The Kadai Story

What is a Kadai?

A Kadai, also known as a Karahi or Kadhai, is a traditional Indian cooking bowl that has been a staple in kitchens across India and South Asia for centuries. This deep, circular cooking pot, typically crafted from wrought iron, is designed with sturdy, looped handles on either side, making it both durable and practical for handling over an open flame.

Originally used for preparing fragrant, flavourful curries, Kadais are synonymous with Indian cuisine and culture. They have long been a focal point at weddings, festivals, and other large celebrations, where they are placed over an open fire to simmer delicious dishes that bring people together. These cooking vessels not only serve as a means of preparing food but also as symbols of community and tradition.

What Size Are Kadais? 

The Original Kadais come in a wide range of sizes, from compact 30cm bowls used for small family meals to massive 2-metre-wide Kadais, capable of feeding hundreds of guests during special occasions. At events like weddings and festivals, these larger Karahis often become the centrepiece, with people gathering around them to enjoy the aromas and flavours of freshly cooked food. Some are even engraved to commemorate the occasion, adding an artistic and personal touch to their cultural significance.

Origins of the Kadai Brand 

The story of the Kadai brand is unique, with roots in the bustling streets of Rajasthan and the rolling hills of South Shropshire. It all began in 2002, on a chilly January night in Jodhpur, where our founder, Christo, sat on a rooftop around a traditional Kadai. Seeking warmth, he lit a fire within the cooking bowl, unknowingly sparking an idea that would transform this centuries-old piece of Indian cookware into a rustic contemporary fire pit. That night marked the birth of the Kadai journey.

That evening led to Christo bringing an Original Kadai back to his home in Shropshire, moved by the potential of this versatile cooking vessel. It quickly became a stunning garden feature, admired for its rustic charm and functionality. As friends and family witnessed the Kadai's beauty and practicality, they began requesting their own. Recognizing the growing demand, Christo partnered with skilled Indian artisans and family-run workshops to craft authentic Kadais, reworking traditional techniques into something new and exciting.

The first Kadais to arrive in the UK came with a low stand, perfect for sitting around the glowing flames during cool evenings. This design quickly captured the imagination of garden enthusiasts. But Christo wasn't done yet. After years of dreadful barbecues, burnt food and time spent on his own at parties tending to the grill, he had a breakthrough: why not transform the Kadai into a barbecue fire bowl combination?

By adding a grill that rested above the flames, Christo turned the Kadai into a sociable cooking experience, where guests could gather, cook, and share meals together. The unique round design encouraged communal dining, and when the cooking was done, the grill could be removed to enjoy the Kadai as a cosy fire pit. This seamless transition made the Kadai the ultimate solution for combining fire, food, and laughter.

To perfect his idea, Christo introduced a second stand that raised the Kadai to waist height, ideal for barbecuing. With the addition of the grill, low stand, and a trusty pair of tongs, the Kadai Kit was born, marking the creation of the UK's first barbecue fire bowl combination.

Today, Kadai stands as a testament to Christo's vision, blending Indian craftsmanship with British ingenuity to create a product that celebrates tradition, functionality, and the joy of gathering around a fire.