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Helen’s Asian Kitchen Suribachi Set, Ceramic Mortar Bowl with Wooden Pestle

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 642 ratings
Ceramic Suribachi Set
Material Earthenware, Wood
Brand Helen's Asian Kitchen
Color One Color
Finish Type Unglazed, Glazed
Item dimensions L x W x H 5.5 x 5.5 x 2.5 inches

About this item

  • Helen’s Asian Kitchen Suribachi Set, a traditional Japanese ceramic mortar with wooden pestle, efficiently grinds items into a fine paste or powder
  • Made from ceramic earthenware with glazed exterior; mortar 5.5 x 2.25-inches; wooden pestle 4.75-inches; sturdy and durable
  • Unglazed interior has sharp ridges to prevent contents from sliding; grinds quickly with less effort; use a soft-bristle brush to dislodge food
  • Perfect for crushing sesame seeds, garlic, herbs, seasonings, and all types of nuts to prepare authentic Asian dressings, sauces, and pastes
  • Simply place ingredients inside the mortar, use pestle to rotate contents against the sharp, raised ridges of the bowl; rinse in hot water, no soap

Customer ratings by feature

Easy to use
4.5 4.5
Giftable
4.3 4.3
Easy to clean
4.2 4.2
Sturdiness
4.0 4.0
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  2. Helen's Asian Kitchen

    HELEN’S ASIAN KITCHEN

    Dedicated to the art of Eastern cooking

  3. Helen's Asian Kitchen
    Helen's Asian Kitchen
    Helen's Asian Kitchen
    Helen's Asian Kitchen

    CUSTOMER FAVORITES

  4. Helen's Asian Kitchen

    “I learned to cook the old fashioned way—from my mother—with a style that emphasizes the delights and comforts of home-style dishes. I love to teach the methods of Chinese cooking and created my Helen’s Asian Kitchen line to make the process even more enjoyable to the home chef.” - Helen Chen

    Helen's Asian Kitchen is a member of HIC – Harold Import Co.'s exclusive family of brands. HIC – Harold Import Co. is a USA-based, family-owned business.

  5. How did we get our start?

    Helen learned to cook from her mother. She combines the comfort of home-style dishes with heart-healthy oils and readily available market ingredients—making cooking great Asian food easier for everyone.

    What products do we offer?

    We offer a full range of woks, bamboo steamers, spider strainers, sushi tools, chopsticks, bamboo spatulas, and many other cooking accessories.

    What makes our products special?

    Helen Chen's unique line of Asian cooking & kitchen tools were developed through many years of culinary experience and provides high-quality standards.

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Helen’s Asian Kitchen Suribachi Set, Ceramic Mortar Bowl with Wooden Pestle

Helen’s Asian Kitchen Suribachi Set, Ceramic Mortar Bowl with Wooden Pestle

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Product Description

Product Description

Helen’s Asian Kitchen Suribachi Set, a traditional Japanese ceramic mortar with wooden pestle, quickly grinds ingredients into a fine paste or powder for preparing authentic Asian dressings, sauces, and pastes. Introduced from Southern China in the 11th century, this beautiful kitchen essential, the Japanese mortar (suribachi) and wooden pestle (surikogi) became an important tool in the Japanese kitchen. Its literal translation, grinding bowl, describes its results perfectly. The unglazed interior with sharp ridges speeds up the grinding process and prevents ingredients from slipping and sliding for more efficient results with minimal effort. Perfect for crushing sesame seeds and all types of nuts, garlic, herbs, and seasonings. Made from natural ceramic earthenware with a rich brown glazed exterior, Helen Chen’s Suribachi mortar set is sturdy and durable. The traditional wooden pestle is specially designed to prevent unnecessary wear to the mortar’s interior ridges. Easy to use. Simply set the suribachi on a damp towel or rubber mat to steady it on the work surface. Place ingredients inside and use the wooden pestle to rotate contents against the sharp, raised ridges inside the suribachi. Use a soft-bristle brush to dislodge ground ingredients. Hand wash in hot water, no soap. Brought to you by HIC Harold Import Co. Not affiliated with Joyce Chen Products.

