Culinary Inspiration by Otao Kitchen

There's no better time than now to take a full check of your kitchen essentials as a budding chef. If you still keep old and destroyed pots, stubborn knives, and worn-out chopping boards, it’s time to change those. These essentials have reached their end of life when it doesn’t serve its purpose anymore. Chefs know that while cooking skill and technique matter, it doesn’t hurt to invest in top-quality materials to make cooking easier, more efficient, and speedier, too.

You have that drive within you now to take your cooking to the next level. So, as you hone your skills, your kitchen tools should contribute to that purpose as well. Yes, there are gadgets and gizmos for just about everything in the kitchen. But you don’t need to have them all at once as a budding chef. You can start with the bare essentials.

With that said, here’s a list of the top kitchen essentials you must have as a budding chef:

1. Store Catalogue

Grocery store catalogues are still present nowadays, and that’s for a good reason. Budding chef or not, it’s advantageous to have copies of grocery store catalogues like the ALDI catalogue and others. This keeps you on the loop as to what supplies are in store, what’s on sale or special, and what’s new on the shelves.

In keeping with digital times, many store catalogues are also available online or through digital form. So, there’s no reason for you not to subscribe to those on your mobile phone. Within the pages of catalogues, you may also find discounts, coupons, and promo codes that are exclusive only to the catalogue subscribers. As a budding chef, those discounts are great! That means you can source out ingredients for lower prices.

2. Sub-Zero Refrigerator

Of course, every kitchen needs to have a refrigerator. But as a budding chef, you can take it further by having a sub-zero refrigerator. This type of fridge has a stronger ability to preserve the flavour of ingredients. Prolonging the freshness is key to having the best-tasting dishes, unless you have the luxury of time to buy fresh produce every single day.

Sub-zero refrigerators also come with a lot of added features to ensure overall safety. These include an air purification system and an antimicrobial system to keep food fresh, safe, and clean.

3. Three Knives

You want to have a whole block of knives for various uses. There’s such a thing called three knives. These are your paring knife, chef’s knife, and serrated bread knife. If you can invest in those three, then you’re good to go.

Those three knives, no matter how top-quality they may be, will eventually get dull. So, as you invest in those three, it makes sense also that you invest in a good quality knife sharpener.

4. Heavy, Wooden Chopping Board

If what you have are still the old, plastic, flimsy chopping boards from many years back, it’s time to let go of those. A budding chef needs heavy, wooden chopping boards to match. Wooden chopping boards can withstand even the heavy chopping of meat. 

To practice best sanitary practices, be sure to get at least two—one for raw meat, fish, and poultry, and another for vegetables and fruits.

5. Stock Pots

Stock pots are great as they can form the foundation of complex recipes. On the stock pot, you can start sautéing the vegetables and spices without the need of transferring to another pot. There, you can also make pasta, soup, and other dishes.

When shopping for a stock pot, be sure to check its efficiency, material quality, and its compatibility not just with your stove at home but with a wide range of other stoves as well.

6. Cast-Iron Pan

Cast iron is one of the most inexpensive ways to have a good pan that conducts heat quite well. This is great for frying and grilling, especially if you’re cooking steak and chicken. While using a cast-iron pan takes a lot more work than using a non-stick pan, the food taste coming out of the cast-iron pan is worth all that effort. Not to mention how cast-iron pans can last for a long time.

Conclusion

The list above enlightens you on the top essentials you need to have in your kitchen as an aspiring chef. While not exhaustive, it’s up to you to tweak and add based on the dishes you usually make and the tools you personally swear by. Little by little, as you hone your skills, you can add more to your list as well. There's a tool for every chef, with that perfect balance of the tried and tested must-haves, as well as new ones on the rise.

Corporate teams around the work have embraced remote work and find a new way to collaborate. Team building is an important part of collaboration and bonding. Team building efforts are most effective when done regularly, and result in a caring and connected team. 

When it comes to remote working with teams, virtual team building is especially important. Since the intention to communicate and collaborate needs to be at the forefront of all remote initiatives, making sure that your team feels emotionally connected is a good place to start. 

REMOTE TEAM BUILDING AND BONDING

Speaking to your team member in person is easier when in person as you can give your attention, pick up on nonverbal cues, and build rapport via shared experiences.

However, choosing to get together in person as one team does come with some challenge. Assuming it’s safe to travel, airfare and accommodations can be pricey, and each flight will add about 0.5 metric tons of CO2 to your carbon footprint. 

