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As the weather cools and “soup season” officially begins, it’s the perfect time to brush up on an often-overlooked dining detail: soup etiquette. Whether you’re at a cozy dinner party, a client lunch, or a formal event, knowing how to eat soup correctly signals refinement and confidence at the table.
The Proper Way to Eat Soup
The golden rule of soup etiquette is simple: spoon away from yourself, not toward you. Gently dip your spoon into the bowl, scoop the soup away, and bring the spoon gracefully to your mouth. This prevents spills and keeps you stain free. To watch how to do this click here !
Take small sips from the side of the spoon - avoid slurping in Western etiquette. While it may be a cultural norm in some countries, in Western dining, slurping is considered impolite.
Handling the Soup Bowl
If the soup is served in a wide, shallow bowl, leave it on the table while eating. Avoid tilting the bowl or scraping the bottom of the bowl to gather the last spoonfuls.
What to Do with the Spoon
When you pause during the meal, rest your spoon in the soup plate or bowl, not on the tablecloth. Once finished, place the spoon on the underplate (the small dish beneath the soup bowl), signaling to servers that you’re done.
Bread and Soup: A Common Question
It’s tempting to dunk bread directly into your soup, but in formal dining, this is one thing we want to avoid as it can cause drips and spills. Instead, tear off a small piece of bread, butter it if provided, and eat it separately. If you’re served a consommé or broth with no bread plate, avoid dipping altogether.
Soups may seem simple, but the way you handle it can say a lot about your polish at the table. This season, embrace soup not only for its warmth and comfort but also as an opportunity to practice timeless etiquette.
