Indian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its diverse and flavorful dishes. From rich curries to fresh flatbreads, Indian meals offer endless variety in textures and tastes. Some of the most popular Indian foods include:

• Curries – Curry is arguably the most iconic part of Indian cuisine. There are countless regional varieties made with meats, vegetables, lentils and more. Some examples are butter chicken, goan prawn curry, and palak paneer.
• Biryani – This rice-based dish infused with spices is a staple at Indian celebrations. Varieties like hyderabadi dum biryani, chicken biryani, and veg pulao biryani are popular across the country.
• Flatbreads – Indian meals are often served with homemade flatbreads. These include roti, naan, paratha, dosa, idli and more. Roti is a soft whole wheat flatbread, while paratha can be stuffed with fillings.
• Snacks – India is known for its wide variety of snacks collectively called chaat. Popular options are samosas, bhelpuri, sev puri and more. Street foods like golgappas and dahi vada are also beloved.

However, home cooking authentic Indian dishes with their complex layers of spices can seem daunting without the right kitchen tools. This guide will introduce the essential equipment for preparing restaurant-quality Indian cuisine with ease…

Tawa/Griddle

The tawa, or Indian griddle, is integral for cooking many flatbreads central to Indian meals. Made from materials like cast iron or stainless steel, it evenly conducts heat to cook roti, paratha and more without sticking. Look for a 12-14 inch diameter flat surface that will last through years of daily use. Heating it over medium-high heat, you can quickly cook one roti at a time with a gentle pressing motion of a spatula or cloth.

The tawa, or Indian griddle, is integral for cooking many flatbreads central to Indian meals. Made from materials like cast iron or stainless steel, it evenly conducts heat to cook roti, paratha and more without sticking.

• Cast iron tawas are especially prized for their ability to retain heat. Well-seasoned cast iron tawas from brands like Preethi and Hawkins provide excellent heat conduction. The Preethi 12″ cast iron tawa retails for approximately $15-20, while the Hawkins 12″ cast iron tawa costs around $20-25.
• For non-stick surfaces, popular anodized aluminum tawa brands include Pigeon and Prestige. The Pigeon 12″ tawa is priced at $10-15, while the Prestige 12″ aluminum griddle retails for $8-10. They heat up faster than cast iron while being lightweight and easy to clean.
• Stainless steel tawas from Hawkins and Prestige conduct heat evenly. The Hawkins 12″ stainless steel tawa costs approximately $15-20, while the Prestige 12″ stainless steel griddle is priced at $10-15.
• NB: Brands like Faber, Milton and Chimta also offer good quality tawas starting at $5-10 for 10-12 inch sizes. Larger 14-16 inch tawas for commercial use may range from $25-50 depending on material.

Always preheat the tawa over medium-high heat until water evaporates for cooking soft flatbreads like roti perfectly. An investment of $10-25 can provide years of use.

Pressure Cooker

A pressure cooker is a game-changer for making curries and dals, cutting cooking times significantly. Models with multiple safety features from brands like Prestige or Hawkins are highly rated. With it, lentils, meat and vegetables infused with spices can be ready in under 15 minutes. Complex dishes like chicken biryani that normally take an hour are done in half the time allowing home cooks to savor restaurant quality Indian food with ease.

A pressure cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance for preparing curries, stews, grains and more at a much faster rate compared to conventional cooking methods.

• Instant Pot is one of the most popular pressure cooker brands in the US. The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 model with capacities ranging from 3 to 8 quarts sells for around $80-150 depending on the size.
• Presto is another trusted American brand known for affordable and reliable pressure cookers. The Presto 01362 6-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Canner costs around $50-70.
• Fagor is a Spanish brand that offers high quality pressure cookers at competitive prices. The Fagor Duo 8-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker retails for approximately $100-120.
• Indian brands like Hawkins and Prestige also offer imported pressure cookers online and at Indian grocery stores. The Hawkins 5L pressure cooker costs around $60-80, while the Prestige 3L model is priced at $40-60.
• For families or commercial use, larger 10-16 quart pressure cookers from brands like Kuhn Rikon and Cuisinart may range between $150-300 depending on features.

Always check for safety features like overheat protection and indicator pressure valves when investing $50-150 in a quality pressure cooker.

Rolling Pin

Whether you prefer a traditional wood or marble rolling pin, it is essential for flattening dough into rotis, parathas, naan and more. A 20-24 cm rolling pin allows enough room for rolling without folds. Dust the pin and work surface with maida or whole wheat flour to prevent sticking. A rolling and cooking technique shared here ensures soft, pliable flatbreads.

An essential baking tool, a rolling pin is used to roll out and shape dough for pies, cookies, flatbreads and more.

