Cole & Mason – Ceramic Suribachi Mortar & Pestle

Used in traditional Japanese cooking, the suribachi bowl (or mortar) has a ridged, unglazed interior for super-efficient grinding, and we happen to think that this set is particularly attractive.

It’s a traditional kitchen tool that still earns its place in modern kitchens, especially for fans of made-from-scratch Asian dishes, and because this one is made by Cole & Mason who obsess over seasoning, we know it’ll perform perfectly.

Efficient grinding

Used with the comfy-to-hold wooden pestle, it effectively grinds sesame seeds and salt when you’re making gomashio seasoning (a condiment typically sprinkled over brown rice), and it’s brilliant for grinding nuts, herbs and spices into flavour-packed spice mixes, pastes and sauces.

Modern classic

A clean, simple white exterior gives this set a timeless appeal, making it a wonderful gift for any cook who regularly wields a wok in the creation of Japanese, Chinese or Thai cuisine. There’s a small lip to make transferring the contents easy, and it comes with a little brush, so nothing gets left behind in the grinding grooves.