CHOPSTICKS & ETIQUETTE

Chopsticks inspire fear in many Westerners. Do not be afraid, chopsticks mean you no harm. Yes, it can take some practice to use them properly. Place one chopstick in your palm at the base of your thumb. This stick rests on the end of your ring finger. Close your thumb over the stick and hold it tight. This stick should not move. It’s the bottom stick and will bear the pressure put on it by the upper stick. Ok, then hold the second stick firmly between the tip of your thumb and your index finger. You will move this stick to grab and squeeze the food. Do not spear your food with them. Use the chopsticks to squeeze your food between the two sticks and carefully bring it to your mouth and drop the food in. Make sure the ends of the chopsticks are even. Hold the thicker ends in your hand. If you are having trouble, it might be helpful to “choke up” on them – that is, hold them a little closer to the tip. Never point with your chopsticks and don’t let them touch the table after you have started using them.