For a hostel guy setting up a basic kitchen, here are some essential utensils that would be useful:
Plates and Bowls: Have a few plates and bowls for serving meals and eating.
Glasses and Mugs: Include some drinking glasses and mugs for beverages.
Cutlery Set: Get a set of basic cutlery, including forks, spoons, and knives, for eating and cooking.
Cooking Pots and Pans: Invest in a small-sized cooking pot and a frying pan for basic cooking needs.
Cooking Utensils: Have a spatula, ladle, and a set of cooking spoons for stirring, flipping, and serving.
Chef's Knife: A good quality chef's knife is versatile and useful for chopping and slicing ingredients.
Chopping Board: Get a sturdy chopping board for food preparation.
Mixing Bowls: Have a few mixing bowls in various sizes for mixing ingredients and preparing salads.
Can Opener: A manual can opener will come in handy for opening canned foods.
Colander/Strainer: Get a colander or strainer for draining pasta or washing fruits and vegetables.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Have a set of measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient measurements while cooking.
Oven Mitts: Protect your hands while handling hot pots, pans, or baking trays with oven mitts.
Storage Containers: Keep a few food storage containers to store leftovers and keep ingredients fresh.
Dish Towels and Sponges: Have dish towels and sponges for cleaning and drying dishes.
Remember, this list provides a basic starting point, and you can always add more utensils based on your specific cooking needs and preferences.