Trays & VAT
Trays & VAT
Kitchen trays and vats are among the most functional and underappreciated tools in a Japanese kitchen. They appear at every stage of the cooking process, as staging areas for prepped ingredients, as draining surfaces for fried foods, as marinating vessels for meat and fish, as cooling trays for freshly cooked items, and having the right size and material for each task makes the whole process of cooking run more smoothly.
Japanese stainless steel vats, known as vatto, are a staple of both professional and home kitchens in Japan. They come in a wide range of sizes with matching lids, and their versatility is remarkable, the same tray can marinate chicken overnight, hold batter for tempura, cool a batch of gyoza after steaming and serve as a prep surface for portioning sushi rice. Unlike plastic containers, stainless steel does not absorb odours, does not stain and can go from refrigerator to work surface without any concern.
Wooden trays, particularly those made from hinoki cypress or paulownia wood, are prized for both their practical and aesthetic qualities. They absorb excess moisture from freshly washed vegetables, keep tofu cool after unwrapping and bring a warm, natural visual quality to food preparation. Enamel-coated trays from makers like Noda Horo are another option, offering the clean, non-reactive surface of enamel in a lightweight, attractive format.
For deep frying work, draining trays with wire racks allow oil to run off freshly fried items cleanly, keeping the texture crisp and preventing the base from becoming soggy. These are particularly useful for tempura, tonkatsu and karaage, where the difference between draining for thirty seconds and skipping that step is immediately visible in the final texture.
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Showing 8 products
AVAILABILITY: In stock (5 items)
The Yakumi Seasoning Container is a Japanese multi-compartment condiment dish for holding yakumi accompaniments - ginger, wasabi, negi, and other seasonings - neatly at the table for ramen, soba, and Japanese noodle dishes. Product Type Professional Stainless Steel Seasoning Container...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (-1 items)
The Stainless Tempura Vat, deep stainless steel frying pot with a built-in draining rack, designed specifically for frying Japanese tempura and other deep-fried dishes cleanly and safely. Culinary Typology Tempura Batton (天ぷらバット: Authentic Japanese Fried Food Draining Tray & Wire...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (500 items)
The Nodahoro Enamel Tray, versatile flat tray from Japan's beloved Noda Horo brand. Pure white enamel surface is odour-resistant and perfect for food prep, serving, or fridge storage. Sizes available N10 (36.4×26.8cm/3L), N12 (32.8×24.8cm/2.5L), N15 (29.6×23.5cm/1.75L), N18 (26.6×21.2cm/1.25L), N21 (24.2×19.6cm/0.95L)...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (499 items)
Sushi Trays, elegant Japanese lacquerware-style trays for presenting homemade sushi, sashimi, and maki rolls. Dark glossy surface makes every piece look like a restaurant creation. Artisan Woodcraft Style Traditional Akita Cedarware (秋田杉) Material Classification 100% Solid Natural Japanese Cedar Wood...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (9 items)
The Bonzaru tray is a traditional Japanese bamboo draining tray for resting tempura, tofu, and grilled foods. Its raised weave allows air circulation and excess oil to drain naturally. Craftsmanship HANDMADE IN JAPAN Material 100% Natural Bamboo Available Sizes Ø7.2"...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (500 items)
The Tanchyo Tray is a Japanese serving tray decorated with the Tanchyo red-crowned crane motif - one of Japan's most sacred and auspicious birds, associated with longevity, fidelity, and good fortune. Origin MADE IN JAPAN Material Durable, High-Quality Synthetic Resin...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (0 items)
The Stainless Tempura Vat Set includes a deep pot and draining rack for frying perfect tempura at home. The rack keeps earlier batches crisp above the oil as you cook. Includes 3-piece set (lids + trays) Dimensions 22.2 × 16.8...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (500 items)
Half Moon Trays Set, a pair of Japanese serving trays in a classic half-moon shape for presenting sushi, sashimi, and small dishes in authentic Japanese style. Includes 5 matching trays Dimensions 30 x 26.2 x 1.5cm each Material ABS resin,...