Qaado

A qaado (also called qaando) is an eating utensil consisting of two parts: a rounded bowl-shaped head and a long handle. It is used to eat soft or liquid food such as soup, rice, milk, and tea, and also to measure out drinks sweetened with sugar.

The qaado is among the oldest eating utensils in human history. Examples made from wood, bone, and stone have been found at ancient sites and did not require significant technological advances to produce. Today most are made from non-rusting steel (stainless steel), though some are still made from wood, horn, or metal.

Parts and shape

The bowl part is usually spoon-shaped or round and sits in the hand. The handle provides a grip and distance, so that the hand does not touch the hot food. The depth of the bowl determines how much it can hold: soup spoons have deep bowls, while tea spoons are smaller.

Types

There are different types designed for specific purposes: a small tea spoon, a medium-sized food spoon, a soup spoon, and a large spoon for serving and dividing food (often shared). There are also spoons with small bowls used for stirring or tasting.

Use as a measuring utensil

In cooking, the qaado serves as a rough measure. Cookbooks use 'large spoon' and 'small spoon' to measure oil, sugar, and spices. This measure has been formally standardized in many places, but household spoons vary, so specialized measuring utensils are used when precision is needed.