How to eat with chopsticks

Asian cuisine has been a popular choice in Europe and America for decades. While most people are familiar with Japanese sushi, many also enjoy a piping hot bowl of ramen. However, have you ever felt embarrassed eating in an Asian restaurant because you didn’t know how to use chopsticks? While many Asian restaurants offer the option of cutlery like forks, spoons and knives, on some occasions, it may be appropriate to know how to use chopsticks well. With this in mind, we are sharing a brief video from the 'For Us Foodies' YouTube channel that provides easy-to-follow instructions on using chopsticks properly in just over a minute.

How are chopsticks made?  

Chopstick making is a skilled process that carefully combines age-old craftsmanship with modern methods. The main materials used are wood or bamboo. Bamboo is a bit cheaper and more environmentally friendly, though it can warp more easily. Wood, like alder, is also commonly used. The wood is cut to about one and a half times the length of a chopstick, then shaped and smoothed, ready for painting. 

Chopsticks are usually made according to specific orders, with details like the type of wood, size, style, and finish decided in advance. Chopsticks for the Japanese and British markets often have more layers of paint, making them more colourful and durable than those made for the Chinese market. The first two layers are usually a base coat or sealer, smoothed down before adding two more layers of colour for a deeper look. 

Next, designs are often added, especially on the handle. While some designs are hand-painted, most chopsticks have a pre-printed design applied using a special method, sometimes at different factories. After this, a clear protective coating is applied. The chopsticks are then paired, wrapped, and put into clear plastic bags to keep them clean and safe. 

Disposable chopsticks, like the widely used "Genroku" style from Japan, are usually made by machines, using wood like spruce, birch, willow, cedar, and bamboo. These have a straight shape with slightly rounded corners for comfort. 

In contrast, making Wakasa lacquer chopsticks involves more than 50 steps and takes several months. This includes applying many layers of lacquer, drying them, and adding decorative elements like shell, gold leaf, and pine needles. Despite being expensive and taking a lot of work to make, these chopsticks are made to be used, not just for display. 

How to hold chopsticks 

To hold chopsticks correctly, follow these steps: 

• Hold the first chopstick like a pencil, approximately a third of the way from its top. Rest it on the ring finger and secure it with the thumb, keeping it stationary. 

• Place the second chopstick against your index finger and hold it with your thumb and middle finger. This chopstick is the one you'll move to grasp food. 

• Ensure the tips of both chopsticks are aligned. They shouldn't cross or be at different angles. 

• Use your thumb, index, and middle fingers to grip and control the second chopstick. To pick up food, move only the upper chopstick, keeping the bottom one stable. 

• It may feel awkward at first, but with practice, using chopsticks becomes more natural and precise. 

Remember, holding chopsticks is a skill that improves with practice, so don't be discouraged if it doesn't come easily at first. Keep practicing 

How to eat rice with chopsticks 

Eating rice with chopsticks can be a bit challenging, especially if the rice isn't sticky. Here are some tips: 

• Sticky or clumpy rice varieties, like those used in East Asian cuisines, are easier to eat with chopsticks. 

• Instead of picking up individual grains, use your chopsticks to scoop a small amount of rice. Press the chopsticks together slightly to compact the rice. 

• Gently lift the scoop of rice to your mouth and tilt the chopsticks, allowing the rice to fall into your mouth rather than shovelling it in. 

• It's often acceptable and practical to lift the rice bowl closer to your mouth to reduce the distance you need to move the rice. 

As with any skill, getting comfortable with eating rice using chopsticks takes practice. Don't be discouraged if it's difficult at first. 

How to eat noodles with chopsticks 

Eating noodles with chopsticks can be a delightful experience. Here's a simple guide: 

• Use the chopsticks to gather a manageable amount of noodles. Avoid grabbing too many, as this can make it challenging to eat. 

• Gently lift the noodles out of the bowl. If they are long, you might need to lift and separate them from the rest to make them easier to manage. 

• In many East Asian cultures, using a spoon in your other hand is common to help catch any drips or scoop up broth or smaller pieces. 

• If the noodles are very long, you can twirl them around your chopsticks, similar to how you might use a fork with spaghetti. Alternatively, gently fold them over the chopsticks. 

• Bring the chopsticks to your mouth and eat the noodles directly off of them. It's okay to slurp, which is often considered polite in East Asian cultures, as it shows you are enjoying the meal. 

Like with any skill, becoming adept at eating noodles with chopsticks takes practice. Don't worry if you struggle at first – it gets easier with time. 

How to eat sushi with chopsticks 

Sushi has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide, yet it remains a little-known fact that this culinary art form includes over 35 unique traditional types. Its widespread consumption doesn't necessarily translate to a general knowledge of the proper technique for eating it with chopsticks. To bridge this gap, we've compiled a step-by-step guide on eating sushi with chopsticks. 

• Gently grasp a piece of sushi with your chopsticks. It's best to pick it up by the sides, rather than from the top or bottom. 

• If you choose to use soy sauce, dip the fish side of the sushi lightly into the sauce, not the rice. This prevents the rice from absorbing too much sauce and falling apart. 

• Sushi is typically designed to be eaten in a single bite. This way, you can experience all the flavours together as intended. 

• Use a small piece of pickled ginger between different pieces of sushi to cleanse your palate. Do not eat the ginger in the same bite as the sushi. 

• Chopsticks require a light touch, especially with sushi, as squeezing too hard can cause the sushi to fall apart. 

Eating sushi with your hands is acceptable if you find chopsticks too challenging. Enjoy your sushi in the way that feels most comfortable for you. 

What not to do with chopsticks 

When using chopsticks, there are several cultural and etiquette rules to keep in mind, especially in East Asian countries: 

Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice because this resembles a ritual associated with death in many Asian cultures. 

Pointing at someone or something with chopsticks is considered rude. 

Don't pass food chopstick-to-chopstick. This is another action associated with funeral rites in some cultures. 

Don't spear food. Using chopsticks to impale food is seen as improper. Instead, use them to grasp or scoop. 

One must observe many rules while using chopsticks other than the ones mentioned above. If you are interested in knowing all the rules that should be followed and things that should not be done while using chopsticks, you will definitely find our article 'Chopstick Rules: 18 Ways Not to Use Chopsticks' interesting. 

To complete the information you need to eat correctly with chopsticks, we have brought you a brief video from the 'For Us Foodies' YouTube channel that provides easy-to-follow instructions on using chopsticks properly in just over a minute.  

Electric chopsticks make food taste salty

Now that you've finally mastered the art of using chopsticks properly, we have an exciting new topic for you to explore: a marvellous invention straight from Japan – electric chopsticks. These innovative, computerised chopsticks are designed to enhance the savouriness of your food, taking your dining experience to a whole new level.