Clay Pots

These attractive, lightweight clay pots are also known as sandy pots or sand pots because their unglazed exteriors have a sandy texture. They are made from a mixture of clay and sand with glazed interiors that help conduct heat and hold moisture in. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are equipped with tight-fitting lids that have a small steam vent. They are sometimes encased in a wire frame. The pots are designed to be used on the stove top (most people in Hong Kong do not have ovens) and are used for braised dishes and soups, and for cooking rice. The chefs of Hong Kong have given new meaning to these pots and nowadays, they are often used to finish a stir-fried dish. The stir-fried ingredients are put in a clay pot, covered, and cooked over high heat for a very short period of time. This technique intensifies flavours, resulting in highly aromatic dishes.