Traveling with a Wok
Like many impractical ideas I have, traveling with a wok is about a creating an unforgettable experience. Tailoring a trip to your cooking style is about prioritizing the joy of cooking and everything that comes along with the process, from finding food to learning how to navigate an unfamiliar kitchen. Trips are about special memories and often include incredible meals. Whether you are staying as a guest in someone’s home or renting a home to vacation, bringing a wok creates an incredible personalized experience to any trip, far or near.
How do I travel with a wok?
Depending on if you’re driving or flying to your destination, there are a few considerations of how you will approach taking a wok with you. I’ve yet to fly with my wok, but it’s very much something I would love to do. Like a musical instrument, there’s a cumbersome aspect to traveling with the wok. That means it will take up space and may have to be checked in as additional special luggage. Unlike a musical instrument, the wok is made out of carbon steel and a heavy duty wooden handle so there are no big concerns like it going out of tune or getting easily damaged. There is an idea though that packing the wok in a cloth case protects the wok from being in touch with other elements, like water that could possibly create rust.
What do you pack?
If you have the luxury of driving to your destination, you might want to consider bringing additional helpful items you already own. Beyond the wok, the other things you might want to take with you is a wok spatula or a wok ladle. Depending on the recipe(s) you are considering, you may want to bring some hard to find condiments. A portable single burner and a small cooler could also be helpful if you have some perishable items that you might want to save.
On our recent trip, I ended up only taking my wok because I was convinced I would make something simple and do the best with what I was able to find.
Where do you go with a wok?
There are a few considerations. I’ve been wanting to take my wok on a camping trip, which I will definitely eventually do one day! For this trip we wanted to find something a bit more relaxing. The home we ended up renting started from the idea of wanting to stay in a treehouse. However, I do appreciate great design, especially great modern design. This home was advertised as “a modern treehouse” because it was set in a wooded area and had a full two story wall almost completely made from glass windows. Even the upstairs bedroom had a floor to ceiling glass window that made you feel like you were sleeping among the trees.
The home also had an incredible industrial stove. I have a collection of design books from the 70s including one called High-Tech: The Industrial Style and Source Book for the Home. Woks are perfect for industrial kitchens, both aesthetically and functionally. This modern treehouse home happened to have an incredible industrial range so that was also extremely appealing for cooking with a wok.
Since we moved to Northern Virginia, we have explored quite a few rural and a few well-known towns in the Mid-Atlantic region. Because the kid’s were on spring break, we had time to drive somewhere new. Having a friend in Raleigh was a big part of our decision. Although Raleigh is not a huge city, it comes with a lot of city amenities, including several Asian markets and a fantastic farmer’s market. Being able to find ingredients to make pinakbet turned out to be very convenient. We found a Filipino grocery that carried all of the vegetables I needed, as well as bagoong and white rice.
When is a good time to travel with a wok?
If you are going to go to a destination with a farmer’s market, ideally it’s the time of the year when you know there will be something that will inspire you to cook. Woks are great for fresh vegetables and herbs, so spring/summer seems like a perfect time to bring a wok with you on vacation.
Why even do this?
If you are already a wok person, you likely know that a wok is a very personal cooking tool. It’s the cooking tool that is the most reflective of your story, especially what you like to cook. The patina formed on a wok is a life’s work. It’s a patina that adds beauty and flavor and that is something earned. Using just some other pan will not create the same results. The wok is also so versatile. You can stir-fry, deep fry, steam and braise with a wok. It’s also about going that extra mile to prepare something memorable not just for yourself, but for your loved ones and guests.