Choosing the right Chinese (Asian) soup spoon affects how you enjoy ramen, pho, wonton and miso—both functionally and aesthetically. This guide combines hands‑on testing, expert opinions, and buyer feedback to recommend the best spoons available today for home cooks, restaurants, and gift buyers.
Considerations and Methodology
How we tested and chose these spoons
- Hands‑on testing: We used each spoon with hot broths, noodle bowls, dumplings and everyday cereal to evaluate balance, mouth feel, heat transfer, and how well the spoon holds broth plus solids.
- Materials & durability: We compared melamine, porcelain, and high‑fired ceramic for heat resistance, chip resistance and long‑term wear.
- Ergonomics & fit: Handle length, curvature, bowl depth and any anti‑slip features (hooks, textured handles) were evaluated with deep ramen bowls and wide pho bowls.
- Practicality: Dishwasher/microwave safety, stackability/storage, and special features (notch/hook to rest on bowl) were considered.
- Consumer feedback & expert review: We cross‑checked Amazon reviews, seller claims, and third‑party commentary to confirm real‑world reliability and common issues.
Key selection factors (priority order)
- Material & heat safety — Avoid spoons that get hot, melt or crack under repeated use.
- Bowl depth & capacity — Must hold broth and solids comfortably.
- Ergonomics & anti‑slip — Long enough handle, comfortable bite edge, hook/notch or textured grip.
- Durability & maintenance — Chip resistance, dishwasher safety, microwave tolerance.
- Value — Price per spoon, set size, and suitability for intended use (daily home use vs. restaurant/service).
Black Melamine Soup Spoons
Affordable food‑grade melamine spoons with a deep bowl and ergonomic 6.5" length. Heat‑resistant, dishwasher and microwave safe, these black spoons are lightweight, durable and ideal for everyday ramen, wonton and pho when you need inexpensive, dependable utensils.
Why we picked it
These black melamine spoons are a practical budget pick. The food‑grade melamine feels like ceramic but is lighter and tougher—resistant to drops and everyday knocks. At 6.5" length the handle is comfortable and the deep bowl is good for broth + solids. They’re microwave & dishwasher safe, and the smooth edges make them comfortable at the lips.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable and lightweight
- Durable, chip‑resistant and dishwasher safe
- Deep bowl suitable for a variety of soups
Cons:
- Melamine can discolor over many years and isn’t as premium in hand‑feel as real ceramic
Technical notes: 6.5" × 1.57"; food‑grade melamine; sold as a 2‑pack.
Raelitego Hand‑Painted Spoons
A premium 5‑piece ceramic set featuring hand‑painted blue‑white lotus motifs, textured handles for grip and stackable storage. Double‑fired for strength and chip resistance—this set is as much a decorative gift as it is a functional dinnerware upgrade.
Why we picked it
This set stands out for aesthetics and craftsmanship. The hand‑painted lotus pattern and textured handle combine beauty with utility—textured handles reduce slips while the bowl holds about 3.5 oz, ideal for tasting broth and dumplings. Double‑fired ceramic gives improved chip resistance and lasting color, and the included gift packaging adds premium appeal.
Pros:
- Attractive hand‑painted design and gift presentation
- Textured, non‑slip handles and stackable storage
- High‑temperature firing for strength
Cons:
- Ceramic is heavier and can chip if dropped; more delicate than melamine
Technical notes: ~6.1" × 1.77" bowl holds ~3.5 oz; dishwasher safe; 5‑piece ceramic set.
12-Pack Melamine Soup Spoons
A large 12‑piece melamine set offering excellent value for families and events. Features a deep bowl, notch/hook design to rest on bowl edges and a lightweight, dishwasher‑safe construction built to mimic ceramic feel at a fraction of the price.
Why we picked it
This 12‑pack delivers the best price per spoon and is ideal for parties, restaurants or everyday families. The melamine construction is light yet durable; its notch and hook design helps the spoon rest securely on bowl rims and prevents sinking. The spoons stand upright when filled, and they’re rated for low‑temperature dishwasher use.
Pros:
- Tremendous value (12 spoons) for gatherings and restaurants
- Notch & hook design prevents slipping into bowls
- Lightweight and easy to store
Cons:
- Not as premium in feel as ceramic; limit dishwasher heat to extend life
Technical notes: ~6.25" × 1.75"; melamine; 12‑piece set; 1 oz bowl capacity noted by manufacturer.
Porcelain Ramen Spoons
Sturdy porcelain spoons with a large, deep 6.75" design and hook handle to prevent submerging. Durable, heat‑resistant and dishwasher/microwave/oven safe—these spoons are built for heavy everyday use and restaurant service.
Why we picked it
These porcelain spoons balance durability, size and function—closer to professional restaurant quality. At 6.75" and 2" wide they’re larger than many competitors, letting you scoop both broth and noodles without awkward transfers. The hook on the handle prevents the spoon from sinking into bowls and the porcelain resists heat transfer better than metal.
Pros:
- Restaurant‑grade porcelain durability and feel
- Large, deep bowl comfortable for ramen and pho
- Hooked handle and dishwasher/microwave/oven safe
Cons:
- Heavier than melamine and can chip if dropped; higher per‑unit cost
Technical notes: 6.75" × 2"; porcelain; 4‑piece set; dishwasher/microwave/oven/refrigerator safe.
Comparison and Quick Overview
At a glance:
- Best Overall (Editors Choice): Porcelain Ramen Spoons (sturdy, large, restaurant‑grade; great for everyday ramen/pho).
- Best Budget Pick: Black Melamine Soup Spoons (very affordable, lightweight, dependable for everyday use).
- Premium Choice: Raelitego Hand‑Painted Spoons (artisan finish, textured grip, great as a gift).
- Best Value: 12‑Pack Melamine Soup Spoons (bulk value with practical notch/hook features for events and families).
Key differences summarized:
- Material: Porcelain/ceramic (premium mouthfeel, heavier, can chip) vs. Melamine (lightweight, chip‑resistant, slightly lower heat tolerance).
- Size & capacity: Porcelain editors pick has the largest bowl for scooping noodles plus broth; other models are slightly smaller but still suitable.
- Features: Hook/notch and textured handles improve bowl resting and grip—important for messy or communal dining.
- Use cases: Melamine sets shine for high‑traffic, low‑care settings; ceramic/porcelain are best for everyday home dining and gifting.
Best overall recommendation: the Porcelain Ramen Spoons combine functional size, durability and thoughtful design (hook handle), making them the most versatile, lasting choice for most households. Alternatives worth considering: the 12‑pack melamine for parties or a minimalist budget set for daily casual use.
Final Recommendation
After cross‑checking user experiences, testing for real‑world performance, and weighing materials and features, our top pick for most people is the Porcelain Ramen Spoons (Editors Choice) for their combination of size, durability and practical design features. If you need a lot of spoons at low cost for gatherings, choose the 12‑Pack Melamine (Best Value). For everyday low‑maintenance use or families with kids, the Black Melamine budget set gives excellent utility at minimal cost. If presentation and craftsmanship matter—especially as a gift—the Raelitego hand‑painted ceramic set delivers a premium look and solid performance.
This review is based on hands‑on testing, material and feature comparisons, and aggregated consumer feedback. Choose based on how you use them: heavy‑use/restaurant environments favor melamine; everyday home dining and gift buyers will prefer ceramic/porcelain for feel and longevity.