Kitchen gadget: Wok

Avoid buying a non-stick wok because most non-stick coatings cannot withstand the high heat (Shutterstock)

This bowl-shaped cooking vessel is originally from China. I was introduced to it by a friend from Japan. Since then, I have used my wok almost every day. You might ask why a wok and not a frying pan or cooking pot (sufuria). I don’t have to worry about my food burning while I am cooking because the heat is evenly distributed.

I like to use my wok for one-pot meals, stir-fries (which I do a lot), popping popcorn, making stews and when steaming or searing. I even use it for boiling. The only thing I do not use it for is baking.