Helen Chen's Asian Kitchen 5.5-inch Ceramic Suribachi Set

by HIC Brands That Cook

• 5-1/2-Inch suribachi set for grinding and crushing seeds, herbs and nuts
• Ideal for making pastes, sauces, and marinades in Asian cooking
• Includes ceramic suribachi mortar and coordinating wooden pestle
• Sharp, ribbed interior holds ingredients in place for more efficient grinding
• Hand wash recommended

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.5 x 2.5 inches ; 14.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000UEYXL8
• Item model number: 97034
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,561 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining)
  • #19 in Kitchen & Dining > Kitchen Utensils & Gadgets > Seasoning & Spice Tools > Mortar & Pestles

Product Description

Amazon.com

A Japanese version of the mortar and pestle, this suribachi set from Helen's Asian Kitchen is ideally suited to grinding and crushing herbs, seeds, and spices for deliciously fresh food. Crafted from durable earthenware with a rich brown outer glaze, the suribachi bowl features an unglazed, ribbed interior. This design holds ingredients at a slope for efficient, visible grinding. The coordinating wooden pestle, or surikogi, works well with the ceramic materials, so that the ingredients, not the bowl, take the beating. Comfortable in the hand, the pestle is shaped to maximize the contours of the suribachi bowl for uniform and quick results. All pieces should be washed by hand to preserve their integrity. --Emily Bedard

Product Description

A beautiful and essential kitchen tool for the preparation of many Asian dressings, sauces and pastes. Introduced from Southern China in the 11th century, the Japanese mortar (suribachi) and wooden pestle (surikogi) is an important tool in the Japanese kitchen. The literal translation of suribachi is grinding bowl. And that is what it does to perfection. The unglazed ridged interior facilitates grinding and prevents ingredients from slipping and sliding. The traditional wooden pestle is designed to prevent unnecessary wearing down of the ridges. This is a traditional Japanese mortar and wooden pestle; to use: Simply place the suribachi over a damp towel or rubber mat on your work counter. Hold the pestle with one hand and rotate the pestle against the ridges.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Item December 8, 2007

By sundans

Amazon Verified Purchase

This is the best deal I've ever seen on such a quality Suribachi, not to mention that it has the little bamboo brush included....for cleaning the grooves. This Suribachi has a beautiful glazed finish and it is the perfect size for your kitchen...not too small nor too large. I highly recommend the product.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Just works April 10, 2009

By G. Nelson

Amazon Verified Purchase

I had a few mortar and pestle sets, and decided to try a Japanese version and ordered this one. The ridges do help and I'm using it more and more over the others. The ridges make it a little harder to clean, but don't let that deter you.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars HELEN'S SURIBACHI IS A WINNER January 11, 2008

By K. Henry

Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a well made suribachi and it is quite a value. I tried it on peppercorns, sesame seeds and dried rosemary and it works great.