How to Use Chopsticks

Nobody can master chopsticks in a few minutes, it takes skill and practice. Initially, it seems like a hefty task but as time goes on, you will adapt to it. These sticks make up a big part of the culture of Asians, mainly made to accustom to their bite-sized meals when dining. They look strange at first but once you learn to use them, it will seem as simple as ever.

A chopstick is usually made of a large variety of materials including wood, bamboo, metal, plastic, bone, jade, porcelain, and ivory. Each chopstick is usually the same length made to be held in a single hand.

The steps mentioned in the later part of this article will give you a guide on how to start using chopsticks to engage in fine dining.

STEP 1: How To Grip a Chopstick

Using chopsticks majorly depends on how you grip them. Nobody gets it on the first try but if you follow these steps, you will be using it like a master. Start with a wooden or bamboo chopstick.

1. Put the first chopstick in between your index finger and your thumb. The thicker end of the chopstick would rest in between the thumb and the index finger, it will be on the base of the middle. Use the end of your ring finger or middle to support the chopsticks. These chopsticks don’t move when you pick food, it is the anchor.
2. Grip the other chopstick with the middle of your index finger and thumb. The thumb will press the chopsticks to the middle of the index finger. Use the top knuckle of the index finger to support the chopstick from below. This chopstick is the one that moves.
3. Make sure each chopstick is equal to each other for easy use and to avoid them crossing each other.
4. Practice moving them up and down with the middle and index fingers. Pinch the chopstick with the index finger to open the chopsticks and use the middle finger to push it to open.
5. Make sure to not move your thumb, it is only serving as support.

Practice makes perfect, continue with handling the chopstick until you get the hang of it.

STEP 2: How to Use a Chopstick to Pick Up Food

Now that you have the grip laid down, it is time to practice picking up food with the chopsticks. This part is a bit tricky and takes a bit more time to master. To pick up food with chopsticks:

1. The best angle to pick up food with chopsticks is at an angle of 45.
2. Grip your food with the chopsticks nearly parallel to the table. It makes it easy to grip and carry food to the mouth.
3. Use the chopsticks to pinch that tasty bite-sized meal gently. When it is steady in the chopstick, lift it up but if not then drop it and try again.
4. You can put your other hand underneath as you carry the food if you feel nervous about dropping it.

This is the basics of picking up food with chopsticks. Practice picking up individual miniature foods like peanuts or popcorn.

STEP 3: How to Use a Chopstick in Handling Different Foods

Different foods may require an adjustment in how you use the chopsticks. It is best to use them on a variety of cuisines until you fully master them.

1. Using chopsticks to grip small pieces of food: For example, rice, you can practice eating a bowl of rice with chopsticks. It is best to pick up the bowl and put it close to your mouth when using the chopstick to eat it. This is a common way of eating a bowl of rice with chopsticks. If things are going well, after a few tries, you could get a spoon and eat the rice but continue practising.

2. Using Chopsticks with Slippery Food: For example, noodles, it is best to lift the noodles parallel to the table after dipping the chopsticks into them. Bring the noodles up to your mouth and then slurp it. Don’t be ashamed to slurp it, many cultures take it as enjoying your food.

3. Using Chopsticks for Delicate Food: For example sushi or boiled dumplings, it is best to lift the food from below by cradling it on the top of your chopsticks. Although many prefer using your hands for food like this, you could show some real skill by using them to eat them.

Now that you have gone through all the steps, start practising and mastering the use of chopsticks.

Popular Mistakes When Using Chopsticks

At times some people find it hard to perfect the use of chopsticks. This is because of inconsistent practice or some popular mistakes like:

1. Placing your hand too low: When your hand is too low, it makes it a bit harder to open the chopsticks and they can end up hitting each other before even reaching halfway to the mouth.
2. Tightly squeezing your hand: If you hold your hand tightly, it will be difficult to open and close the chopsticks. For easy movement, your hand has to be a bit loose.

These are the two main mistakes beginners make when learning to use the chopsticks. Avoid these mistakes when using them.

Etiquettes in Using Chopsticks

Some Asian customs guide the use of chopsticks, especially in a social gathering. Follow these rules to avoid disrespecting the culture by accident:

1. It is a custom to pick up food that is shared around the table with the thicker part of the chopsticks. Turn them around to pick up communal food and place it on your plate. Then turn them back and resume eating. If there are serving chopsticks near the plates, use them to pick your food instead but not to eat with.
2. When you are not eating, place them horizontally to avoid it pointing at someone. Also don’t just place it on the table, put it on a chopstick rest or the edge of your plate or a napkin.
3. Always separate them from under the table and avoid spearing food with your it to not seem rude.
4. Avoid transferring food from chopstick to chopstick. It shows a similarity to a Japanese ritual for a funeral.
5. Do not cross them when you place them down. It is a commonly believed sign of death.
6. Do not place them standing up in a bowl of food. It looks like a funeral setting.

Try to not make mistakes by committing any of these social taboos. It can give you a bad image and bring unnecessary hate from others.