Little tiny bowls that are used for serving food or as decorative items go by a few different names depending on their size, shape, material, and purpose. Some common terms used for miniature bowls include:
Shot Glasses
Shot glasses are very small drinking vessels, usually made of glass and holding 1-1.5 ounces of liquid. While they are most commonly used for serving strong alcoholic drinks like spirits, they can also be used for things like dessert shots, appetizers, sauces, and dips.
Ramekins
Ramekins are small oven-safe bowls used for baking and serving individual portions. They are commonly used for foods like soufflés, custards, pot de crème, crème brûlée, and single-serving casseroles or gratins. Ramekins are usually made from ceramic or porcelain and come in sizes from 1-6 ounces.
Dip Bowls
Dip bowls, also called sauce bowls, are small bowls designed for serving sauces, dips, and condiments. They often have a wide, shallow bowl shape. Dip bowls may range in size from 1-4 ounces and are commonly made of glass, ceramic, or melamine.
Sake Cups
Sake cups are tiny cups used for drinking sake, a Japanese rice wine. They are traditionally very small, holding just 1-2 ounces. Sake cups can be made from materials like porcelain, lacquerware, or wood.
Demitasse Cups
Demitasse cups, also called espresso cups, are tiny cups used for serving espresso and other small, strong coffee drinks. Traditional demitasse cups hold 3-4 ounces and often have a handle-less design. They are commonly made from porcelain or glass.
Mini Bowls
Mini bowls is a general term for any very small bowl. They may be as small as 1-2 ounces and used for serving bite-sized portions of foods like appetizers, snacks, candies, nuts, dips, sauces, and more. Mini bowls come in a wide variety of shapes, materials, and designs.
Small Serving Bowls
Small serving bowls hold slightly larger portions than mini bowls, often around 4-8 ounces. They can be used for serving individual side dishes, cereals, desserts, and many other foods. Small serving bowls are made from materials like glass, ceramic, and melamine.
Finger Bowls
Finger bowls are very small, shallow bowls used for rinsing fingers during or after a meal. They are usually 2-4 inches wide and hold just a few ounces of water. Finger bowls can be made from glass, silver, or china.
Salt Cellars
Salt cellars are tiny bowls specifically designed for serving salt at the table. They often have lids with small holes to shake out salt. Salt cellars may hold around 0.5-2 ounces and are commonly made of glass or silver.
Egg Cups
Egg cups are small cups used to hold soft boiled eggs upright while eating them. They help keep the egg neatly contained and prevent it from rolling off the plate. Egg cups are usually ceramic or porcelain and sized to hold a small chicken egg.
Butter Pat Dishes
Butter pat dishes are small plates or bowls used for serving individual butter portions. They are commonly found at restaurants and formal table settings. Butter pat dishes are generally 1-3 inches wide and made of glass, silver, or porcelain.
Sculptural Bowls
Some miniature bowls are made and used solely for decoration rather than function. These sculptural bowls are artistically designed in various shapes, patterns, and materials. They are displayed as objets d’art and range greatly in size, from thimble-sized to 4-5 inches across.
Conclusion
In summary, tiny bowls go by many different specific names depending on factors like their material, shape, capacity, and purpose. But in general, they can be categorized as miniature versions of cups, plates, bowls, and serving dishes used for food, drink, and décor.