A long-standing mystery lurking on Hong Kong dining tables—the small hole found in the handles of traditional Chinese ceramic soup spoons—has finally been resolved by experts, settling a viral social media debate that saw creative but inaccurate theories proposed by netizens. The seemingly decorative feature is, in fact, an essential and highly practical component of the ceramic manufacturing process, designed to optimize pottery production and firing cycles.
The recent flurry of discussion began in a popular local Facebook group, “90年代回憶” (90s Memoirs), where a user posted a photo of the familiar utensil, asking the community to guess the function of the subtle perforation. Responses ranged from the romantic—a subtle design element to attract a potential suitor—to the absurd, including speculation that it served as an emergency safety vent. However, specialists familiar with traditional ceramics quickly stepped in to provide technical clarity on this ubiquitous piece of Hong Kong cutlery.
Industrial Function Over Aesthetics
The true purpose of the small hole is directly linked to how these ceramic utensils are created in a kiln. Manufacturing insiders explain that once the spoons are coated with glaze, they must be suspended for the subsequent high-temperature firing process.
The hole is utilized to hang the individual spoons on hooks or wires, allowing them to be loaded efficiently into the kiln without the glazed surfaces touching one another. This “hook-and-hang” method ensures a uniform glaze application and prevents the pieces from adhering to the kiln shelves or to each other, which would otherwise ruin the final product. Essentially, the small aperture maximizes kiln capacity and enhances the quality control of mass-produced porcelainware commonly used in cha chaan tengs and Cantonese restaurants.
The Power of Culinary Curiosity
The widespread curiosity and extensive commentary surrounding the unassuming spoon feature underscore the deeply ingrained nature of Chinese dining culture in daily life. This revelation demonstrates how even the smallest details embedded in everyday items often hold fascinating, practical significance rooted in industrial history and efficiency.
For those interested in exploring more about the production of Hong Kong’s ceramic tableware, industry resources often provide videos and diagrams detailing the traditional “hanging fired” technique. This historical use of the small hole confirms that while the online guesses provided entertainment, the underlying reality is a testament to clever, utilitarian design that streamlines ceramic production, ensuring an endless supply of soup spoons for hungry diners across the city and beyond.