A zhēng tì is a shallow, perforated tray—typically made of bamboo, metal, or plastic—used in Chinese steaming cookware. It fits inside a wok or pot with boiling water below, allowing steam to rise through the holes and cook food gently and evenly. The character 蒸 means 'to steam' and conveys the cooking method, while 屉 means 'drawer' or 'tray', referring to its sliding, stackable design. Together, they literally mean 'steaming drawer'—a precise description of its function and form.

This word is commonly used in home kitchens and restaurants when preparing dumplings, buns, fish, or vegetables. Multiple zhēng tì can be stacked vertically in a single steamer setup, making them essential for efficient, multi-dish steaming. While often translated as 'steaming tray' or 'steaming tier', it’s distinct from generic trays: it’s specifically sized and designed for use in traditional Chinese steamers and rarely appears outside culinary contexts.