Suribachi and Surikogi

A ridged ceramic mortar (suribachi) paired with a wooden pestle (surikogi), the interior ridges specifically designed to grind sesame seeds and other ingredients into a fine paste more effectively than a smooth-surfaced mortar.

Material & Construction

Glazed ceramic exterior with a deliberately unglazed, ridged interior grinding surface; the pestle is typically a dense, food-safe wood such as Japanese pepper wood (sansho).

Traditional Uses

Grinding toasted sesame seeds into paste for dressings and sauces; also used for small-batch grinding of other ingredients requiring a fine, even texture.

Modern Availability / Equivalents

Widely available through Japanese kitchenware suppliers; a standard mortar and pestle can substitute though with less efficient grinding given the smooth interior surface most other mortars have.

Care & Maintenance

Wash and dry thoroughly, taking care to clear ground residue from the interior ridges; the wooden pestle benefits from occasional light oiling.