Spice tray or box
As there are many spices used in Indian cooking, most Indian cooks keep a tray of spices in small bowls near the stove ready for use. A spice box with compartments for a variety of spices was once a part of a young girls' dowry.
Spice grinder
Another handy gadget is a spice grinder (you can use a coffee bean grinder and keep it specifically for this purpose). Spices always taste better when ground fresh and it means you don't need to double up on both whole and ground varieties.
Kadhai
A round bottomed cooking pan similar to a wok. It is a versatile pan used for everything from deep frying, stir frying, steaming and, of course, to cook curries.
Thali
A platter with small bowls that can be filled with various curries, chutneys and vegetable dishes and served with rice and usually dal and bread. Traditionally eaten with the right hand.
