Q&A for How to Eat with Chopsticks

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  • Question
    Is it okay if I don't hold them right? Am I going to offend guests?
    Thuong Tan
    Thuong Tan
    Noodle Expert
    Thuong Tan is a Noodle Expert and the Founder of Noodelist, a food startup producing plant-based instant noodles. Thuong holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Marketing from Haaga-Helia, University of Applied Sciences, and an MBA in Luxury Brand Management from IFA Paris, Polimoda/Shanghai University. Noodelist’s mission is to produce premium plant-based moroheiya noodles that are nutrient-dense, texturally pleasing, and environmentally friendly.
    Thuong Tan
    Noodle Expert
    Expert Answer
    No, I really wouldn't worry about that. I hold my chopsticks a little funny too, and I've been eating noodles for years!
  • Question
    Should I ask for a fork if I'm a little embarrassed about messing up with chopsticks?
    Thuong Tan
    Thuong Tan
    Noodle Expert
    Thuong Tan is a Noodle Expert and the Founder of Noodelist, a food startup producing plant-based instant noodles. Thuong holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Marketing from Haaga-Helia, University of Applied Sciences, and an MBA in Luxury Brand Management from IFA Paris, Polimoda/Shanghai University. Noodelist’s mission is to produce premium plant-based moroheiya noodles that are nutrient-dense, texturally pleasing, and environmentally friendly.
    Thuong Tan
    Noodle Expert
    Expert Answer
    You can! If chopsticks are going to keep you from enjoying your food, then just ask for a fork. There's nothing wrong with that. But honestly, I'd say you should just go for it with the chopsticks. Don't be nervous. Nobody is going to expect you to be a chopstick pro if you didn't grow up with them!
  • Question
    How do you eat with chopsticks if you're a total beginner?
    Thuong Tan
    Thuong Tan
    Noodle Expert
    Thuong Tan is a Noodle Expert and the Founder of Noodelist, a food startup producing plant-based instant noodles. Thuong holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Marketing from Haaga-Helia, University of Applied Sciences, and an MBA in Luxury Brand Management from IFA Paris, Polimoda/Shanghai University. Noodelist’s mission is to produce premium plant-based moroheiya noodles that are nutrient-dense, texturally pleasing, and environmentally friendly.
    Thuong Tan
    Noodle Expert
    Expert Answer
    Depending on where you are, you can take a small bit of paper and a rubber band to create a kind of joint. These are typically given to kids, but they're great if you're brand new to chopsticks. They really let you get a feel for them in your hand.
  • Question
    Why is it so hard to hold chopsticks?
    Yoko Isassi
    Yoko Isassi
    Japanese Food Specialist
    Yoko Isassi is a Japanese Food Specialist and the Founder of Foodstory in Los Angeles, California. Since 2011, she has taught others how to cook Japanese food and educated others about Japanese food culture. Yoko holds an MA from Columbia University.
    Yoko Isassi
    Japanese Food Specialist
    Expert Answer
    You're probably not holding it correctly. One chopstick should be stabilized between the web of your hand and your ring finger and the other one will be controlled by your other fingers.
  • Question
    Do Koreans have any cultural rules about eating with chopsticks?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Koreans will typically eat boiled rice with a spoon. In Korea, it is also considered bad behavior to hold a spoon and chopsticks together. Lastly, you should always wait until the elder starts eating before you start eating.
  • Question
    Can I use my middle finger to help me hold the second chopstick?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    This is a quotation from Method 1: "Some may prefer to hold the chopstick on the side of their ring finger, with the tip of their ring finger holding it in place. This frees the middle finger to hold the other chopstick more securely and provides that one with more control. It is a more formal approach."
  • Question
    Is it impolite to ask for a normal spoon or fork?
    sandy morat
    sandy morat
    Community Answer
    No. You may use whatever utensil that makes you comfortable. It is impolite to hold chopsticks and a spoon or fork together.
  • Question
    How should I eat with chop sticks if I'm left handed?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can follow the instructions, but use your left hand instead of your right hand.
  • Question
    Where can I get chopsticks?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can get them at the supermarket or a kitchen store. You can also get them from Chinese and Japanese restaurants.
