Chopstick Etiquette

Chopsticks. If you grew up using Western cutlery, chances are you’ve experimented with them from time to time.  (And by "experimented," I mean cursed under your breath while your hand started to get sore chasing around those last few grains of delicious sauce-covered rice).

...just me?

If you're accustomed to forks, knives and spoons, like any other new skill, eating with chopsticks takes practice. Having now traveled to a few countries in which chopsticks are the traditional utensils used for eating, I’ve gotten some real-time training, and had the chance to see everyday chopstick handlers in action.  Even though I have far fewer stab-resulting run-ins with the elusive cherry tomato, I discovered while writing this post that even after all this practice, my grip is still not “ideal.”

The thing is, eating with chopsticks is more complex than simply learning to use a new tool.  In the same way that kids in many American households are taught that it’s considered “good manners” to put napkins in their laps and keep their elbows off the table, learning to use chopsticks opens a door to observing the cultural nuance behind the manners, dining habits, and etiquette practices associated with said tool.  And while the basic grip and etiquette may be fairly universal, the application and detail varies between and evolves within each country and region.

For instance, did you know that the shape and material of chopsticks traditionally varies from country to country? Or that in China and Vietnam it’s customary to lift the bowl to your lips and scoop rice into your mouth using your chopsticks, but in South Korea you should leave the bowl on the table and bend to eat it?

 

image Lyson Media

I have compiled a list of helpful How-To's from crafty bloggers and eaters everywhere to help you learn the basic rules and etiquette associated with using chopsticks, unique to each country.  So, even if you’re not sitting down to a meal right now in Japan (or China, Korea, Taiwan, or Vietnam…), at least you’ll be prepared to eat like a pro the next time your friend wants to meet you for Sushi.  

GET A GRIP

(tutorials)

This one is my favorite, and it has a visual guide 

for lefties in the upper corner: 

via artstudioashenka

via Buzzfeed

via geobeats

AROUND THE WORLD ETIQUETTE

JapaneseChopstick Etiquette via Just Hungry

ChineseChopstick Etiquette via Travel China Guide

South Korean Dining Etiquette via Etiquette Scholar

And finally, an excellent source on the basic differences between chopstick and dining etiquettefrom country to country from Everything Chopsticks Blog

I know this only scratches the surface, but hopefully you found this helpful.  Five points if you're currently practicing your grip with the pen and highlighter you found lying on your desk.  Happy eating, travelers!