Bouillon & Soup Bowls & Cups

Common Questions About Bouillon and Soup Bowls and Cups

What are bouillon and soup bowls and cups?

Bouillon bowls and bouillon cups are small pieces of dinnerware ideal for serving small portions of soup, pudding, chili, custard, and more. The terms "bouillon bowl" and "bouillon cup" are used interchangeably and refer to an item that is like a cross between a teacup and bowl that may come with or without handles. Typically between 7 and 8 ounces, these units have small capacities, although there are some bowls that can hold as much as 12 ounces of product. Because of their small size, they can also be used in food preparation or in displays. Bouillon bowls and cups come in a variety of colors with different designs available to suit your business's aesthetic.

Soup bowls come in a wider variety of shapes and sizes than bouillon bowls and cups. Soup bowls can come with a rim – helping showcase product – or without a rim and can hold anywhere from 5 to 20 ounces. Similar in design to bouillon cups, soup cups usually hold the same amount of product. Some soup cups are equipped with two handles, one on each side, while others don't have any handles. Both soup bowls and soup cups usually come in a variety of white materials, enabling them to fit into most foodservice aesthetics.

What materials are they made of?

Bouillon and soup bowls and cups are usually constructed of materials such as melamine, porcelain, polycarbonate, and other types of ceramic. Melamine is extremely durable and can be cleaned in a dishwasher, however, it isn't suitable for use in a microwave. Porcelain is a nonporous, translucent material that is durable and safe for use in a microwave, and its glass-like surface adds elegance. Polycarbonate is extremely resistant to breaks, odors, and stains, so it won't absorb flavor from the product it's holding. Ceramic products are typically fully vitrified, meaning it has gone through a vitrification process, which involves heating materials until they liquidize, then rapidly cooling the liquid. This strengthens the material and makes it impermeable to water. Some ceramics are ovenproof, as well as microwave and dishwasher safe.

Do I need soup and bouillon bowls and cups?

Soup bowls are a necessary piece of dinnerware if you plan on serving soup, chili, ice cream, or any other food where liquid needs to be contained. Ideal for cafés and upscale restaurants, rimmed soup bowls highlight product and enhance the presentation. If you're looking to serve small portions of soups and sides, then a bouillon bowl, bouillon cup, or soup cup would be the best option, as they can be used in virtually any application, including restaurants, hospitals, cafés, and more. Bouillon bowls and bouillon cups work as a great alternative to larger bowls, especially if you're serving soups that are more liquid than solid, such as miso soup. These cups and bowls also work well for controlling portion sizes and can help keep ingredients separate during food preparation.