Amazon.com

A Japanese version of the mortar and pestle, this suribachi set from Helen's Asian Kitchen is ideally suited to grinding and crushing herbs, seeds, and spices for deliciously fresh food. Crafted from durable earthenware with a rich brown outer glaze, the suribachi bowl features an unglazed, ribbed interior. This design holds ingredients at a slope for efficient, visible grinding. The coordinating wooden pestle, or surikogi, works well with the ceramic materials, so that the ingredients, not the bowl, take the beating. Comfortable in the hand, the pestle is shaped to maximize the contours of the suribachi bowl for uniform and quick results. All pieces should be washed by hand to preserve their integrity. --Emily Bedard

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
642 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like the performance, ease of cleaning, appearance and ease of use of the mortar and pestle set. For example, they mention it performs beautifully, it's easy to use and clean, and the ceramic is beautiful. Some are also satisfied with value, and ease. Opinions are mixed on quality and size.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

85 customers mention74 positive11 negative

Customers like the performance of the mortar and pestle set. They say it performs beautifully, is functional, and works well in food prep. Some mention that the ceramic is beautiful and functional.

"...So aaa, yeah, this works well, it's easy to use, the groves hold things in place, keeping it in the bowl...." Read more

"...It performed beautifully, but because the peppercorns were green, they were stuck all in the ridges of the bowl...." Read more

"It works pretty well...." Read more

"...The ceramic is beautiful and functional. Made a semi-pesto as soon as I got it...." Read more

53 customers mention40 positive13 negative

Customers like the appearance of the mortar and pestle set. They say the ceramic is beautiful, and the design is simple and elegant. Customers also say it's a great addition to their kitchen, and perfect for rendering herbs, olives, and other ingredients to an homogenous paste.

"I like this mortar and pestle. It looks simple and elegant, it's easy to use and grinds really well. I got it in the mail last night...." Read more

"...The ceramic is beautiful and functional. Made a semi-pesto as soon as I got it...." Read more

"...It looks somewhat nice, not gorgeous but not cheap either, just middling." Read more

"...Still, it's a good, solid bowl with nice glazing. The photo is missing something... the pestle has a hole at the top..." Read more

50 customers mention39 positive11 negative

Customers find the mortar and pestle set easy to use. They say it's fantastic for grinding up garlic, sesame seeds, and other spices. The hanging ridges make it easy to grind pepper, rosemary, or other dense spices. It's also good for small amounts and is the best way to crush seeds by hand.

"...It looks simple and elegant, it's easy to use and grinds really well. I got it in the mail last night. This morning it was time to test it out...." Read more

"The bowl came very quickly. Hang ridges and makes it easy to grind pepper, rosemary or other dense spices. It comes with a pestal...." Read more

"...It's excellent for turning ingredients like garlic, chiles, horseradish, herbs (including stems and roots) and finely chopped nuts into pastes..." Read more

"Some suribachis have no grooves, therefore not as useful for grinding. Thos one does and works well." Read more

27 customers mention19 positive8 negative

Customers find the mortar and pestle set easy to clean and use. They say it's easy to wash and use the bamboo brush to quickly and efficiently wipe all the ingredients out.

"...It cleans easily and seems sturdy. This mortar and pestle is going to be very useful." Read more

"...It washes up fine with a brush...." Read more

"...And yes it takes a little more time to clean, but for what it does, it isn't that much more work, I use a small button type vegetable brush with..." Read more

"...Also surprised how easy it was to clean. Just some hot running water was enough to get almost everything out of the nooks and crannies...." Read more

25 customers mention20 positive5 negative

Customers like the value of the mortar and pestle set. They say it's a great product for the money, and worth the price. Some customers also mention that it'll actually be used.

"...Well worth the money I paid and will always have one of these in my DE\SE shaving collection." Read more

"...The reason I gave it a 4 is because it is reasonably priced, and because there are some people who would be satisfied with a leaf muddler that cant..." Read more

"...In the respect, of its design, simplicity, and pricing, I think that it's fair enough to say that this product is more than perfect to suit the..." Read more

"...I'm sure I will find more uses like crushing herbs etc. The price was right and I am very happy with my purchase and I would recommend this bowl." Read more

16 customers mention13 positive3 negative

Customers find the mortar and pestle set easy to use. They say it's simple and sleek, making it easy to build an excellent lather. They also say the interior ridges make it easy when working with garlic.

"I like this mortar and pestle. It looks simple and elegant, it's easy to use and grinds really well. I got it in the mail last night...." Read more

"...In the respect, of its design, simplicity, and pricing, I think that it's fair enough to say that this product is more than perfect to suit the..." Read more

"...Any juices are captured in the well too. This seems simple enough in concept, so I decided to give it a try...." Read more

"...size for a shave bowl and the interior ridges make it easy to build an excellent lather...." Read more

67 customers mention42 positive25 negative

Customers are mixed about the quality of the mortar and pestle set. Some mention it's well-made and of high quality, while others say it'll break easily. The wooden pestle cracked within a few weeks and the bamboo bristle broke off in their meal.