  • Question
    Which type of chopsticks are better to use: bamboo or metal?
    Giada
    Giada
    Community Answer
    Bamboo or wooden are the easiest chopsticks to use because of the gripping texture at the top.
  • Question
    How do I use chopsticks to eat noodles?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    This really depends on the type of noodles you are eating and on local etiquette. Japanese Ramen usually involves a lot of slurping. Mix in condiments with your chopsticks, pick up some noodles with the chopsticks (some people twist them slightly as they grip the noodles in order to prevent the noodles from sliding off) and slurp away! Eating ramen, it is completely okay (and expected!) to bring your face close to the bowl and slurp loudly. When you finish the noodles (assuming there is some broth left) you can ask for kaedama: a noodle refill which you mix into the left-over broth. Finish the broth with a spoon or drinking directly from the bowl.
  • Question
    Is it disrespectful to cross chopsticks like an "x" when holding them?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Not only is it disrespectful to cross your chopsticks in some areas, but it is also not practical. If your chopsticks cross while you hold them, then your technique is wrong and it will be next to impossible to pick up food.
  • Question
    Can I eat a riceball with chopsticks?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can, but it is not mandatory. A riceball is like a cookie, so you can just use your hands.
  • Question
    Can you make an easier way to eat with chopsticks? I get so confused.
    Raif
    Raif
    Community Answer
    The traditional way is the way you just read. We can't change etiquette easily. You are free to do it your own way or use a different utensil.
  • Question
    Can I hold them farther down?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, but you typically want the butt end of the chopsticks to be about an inch and a half away from the skin between your thumb and index finger.
  • Question
    What should I do if I have small hands?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Use or make smaller chopsticks.
  • Question
    How can I eat with chopsticks in a way that is not awkward?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can practice using chopsticks on larger pieces of food, until you get more comfortable. The more you practice, the easier and less awkward it will be to eat smaller pieces of food with the chopsticks.
  • Question
    Can I use chopsticks if I am not Japanese?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can.
  • Question
    Is it good or bad to eat with my left hand?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It's fine to eat with your left hand.
  • Question
    What do I need to say to pick up my chopsticks if I accidentally dropped them?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You don't have to say anything, just discreetly pick the sticks up. Let the "10 Second Rule" apply if you are comfortable doing so.
  • Question
    How can I learn to use chopsticks easily?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Practice makes perfect, as they say. Use chopsticks whenever you can, and you'll get the hang of it.
  • Question
    Where can I buy and use chopsticks if there are no Chinese or Japanese restaurants in my area?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can buy chopsticks from an Online Japanese restaurant retailer or eBay/Amazon.
  • Question
    Are chopsticks held differently depending on the country?
    Sonaldeep kaur Bains
    Sonaldeep kaur Bains
    Community Answer
    There is no major difference between countries, but the structure of the chopstick around the world is different. The Chinese use chopsticks measuring about 11 inches whereas the Japanese use ones measuring about 9 inches. This can cause a slight difference in the way the chopsticks are held.
  • Question
    If I want to train eating with chopsticks but I don't have chopsticks, what else can I use?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    I suppose you could try pencils, but chopsticks are easy to come by. They're free at any Chinese takeout restaurant or sushi counter. You can always just ask.
  • Question
    Is there a method more comfortable than this?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Unfortunately, there are not really other methods other than this. This is the basic method to use chopsticks. You can try different ways yourself if you would like.
  • Question
    Why is it disrespectful to cross chopsticks in an X?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It's disrespectful to cross your chopsticks in an 'X' because it is a symbol of death.
  • Question
    What's the difference between metal chopsticks and wooden chopsticks? Where did chopsticks originate?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Metal chopsticks are slippery and hard to control. Wooden chopsticks are more made of wood and they have some lines up at the top so they are easier to grip. Chopsticks probably originated in China.
  • Question
    Can I eat everyday foods with chopsticks?
    Daisha Williams
    Daisha Williams
    Community Answer
    It depends on what your "everything foods" are. If you want to eat cereal or oatmeal, for instance, then no. But if you have foods like eggs or salmon for breakfast, noodles or salad for lunch or stir fry, then yes, you can. You can also attempt to eat other foods with chopsticks, it just may be difficult depending on the type of food.
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