Let's Cook Japanese Food: 5 Basic Utensils You Need

Japanese cooking is all about balance, precision, and simplicity. But before you dive into making miso soup or rolling sushi, it helps to have the right tools. You don’t need a professional kitchen or a dozen gadgets... Just a few essentials to get started.

Here are the 5 basic utensils you need to start cooking :

1. Rice Cooker (or a Donabe Pot)

Rice is the heart of most Japanese meals. While you can make rice in a regular pot, a rice cooker takes out the guesswork and gives you fluffy, perfectly steamed rice every time. If you want a more traditional approach, a donabe (clay pot) is also excellent for cooking rice..

Pro tip: Invest in Japanese short-grain rice. It’s stickier and more flavorful than long-grain varieties.

2. Japanese Chef’s Knife (Gyuto or Santoku)

Japanese cuisine relies heavily on precision cutting, whether you're slicing sashimi or prepping vegetables for a stir-fry. A gyuto (Japanese version of a chef’s knife) or santoku (a versatile all-purpose knife) offers excellent control and sharpness.

Look for knives made in Japan for authentic craftsmanship and a razor-sharp edge.

3. Makisu (Bamboo Sushi Mat)

If you’re dreaming of rolling your own sushi, you’ll need a makisu. This simple bamboo mat helps you shape tight, even rolls of maki sushi. It’s lightweight, easy to clean, and a must-have for sushi nights at home.

Just wrap it in plastic wrap for easy cleaning and to prevent sticking.

4. Oroshigane (Japanese Grater)

An oroshigane is used to finely grate ingredients like daikon radish, ginger, or wasabi. The texture it produces is much finer than Western graters, and it plays a key role in many traditional dishes.

Some versions are made from copper or stainless steel, while modern ones can be ceramic or plastic.

5. Saibashi (Long Cooking Chopsticks)

Forget the tongs! Saibashi are long chopsticks used for cooking. They're ideal for flipping, stirring, and plating delicate foods like tempura or grilled fish. Since they’re usually made of bamboo or wood, they’re gentle on non-stick surfaces too.

They’re longer than regular chopsticks, keeping your hands away from the heat.

Ready to Get Started?

With just these five tools, you're already halfway to making authentic Japanese meals at home. From rice to miso soup to sushi rolls, having the right utensils can make all the difference. And once you're comfortable with the basics, there’s a whole world of Japanese cookware waiting to explore like donabe pots, bento boxes, and takoyaki pans.

So tie on your apron, grab your saibashi, and let’s cook Japanese food!