GADGETS AND UTENSILS: COCONUT SCRAPER/GRATER

This gadget for scraping coconut flesh from its kernel is usually found in most South and South-East Asian traditional kitchens. The ones that my grandmother and mum had were similar but it had a seat with it. However, in the advent of the tinned coconut milk and the availability of frozen grated coconut flesh, its usage is somewhat obsolete. I however prefer to use freshly grated coconut to make my chutneys or Asian desserts such as Kuih Ketayap or to have with my STRING HOPPERS. I find this gadget indispensable and it produces finely grated coconut every time.


To obtain this product in Canberra, you can place an order with:

Spice World
28 Colbee Court
Phillip 2606 ACT
Tel: 02 6281 6995

The owner will obtain one for you. I believe my scraper cost me around AUD$15.00.


Another way to obtain grated coconut is to use a conventional grater. You however have to remove the flesh from the kernel (using a butter knife to prise the flesh off) and using a sharp knife, scrape the brown covering in order to obtain white coconut flesh. Grate as you would a carrot…..while watching out for your knuckles. I can’t remember how many times I have grated my knuckles because of this :(

GADGETS AND UTENSILS: ICE SHAVERS

Ice shavers are perfect for the summer months where you can make slushies, Asian shaved ice desserts such as CENDOL and ais kacang. They are also great for making margaritas and daiquiris.

They are available at good electrical shops but be quick, it is a ‘seasonal’ electrical item in Australia and tends to be sold only during the hot months. A few versions are available. One is where the ice shaver comes with special moulds for making the ice. Unfortunately, you have to make quite a few ice blocks before it makes it worthwhile to use. I prefer the ice cube version as you can use any ice, either made at home or commercially purchased. The machine is also easier to use.


The machines retail between AUD $40 and $50. I purchased the Sunbeam ‘ice cube’ version shaver at the Good Guys in Tuggeranong, ACT around two years ago. The Black and Decker 'Snow Mate' was purchased at The Good Guys in Ballarat, Victoria about 6 years ago.