bejana

Bejana is a term used in Indonesian and Malay to refer to a vessel used for cooking. It commonly denotes a pot, cauldron, or cooking kettle and can describe a range of vessels used to hold and heat food. In everyday language, bejana describes various shapes and sizes, from small cooking pots to larger vessels used for boiling and simmering.

Bejana vessels are typically made from metal such as iron, copper, brass, or aluminum, as well as from clay or ceramic. The material influences heat distribution, durability, and flavor outcomes in certain dishes. Metal pots are common for everyday cooking, while clay or ceramic bejana are valued for heat retention and moisture effects in specific culinary traditions.

In traditional and communal settings, large bejana are used for cooking at gatherings, markets, or ceremonial feasts, where food is prepared for many people. Commercial versions exist in kitchens and restaurants that prepare soups, stews, or rice dishes in large quantities. The term is also found in culinary literature and household manuals as a general reference to cookware.

Linguistically, bejana is a generic noun in Indonesian and Malay. It does not designate a single object but rather a class of cookware used for boiling, simmering, or serving food. The term reflects everyday cooking practices in Indonesia and Malaysia and appears in cultural descriptions as well as practical references to kitchenware.

See also: pot, cauldron, cookware, kitchenware.