10 Traditional Vietnamese Cooking Utensils That You Might Not Know

Vietnamese food is like a box of delicious surprises, and guess what? There are several cool tools that make all those yummy dishes possible.

Let’s explore this exciting world and see what makes Vietnamese cooking so special.

1. Wooden Chopsticks (Đũa gỗ)

These aren’t just for eating! In Vietnamese kitchens, wooden chopsticks are super versatile. They are used for cooking too – like for stir-frying or flipping things over in hot oil.

Some are extra-long, which is great because they keep your hands safe from splatters and burns.

2. Mortar and Pestle (Bát và Chày)

This duo is a classic in the kitchen. A mortar is a sturdy bowl, usually made of stone or ceramic, and the pestle is like a heavy stick for grinding. Together, they work wonders in crushing herbs and spices to make flavors pop in dishes like phở.

These tools are not just about function; they carry centuries of culinary tradition. You can find them in various sizes and materials, both in local Vietnamese markets and online stores.

3. Clay Pot (Nồi đất)

Cooking in a clay pot is like giving your food a hug with flavor. It’s great for slow-cooking stews and dishes like cá kho tộ (Vietnamese braised fish), where the clay pot adds a unique earthy taste.

These pots are super popular in Vietnamese cooking for their ability to make everything taste better.

4. Coconut Grater (Cây nạo dừa)

Essential for fresh coconut dishes, this grater is used by pressing the open half of coconut against its blade and rotating it to scrape off fine shavings.

These graters come in different styles, with wooden or metal components. They’re great for creating fresh coconut flakes for traditional Vietnamese desserts and savory dishes.

5. Rice Cooker (Nồi cơm điện)

This handy appliance is a lifesaver for making the perfect rice. It’s super important because fluffy rice is the base for many Vietnamese dishes.

The newer rice cookers are even cooler, with inner pots made of aluminum or stainless steel that help cook the rice evenly and quickly. You can find these in most appliance stores or online.

6. Cleaver (Dao lớn – Mã Tấu)

Vietnamese cleavers, known as ‘Dao,’ come in various sizes and designs. Some special cleavers are large, heavy, and made from metal, often featuring a black finish. These robust cleavers are prized for their multi-usage capabilities.

They excel at chopping ingredients and can easily handle hard bones, showcasing their versatility in the kitchen.

With their solid construction and sharp edges, Dao cleavers are indispensable tools in Vietnamese cuisine, suitable for both heavy-duty tasks and precision slicing.

7. Wok (Chảo)

The wok is the kitchen’s superstar for cooking almost anything. It’s usually made from carbon steel which is great for heating evenly.

You can use it for stir-frying veggies, deep-frying spring rolls, or even making soups. It’s a must-have for making dishes like stir-fried noodles.

8. Stone Flour Mill (Cối đá xay bột)

The Stone Flour Mill is a vital tool in Vietnamese kitchens. It features two granite millstones used to grind grains like rice and wheat, preserving their nutritional value.

This traditional method enhances dishes like bánh xèo (rice pancake) and bánh cuốn (steamed rolled rice pancake), providing a unique taste and texture.

Stone Flour Mills can be found in local markets, they are a symbol of culinary heritage in Vietnam, bridging the past and present.

9. Rice Paddle (Xẻng Xới Cơm gỗ)

This wooden tool is perfect for serving rice.

It’s usually lightweight and doesn’t stick to the rice, making it easy to scoop and serve. And, it’s gentle on your cookware, so no scratches!

10. Bánh Khọt Clay Cake Mold (Khuôn đất bánh khọt)

The Bánh Khọt mold consists of small, cup-like depressions, typically made from clay. To make Bánh Khọt, a batter made from rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric is poured into these molds.

Ingredients like shrimp, mung beans, and scallions are added, and the molds are placed over a flame.

The use of clay molds is key to achieving the authentic taste and texture of Bánh Khọt. The clay imparts a subtle earthy aroma and helps in evenly distributing heat, ensuring that each pancake is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

There you go – ten fantastic tools that bring the joy and flavors of Vietnamese cooking into your kitchen. With these in your cooking arsenal, you’re all set to whip up some amazing Vietnamese dishes!