Asian Soup Bowls

Asian Soup Bowls: What You Need to Know

Although Asian soup bowls have thin walls, their prominent feet keep product heat from contacting surrounding surfaces. This smallware often features Asian-inspired designs, making them an ideal option for serving rice and soup. Most Asian soup bowls are durable pieces that can be cleaned safely in commercial warewashers, though many are made of melamine, which should never be microwaved. Microwaving this material can result in chipping and peeling.

Various forms of these bowls come differing in shape and size, and they can be divided generally into three categories: soup bowls, finger bowls, and ramekins. Soup bowls are available with or without handles, though Asian soup bowls come without. Finger bowls are designed for patrons to wash their hands between meals, while ramekins are constructed for solid food, such as custard or flan. The only solid food typically served in Asian soup bowls is rice.

Common Questions About Asian Soup Bowls

Which soups are best served in Asian soup bowls?

Asian soup bowls generally have a uniform shape and size but can differ in width and depth, optimizing them for varying soup styles. Thick soups filled with meat and vegetable chunks—such as beef soup—retain heat well, so they should be served in wide, shallow Asian soup bowls to release the heat. Soups with a smooth texture, such as pureed soup, are best served in deep Asian soup bowls; this configuration maximizes heat retention. Narrow Asian soup bowls preserve temperature well and are great for use with clear soups.

Should you opt for a bowl with a handle?

Soup bowl handles determine their use at the table. Solid, horizontal handles can be tilted, enabling the user to gather the last bits of liquid, while open-loop, vertical bowls can be lifted easily to drink the broth. Asian soup bowls don't have handles, but they are lightweight and can be gripped easily for lifting when needed. Handles aren't always necessary, so determine which look and fit best in your foodservice establishment.

What's the difference between Asian soup bowls and soup cups?

The average Asian soup cup holds about 4 ounces, while Asian soup bowls hold approximately 8 to 12 ounces.

Do Asian soup bowls need an underplate?

Underplates are designed to balance the place setting and protect surfaces from heat. This smallware is recommended for many bowls but isn't necessary for Asian soup bowls. The prominent foot on this dinnerware already provides a barrier between the table and product. You can invest in underplates for Asian soup bowls to fulfill aesthetic purposes, but they aren't necessary for use.

How does an Asian soup bowl differ from other bowls?

Unlike Asian soup bowls, soup plates have a shallow, wide bowl with a flanged rim. These are the only soup bowl used in formal dinner service, while Asian soup bowls can be used in any level of dining. Coupe soup bowls are saucer-like in shape and reserved for informal meal service. Soup-cereal bowls are constructed with or without a rim and can be used to serve food such as salad or pasta. They're similar to Asian soup bowls, though they don't have as prominent a foot.