kauha

Kauha is a Finnish noun that refers to a spoon-like kitchen utensil used for scooping and serving foods and liquids. In Finnish kitchen terminology, it denotes a larger, scoop-shaped implement than a regular spoon (lusikka) and is commonly used for serving soup, sauces, cereals, or other liquids, as well as for scooping ice cream or other desserts. A kauha typically has a bowl-shaped head attached to a long handle, with designs ranging from simple metal ladles to plastic or wooden variants. Subtypes include serving ladles for liquids and larger portions, as well as smaller scoops used at tables or in ice-cream counters.

In practice, kauha encompasses a range of sizes and uses, and compound names in Finnish (such as keitto-kauha for a soup ladle) are common in product labeling and catalog descriptions. For everyday cooking and serving, kauhat are available in various materials, including stainless steel, other metals, plastic, and wood.

Care and durability vary by material. Stainless steel kauha are resistant to corrosion and generally dishwasher-safe, while wooden kauhat require careful drying to prevent cracking and may need hand washing. Plastic variants vary in heat resistance and may be chosen for specific environments, such as hospitals or cafeterias.

Linguistically, kauha functions primarily as a common noun in Finnish. It may appear as a surname or given name in rare cases, though such uses are uncommon.