I am an absolute novice when it comes to wielding a pair of chopsticks. Every time I think I’ve got it down, a few months will pass and I’ll get another opportunity to use them, then it seems like it is right back to square one (fumble, fumble). While I probably have more opportunities to practice with them, I never seem to take advantage. We actually eat Asian or food that would lend itself to using chopsticks quite a bit. The most significant factor playing into this is probably laziness and I hate to admit that, because in spirit I’d really like to become proficient and adept in what seems like such a simple exercise. In addition, I am not that familiar with the typical etiquette surrounding the use of these ancient utensils.
If you are a novice like me or just want to learn some more, I found a couple sites that provide great instruction on how to handle them and what the generally accepted etiquette is when you are using chopsticks in a public setting. Of course if you are travelling outside of the US each country probably has slight variations. Study up!
Seems like there are two popular methods, one uses your ring finger as the stabilizer for the bottom chopstick and the other uses the middle. With the ring finger method it provides you with more “options” to grab hold of the top chopstick. I’ve included examples of both. Use whichever one seems most comfortable to you as I’m not sure there is an advantage to one over the other – if you have an opinion on that… please chime in.
How To Use Chopsticks - This is a great video that talks to some basic etiquette points. It showcases the ring finger method. Looks like this site has some other great videos to peruse. Check out: “How to Eat Sushi”.
Holding Chopsticks - This is a pictorial guide and uses the other common method, which is more comfortable to me. Feels like I have more control and flexibility with this one.
I think it boils down to practice, practice, practice. I am going to make a vow to do just that!
haha, i’ve been using them all my life and i still can’t get it right sometimes
on another note – i went to the cupcake social by sxsw that hillary forwarded me last week…and i just have to say, sugar mama’s wins big time! oh my gosh…that pumpkin chocolate chip is to-die-for!!
obviously you haven’t spent enough time with me. . .if i don’t have chopsticks at an asian restaurant (yes, there are some that only set the table with silverware) i request them! trip to nyc!trip to nyc!trip to nyc!trip to nyc!
Sharon… Glad you got to make it to that event. 3 cheers for Sugar Mamas! Man o’ man – pumpkin chocolate chip sounds mighty fine tasty.
Natalie, you would have been proud of me today. I had Chinese and used chopsticks for about 50% of the meal and then had to revert to some fork action. My dilemna is I like to get the perfect bite – a piece of chicken, some rice and a bit of the sauce. I don’t know how to manage that with the chopsticks. When we make it out to NYC you will have to show us the ways.