Kitchen Essentials: Top 5
In my professional career, there are a few things I couldn't live without in the kitchen—and they're all on this list.
These are the essential tools of the trade that make cooking faster, easier, and more enjoyable. Some are specific for South-East Asian cooking but have multiple uses, so you'll get your money's worth out of them. Some of the products listed here may be considered luxury items, but if you're serious about cooking and entertaining, buying quality means fewer accidents in the kitchen—and less wasted food.
No matter what your level of experience, these items will help you become a better cook!
Please note some of these products are affiliate linked.
1. Chefs Knife
If you use a blunt knife or an unsuitable one for the task at hand, you're likely to injure yourself.
In most professional kitchens, knives are provided. However, it is important to take care of them in the same way you would your own children—by keeping their edges sharp and clean so that they do not become dull or dangerous.
2. Cast Iron
The first time I used my cast iron pan, I've never really looked back. It may seem like such a huge expense but if you look after it well, it will last a lifetime. The Staub is utterly beautiful as well as functional—you can bake or roast in there and still take pride in the presentation! It’s featured in a few of our videos online.
Le Creuset is always been our family's favourite. The way it holds its heat is so practical as well as its durability and ease of cleaning. It's also a bonus that you can probably select any colour/shade that will brighten up any kitchen.
Skeppshult is a new brand of cookware to me, and I was grateful when they gave me this frying pan as part of a gift set. It's been difficult to remind my family not to treat it like an ordinary pan—but one time our house caught on fire, and the Skeppshult still survived and was suitable to use! Well, let's say it's got to make it onto the list.
If you're passing down your prized kitchen wares to your children instead of family heirlooms, then congratulations! You are officially a foodie/Asian.
3. Saucepan set
Having the right sized pan for the recipe really makes a difference so it's so useful to have a small range of different sizes.
When it comes to purchasing cookware sets, it's important to keep in mind that cheaper options may not be as durable as higher-end sets. However, they can still get the job done. One thing to watch out for is that non-stick coatings on cheaper sets may wear off more quickly, which could result in needing to replace the set sooner than anticipated.
On a personal note, I was fortunate enough to receive a set of Hexclad pans as a birthday gift from a friend and I've been extremely happy with their quality and performance. If you're on a budget, another great option to consider is Circulon. In fact, I used a set of Circulon pans myself before upgrading to the Hexclads!
Always make sure you're set includes a large stock pot-sized pan, one that could easily fit a whole chicken to poach so approx. 8 quarts (7.5lts), two smaller pan sizes (2/3 quarts - 1.8-2.8litres) and a milk pan (1.8ltrs).
If you're a chef in the UK, I also recommend Vogue tri-wall pan set - we use these in the restaurant and find they've lasted a beating during the past four years if you look after them.
4. Chopping board
I've had many arguments with chefs, family members, and loved ones about chopping boards—which is more important in the kitchen: aesthetics or practicality?
I've invested a lot of money in my knives, and I don't want them to be damaged by chopping on an inferior board.
When I did a video shoot with a famous magazine, they asked me to use their marble chopping board—and used my own knives. Every chop made the knives feel duller, and the noise was unbearable.
Therefore, chopping boards made of glass, marble or slate are no longer welcome in this blog/kitchen/restaurant.
I personally have opted for hi-soft chopping boards from Japan. These are sturdy, large, soft on the knives and easy to clean/reset. I also have a large butcher's block that I use where I need heavyweight (so it won't slip) and wooden grain is also softer on my knives.
Click here to watch how to maintain your wooden chopping board
5. Mixing bowls + strainers
Needless to say, I was bowled over when I saw these. Every kitchen should have a set of nesting pots and pans with matching strainers—and this one makes an excellent choice!
The stainless steel makes them suitable for hot/cold purposes, including hot oils/frying which I use a lot.