Rice Bowls

Japanese Rice Bowls: What You Need to Know

Rice serving bowls are usually constructed of wood or melamine, so we'll go over the basic care and maintenance requirements for these materials here. Wooden rice bowls lend a natural aesthetic to tabletop décor but can dry out and get scratched without the proper handling.

• Wash wooden rice serving bowls with water and gentle detergent, but never soak them or leave them in water for extended periods.
• After it is washed, wipe water off the rice bowl and let it dry thoroughly. To prevent cracking and warping, regularly coat the Japanese rice bowl in an odorless cooking oil once it's dry. Wood will absorb odors from substances such as coconut oil and develop an unpleasant smell over time, though olive and mineral oil are safe.
• When oiling the bowl, dip cotton balls into the oil and briskly rub them against the wood to ensure the wood absorbs the oil. Leave the bowl out for about half an hour after oil is applied, then blot off any excess.
• You should never leave rice in wooden Japanese rice bowls for long amounts of time, or the rice will eventually get rancid.
• If you're storing wooden rice serving bowls in a cabinet, be sure to take them out and give them air from time to time to prevent molding.

The other popular rice bowl material is melamine, which is lighter and more durable than china. These Japanese rice bowls will cut costs on dishware replacement over time. They are less strenuous for staff to carry and are available in a wide range of designs. Melamine is an organic industrial compound created from a combination of strengthening materials and melamine resin; it's a durable material that can withstand the rigors of high-volume establishments. Rice serving bowls constructed of melamine are safe for direct food contact. We'll go into more detail on their care and cleaning requirements below.

Common Questions About Rice Bowls

Can you wash melamine Japanese rice bowls in a dishmachine?

All melamine rice serving bowls are warewasher safe. These pieces of smallware can handle exposure to high temperatures – even exceeding those recommended for dishmachines. Melamine rice bowls dry more quickly than other dinnerware because they retain heat.

Can you microwave melamine rice serving bowls?

Melamine rice bowls should never be microwaved. Microwaves can damage this smallware, and if rice is in the bowl when it is microwaved, chemicals can leak into the product and put patrons at health risk.

Why is melamine a good material for rice bowls?

We recommend Japanese rice bowls constructed of melamine because this material is an insulator rather than a conductor. These bowls maintain temperatures longer than other forms of plastic, but the temperature of the material itself takes a long time to change. This means the exterior of the rice serving bowl stays cool to the touch when serving hot foods, a feature that protects patrons and employees from getting burned by steaming bowls of rice.