Why this tray earns its place
The Maham Spice collection is designed by tableware specialist Maham Anjum and bridges the gap between terracotta warmth and commercial kitchen reliability. These trays are vitrified stoneware with an unglazed exterior that reads earthy and artisanal, while the inside carries a coloured reactive glaze that adds visual interest without distraction. At 127mm and 142ml, this size sits comfortably in the middle of the range—not too small for substance, not so large it dominates the plate.
This is the workhorse size. Use it for sauce, pickles, chutneys, or a single portion of something that needs its own vessel. Hotels and restaurants value this size because it's substantial enough to feel like considered service, but compact enough that a full mise en place doesn't require a separate sideboard. The trays stack neatly; a 12-pack takes almost no cupboard space yet expands to a full station when needed.
Vitrified stoneware is made for professional kitchens—it withstands dishwashers, doesn't craze under thermal stress, and ages naturally without looking neglected. The unglazed finish will develop a subtle patina over months; that's the aesthetic, not deterioration. This is kitchen kit that looks like it was chosen deliberately, not defaulted to.