• J.K. Adams is a top American brand known for heirloom-quality wooden rolling pins. Their 14″ maple rolling pin retails for around $15-20.
• Fox Run makes durable, affordable rolling pins. The Fox Run Wooden Dowel Rolling Pin costs approximately $8-12.
• Utopia Kitchen offers professional-grade rolling pins at competitive prices. Their 15″ granite rolling pin sells for $25-35.
• For non-stick surfaces, OXO’s Good Grips Rolling Pin with Removable Silicone Outer Cover is priced at $15-20.
• For heavier doughs, weighted rolling pins from Chef’n and Spring Chef provide even rolling at $20-30.
• Indian stores stock rolling pins by Prestige and Milton for $10-15. Their wood handles provide excellent control.

Always flour the rolling pin and work surface generously to prevent sticking. A $10-30 investment will provide years of baking versatility. Coupled with a rolling pin cover, they keep dough and surfaces clean.

Spice Grinder

Freshly ground whole spices maximize the flavors in Indian dishes. For the authentic taste of homemade garam masala and other mixes, an electric grinder or mortar and pestle does the job. Brands like Philips and Prestige offer high-quality electric models for under $30. Or use a granite mortar and pestle to grind small batches with less mess. Properly stored in airtight jars, homemade mixes stay fresher for optimal cooking.

A spice grinder is a must-have kitchen tool for freshly grinding spices, coffee beans, nuts and more.

• Cuisinart is a trusted brand known for quality small appliance items. Their Cuisinart SM-50BC Manual Spice and Coffee Grinder sells for around $15-20.
• KRUPS Fast Touch Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder is a top-rated electric model priced at $30-40.
• Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill is a manual burr grinder favored by coffee enthusiasts for $25-35.
• Secura Electric Coffee and Spice Grinder is an affordable electric option at $20-30.
• JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder is a popular pour-over grinder for $40-60.
• Indian brands like Everest and Prestige offer import electric spice grinders for $25-35.

For optimal grinding, electric models with 200-300 watt motors are best. Burr grinders provide consistent results. Manual or electric, a $15-60 investment pays off in fresher flavors from homemade spices and coffee. Always clean thoroughly after

Other Useful Tools

A well-equipped Indian kitchen includes a kadai or wok for deep frying appetizers like samosas and pakoras. Stainless steel or cast iron varieties conduct heat evenly. Measuring cups and spoons, masala dabbas for storing spices, food processors and mixing bowls also enhance the home cooking experience. With these top tools, you can enjoy restaurant-quality Indian meals right at home.

• Masher (potato/veggie): Important for mashing potatoes, tomatoes, etc. Prestige and Milton manual mashers are priced $5-10.
• Colander: For draining foods and washing rice/lentils. Large stainless steel colanders from OXO and Rachael Ray range from $10-20.
• Ladle: For serving curries, dals and more. Stainless steel ladles from Cuisipro and Milton cost $3-8.
• Slotted Spoon: Useful for removing foods from water/oil. Hawkins and T-fal slotted spoons sell for $5-10.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Vital for baking. Plastic measuring sets from Pyrex and OXO are priced at $8-15.
• Peeler: Swivel blade peelers from OXO and KitchenAid are $5-10.
• Can Opener: Efficient electric openers by KitchenAid and BLACK+DECKER are $15-25.
• Vegetable Chopper: Manual choppers from OXO and Cuisinart speed up prep for $15-30.
• Tongs: Stainless steel tongs by OXO and Tovolo provide control for $5-12.
• Idli Maker – This appliance makes fluffy steam-cooked idlis. Preethi and Homeland idli makers cost $30-50.
• Dosa Tawa – Cast iron or aluminum griddles in 10-12 inch sizes from Prestige and Hawkins range from $15-25.
• Uttapam Pan – Round flat pans with low edges and non-stick coating by Greenberry and Pothys are priced at $10-20.
• Rolling Mat – Silicone or plastic mats for rolling out dough are available from Milton and Pothys for $5-10.
• Kadhai – Traditional woks used for stir frying and curries. Anodized aluminum kadhais by Greenberry and Pothys cost $15-30.
• Steamer Basket – Stainless steel or bamboo baskets like from Prestige and Milton that fit over pots are $8-15.
• Mortar and Pestle – Granite or ceramic sets from Kyocera and Saviland are $15-30.
• Spice Rack – Wall-mounted or countertop racks from mDesign and Yamazaki hold jars for $15-30.
• Storage Containers – Airtight glass or plastic containers from Click n’ Seal and Rubbermaid for bulk cooking/freezing. Prices vary based on set/size.