Stylish and functional cooking and tableware essentials

There’s something beautiful about mealtimes in the Filipino household. It’s not just about the food itself, but the care and detail put into each dish, the stories exchanged over dinner, and even the laughter during cleanup. This makes the kitchen truly the heart and soul of every home.

From chopping and boiling to serving and storing leftovers, here’s how to create a mealtime routine that works for your lifestyle using a wide range of cooking tools and tableware sets.

A grey GLADELIG plate in the dining room

From chopping and boiling to serving and storing leftovers, here’s how to create a mealtime routine that works for your lifestyle using a wide range of cooking tools and tableware sets.

A black JÄMFÖRA knife block with 3 knives

Preparation: a smooth start to every meal

Every great meal starts with the right tools. Versatility is key in Filipino homes, where adobo and sinigang might share space with weekend pasta or banana bread experiments. Begin with a solid prep station. Lay out all your cooking essentials on a SKOGSTA series dining table to ensure you have everything you need within reach. A solid and reliable dining table is a staple in every home. It serves as a multi-functional space where you can prep, dine, and work. Don’t forget to bring out multi-sized knives, peelers, and mixing bowls to make everything from lumpiang shanghai to fruit salad a breeze. Clear prep counters also mean having clutter-free containers for chopped ingredients. The ISTAD resealable bags are perfect for storing pre-cut veggies, marinated meats, or grated cheese, and they’re reusable, too.

Cooking: create with confidence

Now it’s time to cook. Whether you're frying, simmering, or steaming, durable pots and pans make cooking feel less like a chore and more like a joy. Go for a HEMKOMST stainless steel, non-stick frying pan that heats evenly, especially if you’re juggling multiple dishes at once. Pots and sauce pans come in different types and sizes to help you whip up hearty soups for the whole family, plus guests.

And while you’re at it, a few multitasking tools, like spatulas, tongs, and ladles, close at hand will keep your cooking organized and under control. Bonus tip: have a pantry and worktop organizer for your cooking essentials so everything remains tidy and accessible.

A white JUBLA unscented candle in the dining room

Setting and serving: presentation is key

Even small weekday meals can feel like a feast. It’s all in the setup. Set the tone with matching dinnerware from the HÄGERNÄS dining set—a timeless and sturdy table that invites everyone to sit together. Serve dishes in deep bowls, trays, and platters, and don’t forget the serving spoons!

For drinks, elegant glasses and jugs are a must for that classy, sophisticated feel. Even if you live in a condo or small apartment, don’t underestimate the power of simple decor. A fabric table runner, some candles, or even a small plant can elevate your everyday setup and bring a sense of calm and joy to your home.

A bamboo BLANDA MATT serving bowl in the kitchen

Eating: enjoy the moment

Food tastes better when it’s shared—and even better when everyone’s seated comfortably with the right tableware sets. Choosing the right types of tableware can turn an ordinary dinner into something more special. Think matching dinner plates, rice bowls, drinking glasses, and cutlery that fit your household's needs.

If you’re short on space, opt for stackable bowls and plates that make cleanup and storage easier. Having the right tools and equipment in cooking brings everyone together and helps make each meal more enjoyable, no matter the size of your home or family.

Cleaning up: a little help goes a long way

After the meal, it’s time to tidy up, but that doesn’t have to be a dreaded part of the day.

Start with easy-to-rinse dishware and utensils. Use drying racks that let air do most of the work. Dish brushes, microfiber cloths, and soap dispensers help make the task quicker and less tiring. Cleaning together can also be part of your family’s bonding time. Play music, assign tasks, and laugh along the way.

Don’t forget about the leftovers! Use the IKEA 365+ food storage collection to pack leftovers and reduce food waste. These containers are safe for the fridge, freezer, and even the microwave, making reheating tomorrow’s lunch super convenient.

A square glass/plastic IKEA 365+ food container with lid

The shelves of a black NISSAFORS trolley are teeming with fresh vegetables, eggs, jars and cans of food, and various bottles.

Storing and organizing: make space for what matters

Keeping your kitchen organized helps maintain a calm, stress-free vibe at home. Smart storage makes a big impact.Line your pantry with stackable PRUTA food containers to sort snacks, dry goods, and baon ingredients. For those living in smaller homes, vertical solutions like the IVAR system are perfect for keeping kitchen tools, jars, and even small appliances neat and accessible.

And if you need a sleek yet functional addition to your dining space, the VIHALS sideboard offers a stylish way to store extra plates, glasses, or linens.

A glass BESTÄMMA food container with lid

Packing up: no food goes to waste

After a good meal with family or friends, there’s always something left behind. Instead of letting it sit in the fridge or, worse, go to waste, pack it up so everyone can take a little bit of love home.

HAVSTOBIS food container set with lids comes in different sizes, perfect for portioning leftovers for work, school, or even late-night cravings. Pop in a serving of adobo for your daughter’s baon or save a few slices of cake for tomorrow’s merienda.

With see-through glass containers like BESTÄMMA, it’s easy to spot what’s inside without opening everything. And the airtight lids? They help keep the food fresh for longer, so no surprise smells in the fridge!

Reheating: enjoy your favorite meals again

Make your dining experience just as enjoyable as the first time with kitchenware that’s built for everyday use. Heat things with the IKEA 365+ glass range.

Once warm, serve it straight from the container or transfer to a plate or bowl like the RUNDLIG or GLADELIG, which come in durable materials and earthy tones that make any meal feel cozy. Even quick rice-and-ulam lunches feel special when the setup looks this homey.

Because at the end of it all, reheating is more than just convenience. It’s about stretching meals, saving money, and enjoying the food and effort that went into every dish.

Smarter Mealtimes, From Start to Finish

From prepping ingredients to serving the last slice of cake, IKEA’s kitchenware and tableware are here for every step of your meal. Make cooking easier, dining cozier, and cleaning up smoother—with smart storage and stylish essentials that work hard and look good.For every dish, every day, and every family moment, there’s IKEA.