Handmade Teak Kitchen Utensils 

 Food and the eating of food together is very important in Thai culture. Most dishes are made to be shared, with people putting small portions from the main dishes onto their plate, getting different taste combinations. The sharing of food, of time together, keep relationships strong.

We first saw these utensils at a market in Bangkok. 99.9 % of the buyers are Thai who know the value of Teak wood and its qualities, who understand the different uses for each of the different spatulas or want a strong ladle to serve  hot soups. The wide range of what was available, the obvious care and attention to detail in each piece on show, and then finding out the story of the villagers who made it, meant that when we returned home we wanted to bring them here.  Each piece is beautiful, but they are made to be used. 

These  handmade kitchen utensils are made from sustainably grown and harvested Teak.  Each piece is individually made, lovingly created to be used in your kitchen or dining room. They are pieces that are functional, useful but also beautiful, they look lovely and having been sanded  5 separate times, they are incredibly smooth to the touch. 

All the utensils in this collection have been handmade by the members of a small village in the North of Thailand called Baan Lek Nam Pai Yai. They were nomadic slash and burn farmers until the gifting to them of a piece of land by the Thai Queen Sirikit and instruction by specialists enabled them to become self sufficient, with organic farming, fish farming and making these beautiful utensils.  We buy directly from them, the price is set by them, and the money goes directly to them. Each item we sell helps sustain employment in the village. 

For more information about the village you can read here Baan Lek Nam Pai Yai 

We also have more information about Teak and how to care for the wood in our Why Teak? information page

The most important  thing is do not put the utensils in the dishwasher. Teak is actually waterproof and is used in boat decks but the combination of high heat and the chemicals used in dishwasher detergents over time will ruin any wood. Simply handwash in a little soapy water, rinse off, dry off and then leave to dry completely before putting in a drawer or cupboard. Occasionally you can re-oil with any food safe oil. 

Enjoy these beautiful items, use them knowing that time and care have gone into making each one. The one you hold in your hand while cooking or eating is like you, individual and unique.