning without soap-scrubbing it to death.

DOQAUS Digital Meat Thermometer (Instant Read)

180°C is the difference between crispy and soggy. Temperature discipline keeps your gobi manchurian and chilli chicken perfect.

Wok Spatula & Ladle Set 43cm (Wooden Handle)

Stainless steel with wooden handles — essential for everyday stir-fry. 43cm length keeps hands safe from heat.

Joseph Joseph Nest Fusion 3-Piece Wok Utensil Set

Compact 3-piece utensil set with skimmer, turner and spoon — perfect starter wok kit.

Kitchen Craft World of Flavour Oriental Bamboo Skimmer

Heat-resistant bamboo skimmer perfect for noodles and dumplings.

Fullstar Mandoline Vegetable Slicer 6-in-1

Restaurant prep speed at home — julienne cabbage and carrots in seconds. Essential for Hakka noodles and stir-fries.

Avoid if: You prefer the meditative act of knife work. This is about speed, not zen.

Morso Wok Tool Spider

Comfortable, reliable spider strainer with great reach — ideal for busy stove work.

Tstorage Stainless Steel Prep Bowls (Set of 6)

Mise en place isn't fancy — it's how you don't burn dinner. Prep everything first, then cook fast.

ProCook Stainless Steel Wok Spider

Classic stainless steel spider for lifting noodles and fried items out of hot oil or boiling water.

School of Wok Bamboo Tools Set of 4

Traditional bamboo tools add authenticity and gentle handling in wok cooking.

School of Wok Silicone Spatula

From the experts at School of Wok. Silicone head hugs your wok's curves without scratching. Bamboo handle stays cool.

KANOSON Squeeze Bottles 6-Pack (250ml)

How restaurants control sauce — and how you can too. Cleaner wok cooking with precise application.

Heavy Granite Mortar & Pestle

Heavy enough that seeds don't jump out when you grind. This matters more than the brand — weight is everything.

Avoid if: You have weak wrists or limited counter space. Consider a spice grinder instead.

Suwimut 3-Piece Spider Strainer Set

Three different skimmers give you flexibility for pasta, noodles & frying tasks.

Cast Iron Oval Sizzler Plate with Wooden Base

That sound. That smoke. That's restaurant drama at your table. The sizzling chilli paneer experience at home.

Avoid if: You don't want the theatrical presentation — a regular plate works fine for the food itself.

Ceramic Chinese Soup Spoons (Set of 6)

The proper spoon shape for hot-and-sour soup, sweetcorn soup, and gravy noodles. Small change, huge upgrade.

Porcelain Dipping Sauce Bowls (12 Pack)

Perfect for soy + vinegar, chilli oil, schezwan mayo, or spring onion oil. Sauces on the side = restaurant control at the table.

HIWARE Fiberglass Chopsticks (10 Pairs)

Fiberglass means grippy, durable, and dishwasher-safe. The set I'd buy once and stop thinking about.

Ramen Bowl Set with Spoons & Chopsticks (4 Bowls)

Big 1200ml bowls that actually fit a proper portion of Hakka noodles or gravy manchurian without overflow.

The Food of Sichuan

Fuchsia Dunlop's definitive guide to Sichuan cuisine. The bible for serious Chinese cooking.

Indian-Ish: Recipes and Antics from a Modern American Family

Priya Krishna's hilarious take on Indian-American home cooking. Perfect for diaspora cooks.

The Woks of Life: Recipes to Know and Love from a Chinese American Family

NYT & USA Today bestseller from the beloved Woks of Life blog. James Beard Award nominee.