Young Sponge gourds may be eaten raw, like cucumbers, or cooked as a vegetable. Sponge gourd may be used in dishes that call for squash, zucchini or okra. As its name suggests, Sponge gourd also soaks up the flavors of the accompanying spices and ingredients. Sponge gourd can be used in soups, curries, chutneys and stir-fries.

The Sponge gourd is good simply steamed and finished with a drizzle of sesame oil and soy sauce, or with browned garlic and slices of chili pepper for flavor.