This is a question that many soup lovers ponder when ordering bread bowl soups from restaurants. The bread bowl itself can be a tasty accompaniment to the soup inside. However, some people wonder if it is poor etiquette or weird to eat the bread bowl after finishing the soup. There are pros and cons to eating the bread bowl that are worth considering.
The Case for Eating the Bread Bowl
There are several good reasons why eating the bread bowl makes sense:
1. It reduces food waste.
If you do not eat the bread bowl, it simply gets thrown out and wasted. Considering that bread products often take considerable resources to produce, from the farming and harvesting of grains to the baking process, throwing away an uneaten bread bowl means wasting all of those resources. Eating the bread bowl makes use of the whole food item.
2. It provides more nutrients.
Bread products contain carbohydrates for energy as well as some protein, vitamins, and minerals. Eating the bread bowl means you get more nutritional value from your soup, rather than just consuming the liquid broth and other ingredients. The bread soaks up some of the flavorful soup as well.
3. It’s an extra treat.
The bread bowl is essentially a built-in side with the soup. Rather than just getting soup in a regular bowl, you also get a tasty bread bowl that you can dip into any remaining broth or sauce. It’s like an edible serving dish.
4. Bread bowls are made to be eaten.
Restaurants that serve soups in bread bowls intend for the bread to be eaten and not wasted. The bread is an edible component of the overall dish. Leaving it uneaten means missing out on part of the experience.
5. It can save money.
Bread bowl soups are often more expensive than regular soups. If you do not eat the bread bowl, it means you paid extra for food that simply gets thrown out. Getting your money’s worth means consuming the entire dish.
Reasons People May Avoid Eating the Bread Bowl
However, there are also some valid reasons why someone may opt not to eat the bread bowl:
1. It can be very filling.
The soup itself provides satiety, and a large, dense bread bowl on top of that can push things over the edge from comfortably full to overly stuffed. The bread bowl may put you over your ideal calorie intake.
2. The texture changes when soaked.
After soaking up the soup, the consistency of the bread bowl transforms from crispy and crunchy to saturated and mushy. The change in texture may be unappealing.
3. It doesn’t taste great on its own.
Without the flavors from the soup, the bread bowl itself is just bland, doughy bread. The flavor appeal is strongly linked to the soup it accompanied.
4. Carb overload.
If your soup already contains starchy ingredients like noodles, rice, or potatoes, adding in the full bread bowl may overdo it on the refined carbs.
5. Dipping spreads germs.
Using pieces of the bread bowl for dipping and soaking up soup means introducing a utensil that was handled with your hands into the communal soup or liquid. This can spread germs if you double-dip.
6. It may violate etiquette.
Some dining etiquette guides advise against eating the bread bowl, as it could be seen as uncouth. Sticking to just the soup may be better manners in a formal setting.
Factors to Consider
Whether or not you should eat the bread bowl depends on several factors:
The type of bread
Crusty Italian or French bread bowls are likely tastier on their own compared to sub sandwich-style bread bowls. Go for bread with more flavor.
Portion size
A giant bread bowl may be too much bread, while a smaller one complements the soup nicely. Consider the overall balance.
Your hunger level
If you are extremely hungry, the extra carbs may be welcomed. If you are already satisfied from the soup, more bread may be unnecessary.
Dining companions
If others do not eat their bread bowls, following suit may be appropriate. But among close friends, it may be acceptable to enjoy the full experience.
Restaurant norms
Some places expect bread bowls to be eaten; others don’t. Take cues from the establishment’s style and service.
Table Comparing Bread Bowl Options
| Bread Bowl Type | Flavor Profile | Texture When Eaten with Soup | Pairs Best With… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italian/French bread | Hearty, crispy crust with chewy interior | Softer but still has some chew | Minestrone, tomato basil, beef stew |
| Sourdough | Tangy, robust sourdough flavor | Softens but has some structure | Clam chowder, broccoli cheddar |
| Multigrain wheat | Nutty, sweet, with visible grains | Very mushy when wet | Vegetable, lentil, chicken noodle |
| Pumpernickel | Hearty rye flavor, dark color | Holds shape and texture better than lighter breads | Beef barley, borscht, chili |
| Pretzel | Crisp, salty, and chewy | Softens but provides needed saltiness | Cheese soup, chowders, potato leek |
Conclusion
Whether or not to eat the bread bowl is a personal choice that depends on your preferences, hunger level, and the specific type of bread. Many restaurants intend for their bread bowls to be consumed, and eating it reduces waste while giving you more nutrition and value for your money. However, if the texture or amount of food is unappealing, don’t force yourself. Understand that the norms may also depend on the restaurant setting and customs. In general, consuming the bread bowl can be an enjoyable way to savor the entire soup experience as the chef intended. But opting not to eat the bowl does not necessarily make you strange or wrong either. Do what satisfies your tastes and appetite.