What’s in my Chef Bag?

Written By Morgan Berrington

Ever wonder what’s in that big bag I luge around? Whether you’re a line cook in a busy restaurant or a private chef in a client’s home, chefs are expected to bring their equipment with them every day of work.  As chefs we are a tiny bit particular about the type of knives we use, our favorite spatulas and even how every tool is stored and taken care of. We can become a bit obsessed.

When I embarked on my personal chef journey, I was schlepping around the streets of Chicago with my very worn out knife bag from culinary school, Whole Foods groceries and other catch-all bags with the rest of my equipment. Yes, I was a bag lady.

I knew I had to find another solution. After trying countless knife rolls, kits and chef backpacks I finally found the perfect bag - Tilit chef backpack - it was a total game changer! Not only did it have room for all my knives but it also had space for every single piece of equipment I needed.

Now, I'm excited to share with you every single piece of equipment tucked away in my chef bag – from my favorite knives to handy tools and everything in between. These are the tried-and-tested essentials that have been with me through thick and thin in my 20-year culinary journey.

Now let’s break down what’s inside my bag…

Chef Backpack from Tilit

$195 

Tilit's modern culinary backpack was developed to carry chef clothes, laptop computers, chef tools, and chef knives safely to and from work without the need for a second tool bag. This new design has added a roll top: allowing for hefty packing of market finds, a rubberized shoe compartment (fits up to a M10).

Okeya Ginsan Bunka 165mm from Coutelier

$170

This is my go-to workhorse knife. I love the shape, the sharp and beautiful handle.

Misono 440 Molybdenum Steel 180mml from Korin

$139.50

This is the first “nice” knife I ever bought for myself as a young line cook in NYC. It still holds an edge really well and is a great all purpose knife.

Mcusta Zanmai As Sanmai Koete Nakiri 165mm from Coutelier

$300

This is my newest knife and by far my most loved. It is definitely one of sharpest knives I’ve owned. I love the Nikiri style and the handle is custom and only available at Coutelier. This is a real gem.

Opinel No. 113 Serrated Natural from Coutelier

$12

I love this little guy! It's a perfect small knife and I love the serrated edge. It’s a must have for tomato season.

Winco Bain Marie from Amazon

$8.77

In many professional kitchens youll see each line cook with their own bain marie. It’s an easy and compact way to store all of your tools at an arm’s reach. I fill the bottom of the bain marie with water to keep the tools clean. Just make sure you change out the water periodically throughout your shift.

Gir Mini Spatula from Coutlier

$8

I love this brand of mini spatulas! They can reach super high temperatures and I love the spatula as one solid piece. Mini spatulas are perfect for scraping out blenders, food processors, small bowls, etc.

Morgan Berrington