What is a "tandoor" used for in cooking?

A tandoor is a traditional clay oven that is primarily used in South Asian cuisine, particularly in countries like India and Pakistan. Its design allows it to reach very high temperatures, making it ideal for cooking various types of bread, such as naan, and marinated meats, including kebabs and tandoori chicken. The intense heat contributes to the unique flavors and textures that a tandoor imparts to food, resulting in a well-cooked exterior while keeping the interior moist.

The option regarding steaming vegetables does not capture the essence of how a tandoor operates or its typical usages. Similarly, while frying snacks and boiling pasta are common cooking methods, they do not utilize the tandoor's capabilities, as the oven is not designed for frying or boiling, but rather for high-temperature baking and cooking. This makes the choice that highlights its use for baking bread and cooking meats the most accurate and appropriate.