A shallow bowl is a type of dish that has a relatively small depth, typically measuring less than 4 inches. It can be made from various materials such as ceramic, glass or plastic and is designed to hold food in a small amount of space while still providing an elegant presentation. Shallow bowls are commonly used for serving appetizers, snacks, salads or side dishes at dinner parties or other social gatherings. They can also be used for decorative purposes as they often come in various colors and designs to match different table settings.