If you have ever tried or heard about a dosa, then you might be considering trying to make some of your own. These pancakes are absolutely delicious, and they come in lots of different varieties.
Dosas are not too difficult to make at home when you have the right equipment and ingredients, but you will need to make sure that you have a good dosapan or tawa to make them in.
A cast irontawa (iron pan) or frying pan makes a crispy dosa. My youngest loves dosas. I find a cast ironpan or non sticktawa works best. The nonstickpan cooks the dosabatter better.
When it comes to making dosas, you will need to ensure that you are choosing the best pan for the job.
The pans that are the most suited for making dosas are called tawas, and these are a special type of pan that is more fit for purpose.
We will explain more about these pans further on. Though, to help you to make sure that you are choosing the best pan possible for the task at hand, we are going to share with you our list of the 3 best tawas for making dosas.
What is a Tawa or Tava?
A Tawa is a commonly used type of pan in India, and it will typically be made out of materials like cast iron or aluminum. These pans are highly versatile, and they can be used for a wide variety of cooking applications.
They can be used for lots of different cooking styles and techniques, and they are really popular.
One of the most common uses of a tawa is to prepare a range of different flatbreads and pancakes. This could be dishes ranging from Chapati to Dosas, depending on what you feel like making at the time.
Something to consider is that a tawa may or may not have a handle, and it is up to you to decide which you would prefer.
The tava also has many other names, like tapa, tawa, or saj, which is why they can be quite difficult to find at times. Lots of these pans will be totally flat, but the majority of them are convex or concave when it comes to their shape.
So, essentially, a tava is a versatile cooking pan that can provide you with a multitude of uses.
This is a PFOA-free tava that has been made using heavy gauge 4.88mm thickness, and it has also been coated with high quality non-stick coating.
This is a product that has a hard anodized base to ensure even and fast conduction of heat, and it has the non-stick coating that is locked firmly onto the base.
This will ensure that it will last for a long time, even if it is used very often.
You will be able to evenly spread batter and ensure that oil does not spill, and it has an extra thick black metal that will further help to spread the heat across the pan.
As well as this, the pan is extremely durable and versatile. The handle will remain cool when the product is in use, and this is a well-balanced pan overall.
Pros
Non-stick - This tava has a non-stick coating to ensure that your dosas don’t get ruined by getting stuck to the pan
Well-balanced - This pan has sturdy rivets to ensure that it is able to remain still and sturdy throughout use, so you can focus on your cooking
Warranty - This product comes with a 2-year warranty, so you won’t have to worry about it falling apart
Cons
This product in not dishwasher safe as the non-stick coating can come off
This tava has been designed so that it has a heavy gauge base for stability and solidity, and it even comes with a handy cookbook that you can draw inspiration from.
It has a durable non-stick coating to ensure that no food gets stuck to the pan, and a hard anodized surface to ensure that it lasts a long time.
The pan is able to evenly distribute heat to ensure that your cooking is even, and it has a handle that will stay cool while in use.
The pan itself is well-balanced with sturdy rivets, and the anodized coating will not pit, crack, chip, tarnish or corrode to make it last longer.
Pros
Thick pan - This pan features a 4.88mm thickness to ensure that it is both sturdy and durable throughout use
Durable - It also has a hard anodized surface and protective coating to ensure that it will hold up over time
Even heat - Due to the materials that are used in the construction of this pan, it is able to evenly distribute heat for more efficient cooking
Cons
The non-stick coating can be quite slippery when you first start using it
This pan has been specifically designed so that it can offer exceptional performance, and it features a large round cast iron base with a loop handle that is designed to provide better leverage and much easier handling.
It is ready to use straight out of the box, and this pan has been pre-seasoned at high temperatures, using 100% non-GMO flaxseed oil to ensure a natural easy-release seasoning that will only improve with time.
It is usable in all types of kitchens, has excellent heat retention, and it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Pros
Excellent performance - This is a pan that has been ergonomically designed by engineers to ensure that it works well
Versatile - You can use this pan for a variety of different cooking applications, like frying, pancake making, grilling, stir frying, and more
Flexible - This pan can be used in lots of environments, and it is usable in all kitchens, including gas, electric, induction, oven, camping, and grill
Cons
The lack of handle can make it more difficult to use than those with handles, but this might not be an issue for all users
Best Pan or Tava for Making Dosas Buying Guide
Now that you know where to find the best tavas for making dosas, there are a few extra things that you might want to think about before you go ahead and make a decision.
