Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
There are many different types of fire pits but do you know What Is a Kadai Fire Bowl is?
A Kadai Fire Bowl is a heavily gauged steel container that is round and is mounted on a tripod-like stand that is made for cooking and warmth. They are available in varied sizes and designs. Their diameter sizes range from 31 inches across to larger fire bowls of 62 inches in diameter.
The History of Kadai Fire Bowls
Originally created in India, the Indian Kadai Fire Bowls were used to cook delicious spicy foods for families, special events, and often for villages to participate in communal cooking.
Like its origins, these deep cooking containers were aptly named because the food was cooking while a burning fire rose directly beneath the Kadai bowl.
Originally called a “karahi” it was used throughout India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and other Indian provinces and cultures for the same purpose which was cooking.
Indian men and women would sit down in their doorway and begin cooking in a Kadai Fire Bowl. When the food had finished cooking, the contents were placed on leaves as thanks were given for a bountiful blessing.
The Kadai Indian Fire Bowls stood for social interactions and a cultural tradition.
Historians have recovered large roughly hued iron parts of Indian Kadai Fire Bowls which date back some 500 years. Forged into outdoor cooking bowls, Indian cooks used them daily for their high heat conductivity and their ability to retain heat for hours.
Kadai Fire Bowls are still used today in India and now the world has joined this traditional form of outdoor cooking. Many of the traditional Kadai cooking bowls were low to the ground but were equipped with “V” shaped iron legs.
Kadai Fire Bowl Appearance and Benefits
Modern Kadai Fire Bowls have not strayed from their authentic wok design and use. Kadai Fire Bowls are for outdoor use only. There are many imitators, but the name on the bowl must say Kadai.
They feature different types of handles, but the traditional Indian bowls featured drop handles for easy carrying.
The metal stand that the bowl sits atop is available in both high and low versions. Kadai Fire Bowls are a heavily handcrafted design of beauty, tradition, and practicality. Kadai’s are a dual long-term and year-round investment.
They serve as both a cooking container and a wood-burning fire pit. For cooking, after you have grilled something delicious, remove your grill and place wood inside its middle, and begin a warming bonfire.
Kadai Fire Bowls are designed to last, which is why they are not discarded but rather reclaimed over and over again. Many traditional Kadai can also be used on wooden surfaces such as wooden decks.
Standard wood-burning fire pits emit embers up in the air, landing on nearby surfaces. With a Kadai Fire bowl and its depth, there are no rising embers or sparks.
The bowl’s unique component features to ensure that you, your family, and friends are safe while using it for cooking or just to enjoy an outdoor fire on the patio.
How Do You Use a Kadai?
There are several ways you can use a Kadai including for cooking, grilling, warmth, and even for cooling!
Cooking/Grilling
Remember that the modern-day Kadai Fire Bowls are available in 3 popular sizes similar to small, medium, and large. Depending on what your plans are for your Kadai and how many people attending your party will determine which size you may need.
Begin your Kadai experience by using charcoal, charcoal briquettes, or flavored dry wood. Dry wood produces less smoke. However, before you place the fuel within the Kadai Fire bowl it is best to place a thin layer (2-3 inches) of specialty sharp sand on the bottom.
This technique will help keep the heat encased longer and brings the charcoal levels closer to the grill. Place the charcoal or dry wood on top of the sand and away you go.
Another Kadai tip involves the use of a product known as “Kadai Beads.” Kadai Beads serve the same purpose as sharp sand, plus the beads are rain-resistant.
Just like a regular barbeque grill, make a pyramid structure of paper with firelighters or kindling. Light the charcoal and gradually add larger pieces of wood or more charcoal.
The Kadai Fire Bowl will take on the appearance of a natural rust finish. This is normal and is part of its fire/aging appearance.
Make sure that the charcoal gets really hot before cooking on the Kadai. Place the grill on top when the environment is ready and cook away. Cleaning the Kadai Fire Bowl is as easy as cleaning the grill and using hot soapy water.
Individual Indian families used the Kadai for everyday cooking. Large pans were suspended over the open fire of a Kadai Fire Bowl. Soups, curries, stews, and more were cooked in the hanging pots that contained foods that had been simmering and were blending in special spices for a deliciously long time.
You can use any type of tripod hanging device that can be found by following this link.
Fireside Warmth
If you used the Kadai for grilling, take the grill off. You can leave the ashes and wood in while piling on some small fire-burning wood sticks. A good flame will rise as you enjoy its warmth and comfort.
If you are using the Kadai Fire Bowl to start a warming fire for the evening, layer the bottom with specialty sharp sand. Pyramid small wood-burning sticks, light them and enjoy. While your fire is burning, invite the kids to cook some marshmallows, it’s great fun!
Additional Kadai Usage
Aside from using the Kadai Fire Bowl for cooking, barbecuing, and grilling, they have been used for other means.
Kadai Fire Bowls can be used to hold bottled and can drinks. As much as they retain heat when used for cooking, they too hold ice, keeping drinks cold for longer periods of time, than traditional ice coolers.
If you choose the larger size Kadai Fire Bowl then you will have a huge supply of drinks that will keep everyone refreshed throughout the evening!
Don’t forget, if you need any help with cooking on a fire pit or Kadai you can take a look at our Fire Pit Cooking Hints and Tips article.