Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions for us at Yompai? Read the answers to our frequently asked questions to help you with your query. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please get in touch with us and we will help you out as soon as we can.

 

• Can I cook (safely) with wooden spatulas and spoons?

 Yes, you can. All our wooden utensils are made from Teak, a very hard and robust wood so they do not splinter and scratch pots and pans, you can use them on non stick and cast iron dishes. There are no chemicals or lacquers used on the wood, they are 100 % food safe.

 

• How do I care for the wooden utensils?

The most important thing is to not put them in the dishwasher. The dishwasher will rot them out. Instead, handwash in warm soapy water, rinse off, and pat dry. Then leave out to dry completely. Do not put away still wet or damp.

Also you will need to oil them with a food safe oil. This does not need to be done every time you use them, but when first buying them, I would oil them, and then every couple of months I would re-oil. Ideally with a food safe mineral oil, but something like sunflower or rice bran oil is ok. Be careful of oils like olive, it can go rancid.

You do not need a lot of oil, just some on a cloth and rub it into the wood. Some people also use beeswax to put a seal on the outside, but I only use oil as the Teak wood is very dense, and hard for water to penetrate.

For more information on care read here

 We use Pure Natures Food Grade Mineral Oil on our wooden utensils. You can purchase it online here

• Who makes your wooden utensils

 All of our wooden utensils are handcrafted in a collective of villages in the North of Thailand. Originally they were slash and burn farmers but they have been settled in one area and woodturning high quality wooden utensils for over 30 years. More detailed information about the villagers can be found on this page.

• Can I drink out of your wooden cups?

Yes you can. I drink coffee and tea from my wooden cups. Teak wood is naturally waterproof, so you can put liquids, whether water or coffee or milk in them. I don't find they affect the taste of the coffee, but the tactile sensation on your lips and tongue is different than say a ceramic or glass cup. 

Because Teak is waterproof, it also means our wooden bowls are naturally waterproof so you can use them for soups, curries, rice dishes, salt, spices, sauces and condiments, even wasabe. They are very versatile.

 

• Are your wooden utensils sustainably made?

Yes they are sustainably made. They are all made in small villages in the North of Thailand. As much as possible the wood used is off cuts from building sites and furniture factories. The villagers themselves are also paid to replant the hillsides where they live with Native Trees of that region, which includes Teak. For more information about the village and its story, including the sustainability of its products you can read  here.