A wok is a type of round-bottomed cooking vessel that originated in China. It has a high, straight sides and a flat bottom, which allows for efficient stir frying by allowing ingredients to be tossed with ease while distributing heat evenly across the surface area. Woks are typically made from carbon steel or cast iron, and can range in size from small individual-serving woks to large communal woks that serve dozens of people. They have become a popular cooking tool worldwide for preparing Chinese cuisine, but they also work well with other types of food as well.