Katoris

A katori, plural katoris, is a small, bowl-shaped dish used in Indian subcontinent cuisine to serve individual portions of curries, gravies, chutneys, or other side dishes. The term derives from Hindi katora, meaning bowl, and is widely used in Indian English to refer to such serving bowls.

Most katoris are shallow and round, with a flat bottom and a small lip. They come in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, brass, or copper, as well as ceramic, porcelain, glass, or plastic for disposable uses. In homes and restaurants, katoris are commonly sold in sets and used alongside a larger plate or thali to present multiple components of a meal.

In practice, several katoris may hold different curries, dal, chutney, raita, pickles, or desserts on a single thali. They are also used to offer individual portions in casual dining and catering settings. In many South Asian households, the katori is an everyday element of meal presentation, reflecting the tradition of portioning sauces and gravies alongside staples like rice or flatbreads.

Care and maintenance depend on material. Stainless steel katoris are typically dishwasher-safe, while copper and brass variants may tarnish and require polishing. Ceramic and porcelain katoris can be microwave- and dishwasher-safe depending on glaze and manufacturer instructions. Metal katoris may conduct heat, so vessels should be handled with care when serving hot gravies.

Katoris are widely used across India, Pakistan, Nepal, and among global South Asian communities. They are widely available in kitchenware shops and online catalogs, and may be marketed as serving bowls or condiment dishes in addition to their traditional culinary role.