In a world where borders are becoming increasingly blurred thanks to globalization and digital innovation, our kitchens are evolving too. Gone are the days when a simple set of pots and pans sufficed. Today, the modern kitchen is an international playground, brimming with tools, appliances, and ingredients that reflect culinary traditions from every corner of the globe. Whether you're whipping up a French soufflé, rolling out homemade sushi, or grinding spices for a rich Indian curry, the right tools make all the difference.
The internet has made it easier than ever to explore and purchase international kitchen essentials online. From artisan tagines to high-precision Japanese knives, world-class kitchen tools are just a click away. This article explores the world of International kitchen essentials, how to shop for them online, and what to look for to elevate your culinary repertoire.
Food is one of the most tangible ways to experience different cultures. Having international kitchen tools allows you to delve deep into global cuisines without leaving your home. Imagine steaming dim sum with an authentic bamboo steamer or perfecting Mexican tacos with a traditional tortilla press—each tool brings you closer to the culture it represents.
Using the right equipment can dramatically change your results in the kitchen. A proper paella pan ensures even cooking for your Spanish dish, while a Korean dolsot bowl brings the perfect sizzle to your bibimbap. Authentic tools are often engineered for the techniques of their respective cuisines, offering both functional and flavorful benefits.
Japan is renowned for its knife-making traditions, and a Gyuto (the Japanese equivalent of a Western chef’s knife) is a staple for precision and control. Crafted with high-carbon steel and meticulous craftsmanship, these knives stay razor-sharp and are ideal for delicate slicing.
Online stores to consider:
Japanese Knife Imports
Chef Knives To Go
Amazon Global Store
For those who love Italian cuisine, a hand-cranked or electric pasta maker is indispensable. It allows you to create fresh pasta like tagliatelle, spaghetti, and lasagna sheets from scratch.
Popular picks:
Marcato Atlas 150
Imperia Pasta Machines
Available at:
Sur La Table
Williams Sonoma
Eataly.com
A cast iron or wooden tortilla press makes it easy to create fresh corn tortillas—perfect for tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. Pair it with masa harina, and you’re on your way to authentic Mexican fare.
Where to buy:
Verve Culture
Masienda
Etsy (handmade options)
A tagine is both a cooking vessel and the name of the dish it makes. It’s ideal for slow-cooked North African stews. The conical lid helps return moisture to the food, infusing it with flavor.
Great sources:
Berber Imports
Tagines.com
Amazon Handmade
Steam buns, dumplings, or vegetables with a bamboo steamer. It retains nutrients and adds a subtle woody aroma to your food. Be sure to get the right size to fit your pot or wok.
Available at:
The Wok Shop
Kikkoman USA Store
Chinatown markets (via eBay or Amazon)
Indian cuisine is all about bold, complex flavors, and freshly ground spices are essential. While traditionalists use a Sil Batta (grinding stone), electric spice grinders are more convenient for daily use.
Trusted retailers:
Spices of India
DesiBasket.com
KitchenAid spice grinder attachment on Amazon
Known for producing uniformly sliced vegetables quickly and efficiently, a mandoline is a French kitchen staple used in both home and professional kitchens.
Top options:
Bron Coucke Original Mandoline
OXO Good Grips Mandoline Slicer
Available at:
Williams Sonoma
LaCuisineParis.com
Amazon France
Used for dishes like bibimbap, dolsot bowls retain heat to create a crispy rice crust. These heavy stone bowls can be used directly over flame and often come with wooden trays for serving.
Buy from:
H Mart Online
Korin.com
KoreanKitchenOnline.com
Best Platforms to Buy International Kitchen Essentials Online
With so many e-commerce platforms out there, it’s important to know which ones offer authentic, well-reviewed products. Here are some top recommendations:
Amazon offers international shipping and has a wide variety of kitchenware from all over the world. Just make sure to check the seller’s credibility and customer reviews.
If you’re into handmade or artisan-quality items, Etsy is a treasure trove. From handcrafted wooden utensils to ceramic tagines, you can find items made by artisans in their country of origin.
These premium retailers offer globally sourced kitchen items, often curated with authenticity and performance in mind.
Websites like Masienda (for Mexican cooking), Korin (for Japanese knives), and Eataly (for Italian essentials) focus on regional authenticity and often collaborate with artisans.
Check the country of manufacture and the seller’s reputation. Labels like “Made in Japan” or “Handcrafted in Morocco” are good indicators of authenticity.
International tools often rely on specific materials—clay tagines, carbon steel woks, granite molcajetes—each chosen for a reason. Ensure the materials are food-safe and durable.
Some items might incur customs duties or high shipping fees. Look for stores that offer flat-rate international shipping or free shipping on orders above a certain amount.
Return policies can be tricky with international orders. Always review the seller’s terms, and consider buying from platforms with strong buyer protection, like Amazon or Etsy.
Creating a globally-inspired kitchen doesn’t require an unlimited budget. Start with essentials based on your cooking interests, then gradually expand. Here’s a simple guide:
Japanese Gyuto knife
Italian pasta maker
Indian spice grinder
Mexican tortilla press
Moroccan tagine
Chinese bamboo steamer
Korean dolsot bowl
Copper Turkish coffee pot
Thai granite mortar and pestle
Spanish paella pan
Scandinavian lefse grill
Each culture has its own methods of caring for kitchen tools. Here are some general tips:
Season cast iron or carbon steel tools before first use.
Avoid dishwashers for wooden or handmade items.
Hand dry knives and stoneware to prevent rust or cracking.
Use soft sponges for ceramic or clay cookware.
To truly enjoy your global kitchen setup, pair your tools with the right recipes. Here are a few ideas:
Tagine with chicken, preserved lemon, and olives (Morocco)
Fresh egg pasta with Bolognese sauce (Italy)
Bibimbap with spicy gochujang sauce and veggies (Korea)
Tortilla tacos with grilled carne asada (Mexico)
Steamed dumplings with pork and chives (China)
The Sustainable Side of Global Kitchens
Many traditional tools are built to last—cast iron, stoneware, wood—making them more eco-friendly than mass-produced plastic gadgets. Shopping from artisan or fair-trade platforms also supports ethical manufacturing and cultural preservation.