In Japan, bamboo serving plates (“Bonzaru” in Japanese) have been used since ancient times for draining or drying food materials, serving food, etc. They are a very convenient tool that can be used for multiple purposes. However, not everyone would know how to use it.

Today we are going to show you how to select and use Bonzaru.

What is Bonzaru?

Bonzaru is a bamboo-knitted colander. Bamboo is an antibacterial material, easy for hygiene management and quick to dry. It has various shapes, including round and square ones. All the Bonzaru in Globalkitchen Japan's product lineup are individually handmade by craftsmen in Sado, which is the center of production of bamboo craftwork.

The difference from metal colanders is that Bonzaru can be used for multiple purposes -storing/draining/drying as well as steaming food materials. For this reason, Bonzaru has been used not only at home but also at prime quality restaurants.

Appropriate Size and Use Purpose

There are various size of Bonzaru, and 21 cm, 24 cm, and 30 cm would be the most common and good for general use. Globalkitchen Japan has each size in its product lineup.

The followings are some examples of Use of Bonzaru.

Draining water

Bamboo colander is quick to drain and dry, so it can drain water efficiently. This is why it is used for draining washed vegetables or boiled Soba and Udon noodles. In most cases, Soba and Udon are served in a bamboo colander right after drained in it.

A colander of 21 cm would be good enough for small vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or radishes. 24 cm would be better for potatoes or carrots.

Draining oil

Bonzaru is also convenient for draining oil from Tempura or fries. Regarding size, 24 cm would be good when cooking 3 servings of fried chicken and 30 cm for 6 servings.

After use, wash Bonzaru with a Japanese Tawashi scourer in hot water. Avoid using detergent as it washes out good component contained in bamboo.

Serving food

Using Bonzaru as a plate or tray is good to make Japanese style atmosphere. If you serve plate lunch with rice ball, fried chicken, Tamagoyaki omelette, etc. in Bonzaru for your kids, they would be happy. Bonzaru is a versatile tableware and it’s all up to you how to use it.

Summary

Bonzaru is a convenient tool either as cookware or tableware. You would realize how good they are if you have some in your kitchen.

Would you like to get a natural bamboo Bonzaru made in Sado as your new cooking partner?