We will leave some things for you to consider below, so you can make the best decision.
What is a Dosa?
If you were wondering what a dosa actually is, we will explain it to you here. Essentially, a dosa is very similar to a crêpe, and it is a highly popular street food in India.
The dosa is famous for its simple ingredients, interesting flavors, and its beautifully sweet aroma.
They are relatively easy to make without being overly complicated, and they can even be eaten as a snack, breakfast, or any other meal that you desire.
This is a type of food that originates in southern India, and it has been around for a really long time. Just like with many other types of food that are made in India, the dosa can be made in many different varieties, depending on the occasion.
You can switch up the ingredients to create something new or to suit a certain meal with ease. If you are looking to make your own dosas, there are lots of different recipes to choose from.
Choosing the Right Pan
It is thought that dosas are quite similar to crêpes, but they are usually made using a specific type of pan that is called a tava.
Ideally, the tava that you are using should be around 13-inches in diameter and be completely flat, but it can be smaller if you are making smaller versions.
You can use a tava with a rim if you desire, but they typically won’t have on at all. Additionally, the tava that you choose should be thick enough to retain heat.
Non-Stick Coating
One of the most important things that your pan will need to have is a non-stick coating.
Otherwise, your dosa can get easily stuck to the surface if you are using the wrong type of pan, and this could easily lead to wasted food as it will ruin the dish.
This is why a non-stick coating would come in handy, as it will make sure that the dosa does not stick to the pan, and it will come away really easily.
As well as being great for the easy release of food, non-stick coatings also make the pans much easier to clean. All you will have to do is wash it up gently with copay water and your pan will be looking as good as new.
Something that you should keep in mind when it comes to these types of coatings is that they may not always be safe for use in the dishwasher.
You should always check the product description or instructions manual to find out what is the best way to clean the pan. Otherwise, the non-stick coating can start to come away from the pan, which is something that you don’t want to happen.
Materials
Something else that is really important to consider when it comes to buying a tava is the material that the pan has been made out of.
One of the most popular and commonly used materials for tavas is cast-iron, and these are great for the designed purpose.
The only downside to these pans is that they can be quite heavy, which may make things a little difficult. However, it may be worth it for the extra durability and long-lasting ability.
If you do not want to get a cast-iron tava, there are some other options available that will be much lighter.
Though, it is worth bearing in mind that cast-iron tavas are often the best. They will offer you the best heat distribution due to their thick bottoms, which means that your dosas will be perfect.
Pans With Rims
Most commonly, a tava will not have a rim as they don’t always need one. A dosa will typically be made on a flat surface, which is why the batter shouldn’t drip out of the pan.
One thing that you will need to make sure is that the stove you are working with is also an even surface. If not, then you might want to consider a pan with a rim.
Pan Maintenance
If you want to ensure that your tava lasts as long as possible there are some simple things that you can do to keep on top of maintenance.
One of the first things that you should do is to condition the pan before you use it for the first time with a small amount of cooking oil.
You should also always use a medium or even low heat when cooking for the best results, as a high heat can often result in burnt food.
Not only will burned food be a waste of food, it can also waste energy and cause surface discoloration on your pan after time.
You should always avoid using things like knives and metal utensils when cooking with your tava, as these are likely to scratch the pan, and they can even remove the non-stick coating over time.
Always make sure that the pan has completely cooled down before you go to wash it as this will protect it against rapid temperature changes that can lead to warping.
You should clean the cookware with soapy water and a sponge after each use to make sure that all of the oil has been removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Stop My Dosa From Sticking to the Pan?
If you have found that your dosa is sticking to the pan, there are some things you can do to stop this from happening.
Firstly, you should make sure that the pan that you are using is non-stick.
Secondly, it might be beneficial to use a small amount of oil when you are cooking to provide a layer between your dosa and the pan, which will make removal easier.
Finally, try to avoid cooking on really high heat, as this could cause the dosa to burn and stick to the pan.
Making Dosas: 3 Best Tawas (Tavas) or Pans
These options are sure to be a hit. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
