A Dutch Pot (aka ‘Dutchie’)
This thick-walled cooking pot, usually made of cast aluminium, with a fitted lid, is used for the slow cooking of authentic Caribbean dishes. Dutch Pots come in both round and flat-bottomed varieties and can be used on top of a stove, in an oven, or, as per the traditional method, in a pit dug in the ground, heated by coals or hot rocks.
Both varieties of Dutch Pot are perfect for slowly cooking, stewing, frying or boiling a vast variety of authentic Caribbean dishes. In short, if you do not have a Dutch Pot you cannot call yourself an authentic Caribbean cook.
The two most common brands of Dutch Pot available today are the Jamaica Sun and Guycan brands. Dutch Pots are now available via the internet from Amazon, eBay and other online retailers, and start from around £20 (USD $30 or EU € 25).
Secret: Dutch Pots are not to be confused with Dutch Ovens which, although very similar and can do roughly the same job, will not convince your friends and family that you are an authentic Caribbean cook.
A Tawa/Tava
This is a flat or concave disc-shaped griddle pan made from metal (cast aluminium, cast iron or steel) which is used for cooking a variety of flat breads (rotis, bakes, etc). Tawas originated in the Indian subcontinent, but are widely used throughout central, south and west Asia and beyond. Caribbean tawas are most commonly found in Trinidad and Guyana, but are used throughout the Caribbean. Once again, tawas are available online from a variety of retailers.