"...It cleans easily and seems sturdy. This mortar and pestle is going to be very useful." Read more

"...I have to say is that the wooden pestle I got has a lanyard hole that splintered out...." Read more

"...It was packaged more than adequately and everything in the box was intact, and all of the pieces were present: bowl, wooden pestle and bamboo brush..." Read more

"...It is really a great tool - and easier to clean up than a food processer...." Read more

46 customers mention26 positive20 negative

Customers are mixed about the size of the mortar and pestle set. Some mention that the size was perfect and the ridges would enhance the lather, while others say that it is way small and reminds them of a toy.

"...Like the groves on a millstone they make it easy to grind. The bowl is a good size, it holds a decent amount of stuff, fits into my hand comfortably..." Read more

"...The whole thing is a little too small, but the pestle is way too small. I have it 3 stars because it probably works okay for a small, small person" Read more

"...heavy that sits on the counter while grinding, but this is a perfect size to hold in my left hand while grinding with my right...." Read more

"...Only minor complaints:It appears a little smaller than the one I had and it's made in China, not Japan...." Read more

Not as pictured
2 Stars
Not as pictured
The bowl isn’t as nice as what’s pictured. There aren’t any ridges on the outside to help grip the bowl and the glaze isn’t the same.Not a dealbreaker, but know what you’re getting before you buy it.
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Top reviews from the United States

jerry d
5.0 out of 5 stars Really nice
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2020
Style: Ceramic Suribachi SetVerified Purchase
I like this mortar and pestle. It looks simple and elegant, it's easy to use and grinds really well. I got it in the mail last night. This morning it was time to test it out. 1 st I ground a few whole peppercorns into dust. Then I added some garlic, basil, olive oil, and made a really nice paste. So aaa, yeah, this works well, it's easy to use, the groves hold things in place, keeping it in the bowl. Like the groves on a millstone they make it easy to grind. The bowl is a good size, it holds a decent amount of stuff, fits into my hand comfortably and stays out on the counter when needed. It cleans easily and seems sturdy. This mortar and pestle is going to be very useful.
3 people found this helpful
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JustaDumbBlonde
5.0 out of 5 stars 6 years and counting!
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2012
Style: Ceramic Suribachi SetVerified Purchase
*** Update: After owning this set for 6 years, I use it regularly and appreciate it more with every use. It has held up very well ... the wooden pestle doesn't even look like it's been used at all. If you're in doubt, just order this set.

Original review: I will admit that I had this suribachi set in my cart for quite some time before going for the purchase. Given the more than reasonable price and my immediate need for a mortar & pestle set, I went ahead and ordered last month. Am I ever glad that I did!

My suribachi set arrived quickly, as is always the case when ordering from Amazon. It was packaged more than adequately and everything in the box was intact, and all of the pieces were present: bowl, wooden pestle and bamboo brush. Okay, I put the bamboo brush away in my utensil drawer thinking that such a small and insignificant item would never be used, but don't underestimate this little wonder of a helper.

First thing that I ground were some green peppercorns that had been packed in brine. It performed beautifully, but because the peppercorns were green, they were stuck all in the ridges of the bowl. That's when I remembered the bamboo brush, but I didn't see how it was going to help. Was I ever wrong! The brush got every bit of the peppercorns out of the ridges with no trouble at all.

Overall, I am beyond pleased with this suribachi set and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone. Enjoy!
4 people found this helpful
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rkXLV
4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2015
Style: Ceramic Suribachi SetVerified Purchase
It works pretty well. I get the impression some reviewers were expecting something heavy that sits on the counter while grinding, but this is a perfect size to hold in my left hand while grinding with my right. The grooves are nice because at a certain point in grinding, I can switch to more of a swirling motion around the bowl, rather than just doing a crush-and-twist the whole time. Some of the ground spices do stay in the grooves. Inverting and tapping gets most of it, but you're going to lose some to the grooves. I'm OK with it. We're talking about such a tiny layer of spice dust that hangs on. And, in some applications, you could probably use a liquid ingredient to salvage some of that, if it's really a big deal. It washes up fine with a brush.

One complaint I might offer, which may contradict the praise I just gave about its size, is that the small size does allow certain spices to fly out (a specific mustard seed incident comes to mind). I think this could be prevented by starting with a small amount and gradually adding more, so it's not too many seeds at once. But this is one place where I think a larger mortar or an electric grinder may be better.

