When it comes to dining, bowls and plates hold a space of vital importance. They are the unsung heroes of meal times, each with their unique charm and utility. Both utensils have evolved over time, in terms of design, materials used, patterns and more sophisticated additions like microwavable and dishwasher safe options. From a festive family dinner to a casual weekday lunch, your choice of bowls and plates adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the dining experience.
Plates are an indispensable part of an eating experience. Traditionally round in shape, plates are now available in a plethora of shapes ranging from oval, square, to even triangle. Plates are typically meant for a one-course meal, which can include a variety of foods, but usually not soups or foods with excessive liquid. They have a raised edge to avert spillage, with the plane slightly indenting downwards to hold food.
The variety in material of plates also brings variety in design and appearance. Ceramic and porcelain plates are the most common type found in households and restaurants. These plates have a glossy finish and are available in a wide range of colors and designs. Stoneware plates bring a rustic charm while glass plates exhibit a clean, sophisticated look. There’s also an increasing trend in eco-friendly dine ware, with plates made out of bamboo, palm leaf or bagasse.
While plates are perfect for a multitude of meals, whenever there is soup or any dish with good amount of liquid, bowls come into play. Derived from the Old English ‘bolla’, which means to ‘bubble up or boil’, bowls are typically round in shape with depth in space to hold liquid or semi-solid food items. Similar to plates, bowls are also available in various materials, shapes and sizes. From large mixing bowls used in cooking to tiny sauce bowls, there is a wide range to suit each purpose.
Bowls and plates also have various special designs for specific meals. For example, pasta bowls are very specifically designed to serve pasta dishes. They are wider and shallow, allowing you to enjoy spaghetti without the fear of it spilling over. There are also bowls with easy-to-grip handles, perfect for a comforting bowl of soup.
In the contemporary world, where convenience is key, the utility of bowls and plates is also seen in microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe versions. These utensils can easily withstand the heat of a microwave oven, making it simple to reheat or cook food. Cleaning up is also a breeze with dishwasher-safe options.
Recently, the cooking world has been taken by storm with the rise of air fryers. These devices cook food by circulating hot air around the meal, providing a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. This innovative appliance has become increasingly popular due to its advantages in promoting healthier meals by reducing oil usage. Usually, they are a bit pricey, but keep an eye out, as many stores offer an air fryer discount from time to time.
Whether it’s your traditional ceramic plates, favorite soup bowls or the trendy bamboo bowls and plates, each have their unique place in your kitchen. Next time while having a meal or setting one, remember the little nuances each dish brings and the role they play in enhancing your dining experience.