Selecting remote meetings helps fill in the communication gaps during those technologically-challenging moments. Let's look at some icebreakers and quick virtual activities to help your team kick-off your next conference call on the same page.

The key here is to make team catch up with consistent, rather than a random bonding exercise. In the long run, your team will become more familiar with the idea of opening up to other team members through some fun virtual activities like cooking. 

Here are some quick and ongoing team building activities to implement in your team conference calls to keep work moving forward in a collaborative and connected light.

THE HAPPY HOUR TEAM BUILDING 

We will be cultivating a fun and imaginative atmosphere, making delicious food and drinks to share in this virtual team-building ‘happy hour’ demonstration class. Through an approachable back-to-the-basics style of cooking and hospitality, we empower people to connect and develop as a group. Our chef instructors have structured a fun, engaging, and interactive program using food and beverages as a vehicle for inspiring deeper connections. We provide a variety of food-based experiences like home cook-offs, cocktail workshops, cooking classes, contests, and challenges. You can choose any of the menu themes below.

ONLINE COOKING CLASSES 

In this online cooking class, your team members can cook, connect and celebrate together. This virtual cooking event can be hosted by our chef in Melbourne to the comfort of the participants' kitchen anywhere via Zoom. You choose the menu, we may change a little to reflect the timing and send you a list of ingredients, so your members can include them in their normal shopping. Our menu below has been customised to use your local supermarkets (Australia - Coles, and Woolworth) or (New Zealand - New World, Countdown).   We can modify recipes and ingredients to suit any dietary requirements. The virtual cooking events can range in duration from 1 to 2 hours and are for a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 40 Zoom connections. All you need is a laptop, tablet, or mobile phone, a functioning kitchen, and a few pantry basics. Check the ingredient list before booking classes in Dumpling Making, Street Food Asia, Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean or Vegan 

ONLINE COOKING CLASS  WITH A MAGIC BOX OF INGREDIENTS DELIVERED AUS WIDE

Online cooking classes with our magic box of ingredients are the best activity to do with your team or clients? Perhaps an alternative to your end-of-year party or a gift? Live private cooking classes with Otao kitchen chefs are the perfect way to enjoy great food, learn new tricks, and get together when it's not so easy to physically get together. We'll deliver everything including some stool (no meat/seafood) so you and your guests need to cook along at home, so all that's left is to log on our Zoom, hone your cooking skills, eat delicious food, and have a great time. Generally, we need 7 working days to deliver your boxes to a metro city, and it will be more for regional cities and towns in Australia. The meals will be vegetarian, and we will include in your note if you want to have the option to add meats and seafood.  Check the menu here: The Ultimate Dumpling Making, Japanese Ramen Making Class, Authentic Pasta making Class, Cooking with Native Ingredients, Plus you can ask for our drink Victorian option.

Cooking has always been a part of our lives, whether it’s for an ordinary day or special occasions. It’s an activity that brings people together, and it’s a skill that can be useful in any part of the world, especially when traveling. One of the common challenges, however, is finding the right cuisine and learning how to cook it. Fortunately, Otao Kitchens has come up with an innovative solution that not only solves this problem but also provides opportunities for multicultural chefs. In this blog post, we’ll explore Otao Kitchens and the benefits it offers.

Otao Kitchen is a Melbourne-based business that allows foodies and visitors to learn how to cook various cuisines, including Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Dumpling, Greek, Korean, Indian, Spanish, and Mexican and more. Their instructors are professional chefs who grew up eating and cooking the cuisines they teach. Chef Anan, for example, has always been passionate about the way food brings people together, and his dream of cooking with her grandmothers inspired her to join Otao Kitchen.

One of the advantages of Otao Kitchen is its small class size, which provides a more intimate and personalised learning experience. The kitchen is clean and updated, making it feel like a leisurely afternoon spent with friends rather than a formal cooking class. The atmosphere reflects the culture of the cuisine being taught, and the students get to interact and learn from the chef throughout the cooking process.

Otao Kitchen’s initiative also supports multi-cultural cuisine and provides opportunities for talented chefs. The business gives chefs a chance to share their knowledge and passion for cooking, showcasing their cultural heritage and cuisine. In a way, Otao Kitchen allows them to do more than just sit in the kitchen and listen to stories of the old country. They get to interact with people from different parts of the world, share their culture, and learn from their students.

It’s no surprise that Otao Kitchen is popular among tourists visiting Melbourne. About 30 percent of the attendees are tourists, and Otao Kitchen’s multicultural cuisine and interactive classes make it an attractive option when exploring the city. It’s a great way to experience the culture and learn a new skill while traveling.