I am also not a huge fan of the wooden pestle. As with a lot of wooden implements, flavors and aromas can kind of hang onto the grain, and this is especially true when we're talking strong flavors and aromas such as spices. It's not a major problem, and I haven't noticed that it imparts unwanted flavors to the next batch of spices or anything like that.

All in all, it's good for what it is. In hindsight, I would probably just skip it and get an electric grinder, but this works if you are into the fun of grinding by hand.
6 people found this helpful
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Andrew Ross
5.0 out of 5 stars Simplistic and Competent
Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2017
Style: Ceramic Suribachi SetVerified Purchase
This is my first mortar and pestle and got this because my kitchen has a Japanese theme. The ceramic is beautiful and functional. Made a semi-pesto as soon as I got it. I didn't think it would work after I spent a couple minutes just trying to mash up some roasted garlic. But after adding the olive oil, basil, salt, and some dried herbs everything really came together quick. Also surprised how easy it was to clean. Just some hot running water was enough to get almost everything out of the nooks and crannies. The only negative I have to say is that the wooden pestle I got has a lanyard hole that splintered out. Would've been nice if it came with a cheap twine or leather lanyard to go with it. The rest of the pestle is smooth though and it didn't really stain from the green basil. Will finish with a mineral oil to give it some protection.
8 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Instead of being part of daily grind, grind your spices in this bowl
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2023
Style: Ceramic Suribachi SetVerified Purchase
The bowl came very quickly. Hang ridges and makes it easy to grind pepper, rosemary or other dense spices. It comes with a pestal. The bowl is easy to clean. Have wanted a grinder like this for years, and now i use it often.
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Nu2thiz
5.0 out of 5 stars Great little shaving bowl
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2013
Style: Ceramic Suribachi SetVerified Purchase
Went back to safety razor shaving little over a year ago and not looking back as cost per shave after initial purchase is less and you obtain a closer and better shave.

I do own a Dirty Bird 1.5 scuttle that I use 90% of the time but was looking for something that I could take on the road with me. While searching the stores in San Jose came across a Suribachi bowl. The size was perfect and the ridges would enhance the lather just like my scuttle so decided to give it a try and not disappointed with my purchase. Works great with working up a lather and my initial thoughts of the rough ridges fraying my quality badgers and horse hair brushes have been unfounded so far.

This one is actually my second bowl as I had the misfortune of dropping my original bowl while on a vacation trip and couldn't do without, so with the advantage of having a Prime account, I had this second bowl delivered to my hotel and in my hand within two days.

Well worth the money I paid and will always have one of these in my DE\SE shaving collection.
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B.T.
3.0 out of 5 stars Too small, especially the pestle.
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2021
Style: Ceramic Suribachi SetVerified Purchase
The pestle is too small. The whole thing is a little too small, but the pestle is way too small. I have it 3 stars because it probably works okay for a small, small person
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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S.B.
5.0 out of 5 stars Reibt die Kräuter
Reviewed in Germany on April 23, 2021
Style: Ceramic Suribachi SetVerified Purchase
fein und klein.
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Fabiola Lilí Sarmiento Salinas
5.0 out of 5 stars Muy bueno
Reviewed in Mexico on September 1, 2019
Style: Ceramic Suribachi SetVerified Purchase
Excelente para las papillas del bebé, sobre todo por qué puedes hacer porciones pequeñas!
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Eric Masson
5.0 out of 5 stars Suribachi pestle and mortar, makes great shaving bowl!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 30, 2018
Style: Ceramic Suribachi SetVerified Purchase
A Suribachi mortar and pestle, I use the bowl as a shaving bowl as it has ridges that create a luxurious lather very quickly, and is deep enough to hold my Proraso shaving brush between shaves, but be careful it is rather slippery when wet so extra care and attention is needed when handling.
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Elvira Castellino
2.0 out of 5 stars Solo per una porzione
Reviewed in Italy on February 22, 2018
Style: Ceramic Suribachi SetVerified Purchase
Pensano visto il prezzo abbastanza caro che arrivasse di formato medio invece era troppo piccolo il sesamo strabocca ! una fregatura , al negozio erboristico sotto casa costava 7 euro in meno e il formato era più grande !
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Riclyn
5.0 out of 5 stars I highly recommend this product for all the people there who loves ...
Reviewed in Canada on March 14, 2017
Style: Ceramic Suribachi SetVerified Purchase
I highly recommend this product for all the people there who loves cooking, this kitchen tools is amazing and I love using it everyday and it's fun. The quality is 100%. The shipping is so fast before I know it, it's already by our door.
One person found this helpful
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