Which statement best describes how a bisque and a chowder differ?

• A. Bisque is a clear broth.
• B. Chowder is a smooth, shellfish-based soup finished with cream.
• C. A bisque is a chunky soup with vegetables.
• D. Bisque is a smooth, shellfish-based soup finished with cream; chowder is a chunky soup with seafood or vegetables, often with milk or tomatoes.

Answer: (D)

Texture and preparation define the difference. A bisque is built from shellfish stock and shells, then puréed to a velvety, smooth consistency and finished with cream, giving a refined, uniform soup. Chowder, on the other hand, is hearty and chunky, with pieces of seafood or vegetables (often potatoes) left intact and the base often milk- or tomato-based. This clear contrast between a smooth, creamy texture and a chunky, ingredient-filled one is why the statement is the best description.