Conclusion:Otao Kitchen has made a significant impact in the cooking industry by providing a solution to multicultural cuisine and cooking problems. It offers a personalized and interactive learning experience, supports talented chefs, and showcases various cultures and cuisines. The business has definitely transformed the way people learn and experience cooking, and its success speaks for itself. If you’re looking for a fun and immersive way to learn how to cook delicious dishes, Otao Kitchen is definitely worth checking out.

Best Corporate Cooking Classes in Australia

Looking for a fun and engaging way to bring your team together? Corporate cooking classes are an excellent way to boost teamwork, creativity, and communication while enjoying delicious food. Whether you want to host a virtual event or an in-person workshop, Australia offers a variety of top-rated corporate cooking experiences. Here are some of the best options available:

1. Otao Kitchen (Melbourne & Online)

Otao Kitchen specializes in interactive team-building cooking classes that cater to corporate groups. Whether your team prefers an in-person experience or a virtual cooking session, Otao Kitchen offers tailored programs to suit your needs.

✅ What Makes It Special?

• Hands-on, chef-led experiences with professional guidance.

• A variety of cuisines, including Vietnamese, Japanese, Mexican, and more.

• Virtual cooking classes with delivered hampers for remote teams.

📍 Location: Melbourne & Online
🔗 Learn more

2. Sydney Cooking School (Sydney, NSW)

Sydney Cooking School provides corporate cooking classes designed to enhance teamwork in a fun and relaxed setting. Their classes range from BBQ Masterclasses to Sushi Making and Classic French Cooking.

✅ Why Choose Sydney Cooking School?

• Customizable team-building packages.

• Professional chefs guide your team through hands-on experiences.

• Options for large corporate groups.

📍 Location: Neutral Bay, Sydney

3. The Essential Ingredient Cooking School (Multiple Locations)

With locations in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra, The Essential Ingredient Cooking School offers corporate cooking workshops featuring top-tier chefs and diverse cuisines. Their hands-on approach ensures an engaging and rewarding experience for all participants.

✅ Highlights:

• Custom corporate cooking packages tailored to your team’s preferences.

• High-quality ingredients and expert-led instruction.

• Specialty courses including pasta-making, Asian cuisine, and more.

📍 Locations: Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra

4. Vanilla Zulu Culinary Adventures (Brisbane, QLD)

Located in Brisbane, Vanilla Zulu offers fun and interactive corporate cooking classes designed to build stronger teams. Whether it’s a competitive cooking challenge or a relaxed group experience, their classes are great for bonding over delicious food.

✅ What Sets It Apart?

• Unique team-building experiences, including Mystery Box Challenges.

• Private and corporate group sessions available.

• Options for cooking competitions and themed classes.

📍 Location: Brisbane, QLD

5. Sticky Fingers Cooking School (Perth, WA)

For corporate teams looking for a unique culinary experience, Sticky Fingers Cooking School in Perth offers custom corporate cooking classes. Their classes focus on collaboration, creativity, and fun.

✅ Why Pick Sticky Fingers?

• Classes tailored to corporate team-building needs.

• Options for private bookings and larger team events.

• Cooking styles range from traditional Aussie BBQ to international cuisine.

📍 Location: Perth, WA

Final Thoughts

Corporate cooking classes are a fantastic way to strengthen teamwork, enhance communication, and create lasting memories. Whether you prefer a hands-on experience in a professional kitchen or a virtual cooking class with delivered ingredients, Australia has a variety of exceptional options.

For Melbourne-based and online corporate cooking experiences, Otao Kitchen is a top choice with its interactive, tailored programs. Explore the best cooking classes in Australia and give your team an experience they'll never forget!

🔗 Explore Otao Kitchen Corporate Cooking Classes

Kiwi Knife Asian Cleaver

When it comes to Asian household, everyone will have one of these. Cheap and Cheerful. The cleaver is mostly used to slice boneless meats, chop, slice. It is an excellent tool for smashing garlic and ginger and also use it to transfer food from cutting board to wok or frying pan. You can use for cut meat such as chicken, beef for making minced meats. It is multi-purpose kitchen knives. This Thai cleaver looks much like the butcher cleavers familiar in butcher shops in the west, but thinner. Made from high quality stainless steel. The blade is around 20 cm long, 28 cm height and 15 cm wood handle. Product of Thailand.

