Rijstkommen

Rijstkommen are bowls designed for serving and eating rice, a staple in many Asian cuisines. The Dutch term rijstkommen combines rijst (rice) with kom/kommen (bowl) and refers to a range of small to medium bowls used for individual portions. They typically share a round, shallow form that makes rice easy to scoop with chopsticks or a spoon.

Most rijstkommen are made from ceramic materials such as porcelain or stoneware, though some casual sets use earthenware, melamine, or bamboo fiber. Standard sizes usually fall in a diameter of about 10 to 12 centimeters, with a capacity of roughly 150 to 250 milliliters. The interior is commonly smooth for easy cleaning, and glazes range from plain and solid to patterned or glazed with traditional motifs.

In use, rijstkommen serve as the primary vessel for steamed rice and are often paired with other dishes in everyday meals. They appear in both domestic tableware and restaurant settings and can vary from simple, utilitarian designs to decorative pieces featuring cultural or contemporary patterns. In some traditions, the bowls are coordinated with other tableware to form a complete place setting.

Care and durability vary by material. Ceramic rijstkommen are typically dishwasher-safe if the glaze is durable, but frequent temperature changes should be avoided to prevent cracking. Delicate porcelain or hand-painted pieces may require careful washing. Wooden or bamboo fiber variants need special care and are not always suitable for dishwasher cleaning.