Kitchen tools

Colander

A bowl- or basket-shaped vessel with drainage holes for washing and draining food.

3 identity clues

Reading language:

Names in other languages

Name in Cantonese (Jyutping): saau1 gei1

A colander has many holes in its base or sides. It drains water while holding food, but small ingredients may pass through the holes.

Look for a vessel that can hold food and for openings clearly larger than the mesh of a fine strainer.

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How to identify it

A colander is a holding vessel with larger drainage holes; a fine-mesh strainer catches much smaller particles.

Washing vegetables and draining noodles or other food larger than the holes.

Check that the hole size suits the food and place the colander securely.

Wash and dry upside down so food does not remain in holes or seams.

Use a fine-mesh strainer for small ingredients. When unsure, compare the openings: a colander usually has larger holes.

洗完菜放落筲箕瀝水。

The employer wants the washed vegetables placed in the colander to drain.

Last reviewed: 2026-08-22

Sources (6)