If you haven't learned how to use chopsticks from a young age, eating with them can be intimidating.There is no need to be afraid.You can easily figure out how to use chopsticks with a little practice.Don't use chopsticks to pick up food if you hold them wrong.When eating out at a restaurant, you should be aware of the rules regarding chopsticks.You can learn to use chopsticks with some practice.
Step 1: Break your chopsticks.
Pick up your chopsticks and hold them in your hands.Pull the stick closer to you as you press forward.The middle of your chopsticks should break apart.To avoid hitting dishes on the table, lower the sticks to your knees.
Step 2: Rub the chopsticks together.
There are splinters near where the chopsticks broke.Rub the chopsticks together a few times to remove splinters if you notice them.When using nicer wooden chopsticks, don't rub them together.
Step 3: The wood block at the end of your chopsticks should not be broken.
Contrary to popular belief, you are not supposed to break off the wood block at the end of your chopsticks.The wood doesn't break easily and can cause your chopsticks to break.Do not touch the wood block at the end of your chopsticks.
Step 4: With your thumb, pointer, and middle finger, hold the first chopstick.
Similar to any other type of chopstick, wooden chopsticks are held and used the same way.The first chopstick should be held with the tips of your index and middle finger.To keep the chopstick balanced, use the tip of your thumb.If you do not get it right immediately, don't worry.It takes practice to balance chopsticks.
Step 5: The second chopstick should be between your thumb and palm.
The first one should be placed below the second one.If you want to hold the chopstick in place, place it between your thumb and palm.The chopstick doesn't move when you eat.If it's hard at first, don't sweat it.It takes a little practice.
Step 6: The chopstick should be moved with your middle and index finger.
Make sure you can maneuver your chopsticks correctly once you're holding them correctly.Only the top chopstick should move and you should only move it with your index and middle finger.Your thumb should not move.It can be difficult to use chopsticks correctly.Before handling food, give yourself time to practice.To keep your thumb still, be aware of it.You will be able to have better control of the chopsticks.It may take a while to get used to the new texture of ceramic chopsticks.
Step 7: The upper and lower chopsticks are used to grab food.
Once you have the basic motions down, using chopsticks is easy.You can separate the chopsticks by moving the upper one with your index and middle finger.Bring your food to your plate or mouth by grabbing it between the upper and lower chopsticks.If it takes time to master, do not get frustrated.If you've used forks and spoons in the past, it can be difficult to use chopsticks.Give yourself time to get used to the movement.
Step 8: The rice needs to be shoveled with chopsticks.
Rice can be pushed into your mouth with chopsticks.When eating rice, keep the bowl level.Push the rice into your mouth with your chopsticks.When eating in a Korean restaurant, do not do this, it's not appropriate in Korean culture.
Step 9: Don't let the chopsticks cross while grasping food.
The ends of your chopsticks should not cross over one another when picking up food.It will be hard to pick up food.You're gripping your food too tightly if your chopsticks cross at the ends.Let go of the food and try to grab it again.
Step 10: Do not use a chopstick to impale food.
If you're having trouble grasping food, don't use a chopstick to impale it, instead bring it to your mouth.Food can easily slip off if you use chopsticks like this.Bad manners are also considered.
Step 11: Don't place your chopsticks upright.
Rice is offered to someone's spirit at a shrine after death in some Buddhist cultures.When rice is offered to a spirit, chopsticks are left sitting upright.Placing chopsticks upright in rice could be seen as disrespectful to Buddhist cultures.If you're eating in a restaurant where the culture is not familiar to you, it's always a good idea to use chopsticks.
Step 12: Don't leave your chopsticks crossed on your plate or bowl.
Chopsticks are used in funeral rituals in Asian cultures.It's a good idea to avoid crossing your chopsticks just in case, as not all Asian cultures practice such rituals.If you don't want your chopsticks to be crossed on the plate, set them side by side near your plate.
Step 13: Don't wash chopsticks in soup.
It is unsanitary to wash your chopsticks after using them.If your chopsticks are dirty, wipe them off with a napkin or get a clean pair.
Step 14: Food should not be passed from a chopstick to a chopsticks.
After cremation, the bones of the deceased are passed to the next of kin.It's a faux pas to pass food between chopsticks as this can be a reminder of death and funerals.