If I went to a restaurant and ordered soup (surprise me!) and they gave me a bowl of cereal, I would likely have my goons come back and torch the place.

I mean, if they gave me gazpacho or a cold melon soup I also would not be thrilled, but I would not accuse them of violating the conditions that I had laid out.

Cereal isn’t soup, but soup is cereal. Crackers on top just seal the deal.

I have had this thought before. I think cereal & milk is a cold, often sweet soup with a simple dairy broth (milk).