Start with the core cookware
You can cook almost anything with a small, well-chosen set: a kadai, one or two saucepans, a frying pan (nonstick helps), and a tawa for rotis. Add a pressure cooker — the backbone of most Indian kitchens — and you're set for daily meals.
Prep tools you'll use daily
- A good chef's knife and a paring knife.
- A sturdy chopping board.
- Mixing bowls in a couple of sizes.
- A colander, grater, and a set of measuring spoons.
Utensils and small tools
Ladles, a slotted spoon, a spatula, tongs and a whisk cover most cooking. Choose heat-resistant materials that won't scratch your nonstick pans.
Dining basics
For everyday eating: dinner plates, quarter plates, bowls (katoris), glasses and a few serving dishes. A matching set looks tidy and is easy to add to later.
Storage essentials
Airtight containers for staples like flour, rice, dal and spices keep your kitchen organised and your ingredients fresh. A few stackable containers go a long way.
Buy in stages
You don't need everything at once. Start with the core, cook for a few weeks, and add tools where you actually feel the gap. It saves money and avoids a drawer full of gadgets you never use.
Find kitchen essentials to build your set at Nestoroparade — delivered free across India, with 7-day returns.