Suppenschüssel

Suppenschüssel is a German word that translates to "soup bowl" in English. It refers to a type of dishware specifically designed for serving soup. Typically, a Suppenschüssel is larger and deeper than a regular dinner plate or a standard bowl, allowing for a generous portion of soup and potentially accompanying bread or crackers. The shape is often round but can vary, and they can be made from a variety of materials including ceramic, porcelain, stoneware, glass, or even metal.

In a culinary context, a Suppenschüssel plays a functional role in presenting and consuming soup. Its size helps to retain heat and prevent spills. Historically and culturally, serving soup from a common Suppenschüssel has been a practice in some households or communal settings, fostering a sense of shared dining. Today, while individual bowls are more common, the term Suppenschüssel is still widely understood and used in German-speaking countries to denote a vessel for soup. Variations exist, such as those with handles or lids, often referred to as soup tureens, which are larger and used for serving soup to multiple people.