Buy On Amazon Fr $33.92

Japanese Santoku Knife

Santoku means three virtues is a blade-style perfect for chopping, mincing and dicing vegetables. This  16.5 cm Wasabi Black is the handy knife you'll turn to again and again in your kitchen. This Wasabi line of knives is made in the traditional Japanese blade styling. To reduce food sticking, the blades are sharpened on a single side or sometimes being slotted. Although it has a traditional blade-style, it is paired with a uniquely modern handle material, polypropylene blended with bamboo powder, and impregnated with an agent for super clean food preparation.

Buy On Amazon Fr $48.97

Cut Resistant Gloves

The cut resistant gloves let you handle your grater, knives, and mandolin slicer while worrying less about bandaging a finger or worse. Great for the kids too.
Made of food-safe ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, glass fibre and Spandex, these gloves have been designed to resist cuts from even the sharpest blades. We use these gloves for clients to make a salad so they don't cut themselves. Different Size.

NoCry Cut Resistant Gloves with Secure-Grip Microdots and Level 5 Cut Protection. Comfort-Fit. Food Grade, Size Medium. Includes Free eCookbook!" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: rgb(46, 145, 252);">Buy On Amazon Fr $16.99

 Whetstone 

When your kitchen knives are being used during every service you'll need to revive the blade to keep it sharp.

Just a few minutes using the 400 grit side and you'll restore dull blades. A few more minutes on the 1000 grit side and that edge will be sharper than before.

Wet the whetstone's surface to float away from the swarf. The silicone base keeps the whetstone in place, so you can keep a consistent angle.

Buy On Amazon from $26.99

Do you have a jar of garam masala in your kitchen? This blend of fragrant spices is common in Indian food. You can blend yourself one or you can buy in. If you decided to do it then you might have all the spices. But what is garam masala? 

As parents, we always aim to provide our children with the best opportunities to learn and grow. One of the best ways to do this is by enrolling them in activities that are both fun and educational, and what could be more fun and educational than cooking classes? In this blog post, we will be sharing with you four healthy cooking class ideas for your kids. These classes are designed to not only introduce your child to new and exciting cuisines, but to also encourage healthy eating and cooking habits that they can carry with them into adulthood.

1. Thai Cooking - Jan, May, Sep

Thai cuisine is known for its bold and unique flavors, making it a great choice for kids who are adventurous eaters. In this class, your child will learn how to make Kaeng- Thai curry paste, Nam Tok- 'waterfall' beef salad, and Kaeng Khiao Wan-Thai green curry. These dishes are not only delicious, but they're packed with healthy ingredients like vegetables, lean protein, and fragrant herbs and spices.

2. Japanese Cooking - Feb, Jun, Oct 

Japanese cuisine is all about simplicity and freshness, making it perfect for kids who love sushi and seafood. In this class, your child will learn how to make Makizushi- sushi rolls with salmon, shiso, avocado, or vegetarian, Okonomiyaki- cabbage pancake with bacon, and Seasonal Miso Soup with Kelp Stock. These dishes are not only healthy, but they're also gluten-free for kids with dietary restrictions.

3. Vietnamese Cooking - Mar, Jul, Nov

Vietnamese cuisine is all about balance and harmony, making it ideal for kids who love flavorful but light dishes. In this class, your child will learn how to make Fish Sauce Dipping Sauce | Nuoc cham, Vietnamese Spring rolls | Chả giò, Goi Ga | Chicken Salad, and Traditional Chicken Noodle Soup | Pho Ga. These dishes are healthy but hearty enough to satisfy the hungriest of appetites.

4. Chinese Cooking - Apr, Aug, Dec

Chinese cuisine is diverse and flavourful, with dishes that are both steamed and fried, making it a popular choice for kids who love their carbs. In this class, your child will learn how to make Hun Tun Tang- Wonton Soup, Hokkien Mee- Stir-Fried Noodles with Bok Choy, and Gong Bao Jiding- Kung Pao Chicken. These dishes are full of healthy ingredients like vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, cooking classes are a great way to introduce your child to healthy eating and cooking habits that will serve them well in the future. With these four healthy cooking class ideas, your child will not only have fun but also gain valuable skills that they can use for the rest of their life. So why wait? Sign your child up for a cooking class today and watch as they develop a love for cooking and healthy eating!

Gas vs Charcoal 

The age-old debate over which grilling method is ‘better’ involves multiple variables, from flavour to cost and convenience. While no studies prove that either is healthier, gas does burn cleaner. From a taste perspective though, many people prefer the smokier, richer taste of food cooked on a charcoal grill.