How to Use an Iron Tawa for the First Time: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Jul 18, 2025

There’s just something undeniably special about cooking with Iron Tawa. Whether it is for making crispy dosas or fluffy rotis, an iron tawa has a legacy that has been preserved across generations. But before you rush to cook with it, it’s important to know how to use iron tawa first time for a seamless experience in the kitchen.

This guide is about how to use an iron tawa for the first time and why seasoning it is important. We will also discuss maintenance tips to ensure that it remains a dependable companion in your culinary space.

Why You Should Choose an Iron Tawa

Iron tawas are trusted by households across India not just for tradition’s sake but because of their remarkable benefits. If you’ve ever wondered why people still go for them despite the flood of non-stick pans, here’s your answer:

Naturally Non-Stick (with use): The more you use and season an iron tawa, the better its non-stick performance becomes. This happens because repeated use with oil creates a smooth seasoned layer that does not allow the food to stick.
Healthier Cooking: Cooking on iron boosts your iron intake naturally—a benefit you won’t get from non-stick cookware. This is because small amounts of iron leach into the food, which is beneficial for people who have iron deficiency.
Heat Retention: the pan stays hot for a longer time, ensuring uniform cooking and better texture. So, it makes them ideal for evenly cooked dosas, chapatis, parathas and many more dishes.
Durability: As it does not chip or peel and becomes better with age and proper care it can last decades.

If you're looking to invest in one, it's quite easy to buy an iron tawa online these days from trusted sellers.

Things to Know Before Using an Iron Tawa

Bringing a new iron tawa home? Don’t rush to cook on it just yet. Iron cookware needs a bit of preparation before it’s ready to go. Here’s what to keep in mind:

It’s Raw Metal: The new iron tawa may look rough, dark grey, or even have a factory coating—this needs to be cleaned off.
Seasoning is Key: This isn’t optional. It’s what makes the surface smooth and helps prevent rust.
Iron Reacts with Moisture: It rusts easily if not dried and stored properly, so after-care matters.
Cooking Smells: Initially, the tawa might emit a strong iron smell. Don’t worry—it fades after a few uses.
Weight and Handle: Iron tawas are heavier. Make sure the product comes with a proper group before using it on a flame.

Why is it Important to Season an Iron Tawa?

Seasoning is what transforms a raw piece of iron into a cooking champion. Skipping this step means food will stick, rust will develop, and your dosa dreams may be crushed. Here’s why seasoning matters:

Prevents Rust: A seasoned tawa forms a protective barrier that resists rusting.
Enhances Flavour: After a few uses, the tawa absorbs a little seasoning oil that further enriches your food.
Creates a Non-Stick Surface: The more you use and oil the surface, the more non-stick it gets.
Improves Longevity: Proper seasoning not only keeps your tawa rust-free but also ensures it lasts for a longer time.
Gives a Uniform Finish: A seasoned tawa looks black, sleek, and far more pleasant than raw grey iron.

How to Use an Iron Tawa for the First Time: Step-by-Step Guide to Properly Seasoning It

Now let’s dive into how to use new iron tawa first time. This is a crucial process that only takes a little effort but makes a big difference.

Step 1: Scrub It Thoroughly

Use dish soap, a metal scrubber, and warm water to clean off any factory coating or dirt.

Step 2: Dry It Completely

Wipe it dry and place it on a low flame for a few minutes to evaporate all moisture.

Step 3: Apply a Thin Layer of Oil

Rub cooking oil (preferably groundnut or sesame) all over the tawa, including the back. This is a crucial step if you want to know how to use iron dosa tawa first time.

Step 4: Heat It Up

Place it on a low flame and let it heat for 5-10 minutes. You may notice smoke—that’s normal.

Step 5: Repeat the Oil and Heat Process

Do this 2–3 times. This will darken the tawa and help it become more non-stick.

Step 6: Cool and Wipe

Let it cool down, and wipe away any excess oil. Your tawa is now prepped for its first use.

Note: You can use this method for any iron tawa, including your iron dosa tawa, which needs a perfectly smooth surface to make those golden, crisp dosas.

How to Clean Iron Tawa First Time: After-Use Cleaning and Storage Tips

Proper maintenance is as important as proper usage. If you're wondering how to clean an iron tawa for the first time after seasoning and cooking, follow these easy steps:

Avoid Soap: Soap strips away the oil seasoning. Use hot water and a soft scrub instead.
Wipe Immediately: Dry the tawa completely after washing. Iron and moisture are not friends.
Apply a Light Oil Coating: Once dry, rub a few drops of oil before storing it. This prevents rust.
Store in a Dry Spot: Keep it in a cupboard away from damp surroundings.
Never Soak: If food sticks, pour some warm water and scrub immediately. But don’t leave it soaking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using an Iron Tawa

A few missteps can ruin your iron tawa experience. Be mindful of the following, and you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble:

Using it Without Seasoning: A raw iron tawa will stick and rust easily.
Washing it with Soap: Avoid detergent after the initial wash. It damages the seasoned layer.
Cooking Acidic Foods: Tomatoes, vinegar or tamarind can strip seasoning and leave a metallic taste.
Not Drying Properly: Even a drop of leftover water can cause rust spots overnight.
Storing with Moisture: Always store after applying a layer of oil and ensure it's dry.

Whether you're cooking on a roti iron tawa or a dosa one, avoiding these mistakes ensures better results and longer shelf life.

Conclusion

Cooking on an iron tawa is more than just preparing food. It’s embracing a wholesome, traditional way of life. From healthier meals to superior taste and lifelong durability, the iron tawa benefits are well worth the effort it takes to prepare and maintain it. Buy an iron tawa for your kitchen today.