We’ve all tried to eat our food with chopsticks at some point or another. But how do you know whether you’re using them correctly? Whether you’ve never tried using them before or are looking to improve your technique, we’ll be going through what chopsticks are, some do’s and don’ts of the art and, lastly, a few tips for using them properly. 

What are chopsticks?

In Japanese, chopsticks are called “Hashi”, but they’re not just used in Japan for eating food. Chopsticks are used in many different countries, including China, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea and Vietnam. They’re long and thin that resemble sticks, hence the name, and they’re made from a variety of different materials, from wood to whale bone. 

But they haven’t always been used for eating food. As early as 1200 BC in East Asia, chopsticks were made from bronze and used to stoke fires thanks to their durability. However, they were also used to stir pots and to transfer food products from a pot to a plate, much like how they’re used today. 

They’re staple kitchen utensils for many people, and they clearly have been for a millennia, but using them is considered to be somewhat of an art. So how can you use chopsticks effortlessly to eat your Asian cuisine? Let’s take a look at some hints and tips.

4 tips for using chopsticks 

Using chopsticks might seem straightforward enough, but there’s actually quite an art to using these elegant eating utensils. Whether you’ve never used chopsticks before or are simply looking to up your chopstick-using game, then here are four tips for using them successfully, and without offending anyone.

1. Hold the chopsticks correctly

When it comes to using chopsticks, there is a right and a wrong way to use them. Where we’ll get onto chopstick manners in a moment, there are a few things you should know about holding chopsticks in the right way and using them like a pro. Here are a few pointers to help you hold and use them correctly:

• Hold them like a pen - take the first chopstick and hold it like a pen or a pencil. Make sure that the front end is longer than the back
• Insert the second chopstick - add the second chopstick into the mix by slipping it between the first stick and the base of the thumb. This is considered to be the basic chopstick grip
• Begin eating your meal - now that you’re holding your chopsticks properly, you can tuck into your food. Hold the top chopstick in place using your index and middle finger and then hold the bottom chopstick at the base of your thumb and ring finger for an extra tight grip. Hold the bottom stick still, only moving the top stick to grasp your food. You may need to move the back chopstick slightly, but that’s all there really is to eating your food with chopsticks like a pro

2. Watch your chopsticks manners

Believe it or not, there is something known as ‘chopstick etiquette’. There’s a correct way and a polite way of using chopsticks that everyone needs to know about, especially if you’re going to be using chopsticks in an Asian country, such as Japan or China. There are multiple things that you should avoid doing with your chopsticks, such as:

• Utilising a chopstick to stab your food - also known as “Sashibashi”, the act of using a chopstick to stab your food in order to pick it up is considered to be bad manners, culturally. In Japan, for instance, it’s considered to be rude and unsophisticated. It could also result in the food sliding off the plate, onto the table or worse; onto the floor. If food slides off the plate, it’s then considered to be unsanitary to eat
• Using your chopsticks to pull the dish towards you - also referred to as “Yosebashi”, using your chopsticks to pull your dish towards you at the dinner table is bad manners. Where it might seem convenient, it’s frowned upon, culturally, so use your hands to do the same thing and refrain from using your chopsticks in this way
• Laying your chopsticks together, and horizontally, across the plate - it’s also known as “Watashibashi”, and it actually signals to others that you have finished eating. If you do this in the middle of a meal, people may take offence as it suggests you don’t like the food. Many restaurants that offer chopsticks as an eating utensil will offer chopstick rests, so use that instead. If there isn’t one, lay them down on a side plate or a napkin, but never on your plate in that fashion
• Licking your chopsticks at any point - where you’ve finished your meal or are half way through it, you should never lick your chopsticks. “Neburibashi”, which means licking your chopsticks, is frowned upon traditionally, so don’t do this unless you’re taking food off your chopsticks using your mouth, or if there is actually a piece of food stuck to it
• Passing food from your chopsticks to someone else’s chopsticks - referred to as “Hiroibashi”, taking the food from your chopsticks and passing it to the chopsticks of another diner isn’t considered to be polite. This is because, in Japan, the remains of a deceased person are collected in much the same way using specialist chopsticks that are designed to go through the remains after someone has been cremated. This, therefore, mimics the funeral custom at the dinner table, which is offensive, culturally

3. Keep practising

Like with anything, practice makes perfect. There’s nothing stopping you from buying some chopsticks from our online store and giving it a try yourself at home. Also, if you visit a restaurant that serves Asian cuisine, then there might well be the opportunity to eat your meal using chopsticks. Keep using chopsticks to eat your food until it becomes an effortless way of enjoying your food, whether it be Asian cuisine or otherwise.

4. Ask someone who is “in the know”

It’s always a good idea to find someone who has the knowledge and expertise already, because they’ll be able to give you the help and advice needed for you to master the art of using chopsticks. 

Whether you know someone who is a dab-hand, or if you simply ask an employee in the restaurant you’re in for some tips on using chopsticks correctly, it’s always best to ask someone who already has the expertise needed to effortlessly utilise these elegant utensils. 

School of Wok are pleased to offer expert cooking classes in London. We can also host corporate events - ideal for team-building exercises. Regardless of whether you’re looking to master Korean or Malaysian cuisine, among others, you’ll be in professional, expert hands when choosing our team of knowledgeable chefs for specialist cooking classes. If you would like further information, get in touch with a member of our team today on 0736 526 6695 - we're always pleased to hear from you.