Clay or Metal Cooking Pot

The handi's tapered neck is not decorative — it traps steam inside, creating natural pressure and even heat distribution without a tight-fitting lid. Clay handis impart a subtle mineral, earthy flavor to food that metal cannot replicate, which is why certain high-end Pakistani restaurants still use them for presentation if not always for cooking. Handi chicken is a distinct menu category in Pakistani restaurants, implying the dish was sealed and slow-cooked. The shape also makes scraping the residue from the bottom (the most flavorful part) satisfying but technically demanding.