How to Use Chopsticks in Seven Easy Steps
Using chopsticks is not nearly as difficult as most Westerners think. With a few pointers and a little practice anyone can learn how to use chopsticks.
Whenever people find out that I live with a Chinese family they almost always ask me if I know how to use chopsticks. When I tell them I use them everyday, they are awed and usually ask me to demonstrate the skill. I find it somewhat humorous because they turn a simple method of eating into a circus act. The thing I would like to make clear is that learning how to use chopsticks is not nearly as difficult as most people think. It looks tricky, but it’s rather simple.
The first mistake I’ve noticed is that many individuals are too concerned with having perfect form and so don’t attempt to use them at all. While there are customs concerning chopsticks that vary depending on the culture, most of those involve simply using good table-manners. i.e.) not banging them together, pointing them at people, using them as drumsticks, standing them straight up in the dish etc…).
If you are traveling over-seas, please take the time to study the etiquette on the location you are going to as it differs from country to country and even region to region. That being said, the way you actually hold a set of chopsticks in your hand has more to do with what is comfortable for you than with any rule or custom. Yes, there is a “perfect form”, but the goal here is to learn to eat with them, not perfection. Consider that there is also a perfect form for holding a fork and knife at a high class event, and yet no one is inspecting my form as I eat with silverware at home in my own dining room. My advice for someone in the west trying to learn to use chopsticks is not to worry so much about the rules. If you get the food from the bowl to your mouth, you are well on your way!
The second mistake I see people make is that they go out and buy the nicest pair of chopsticks they can find to learn with. Often the nicer the chopsticks, the harder they are to use. If you want to know how to use chopsticks, I would first go out and buy yourself a really cheap wooden set. The wood or the bamboo ones are the easiest to learn how to pick up food with. Once you are comfortable using those you can move on to plastic, ceramic or metal ones. Also, when selecting a pair of chopsticks keep in mind that slightly shorter ones are a little easier than the longer ones in the beginning. The disposable chopsticks they give in restaurants are not the best to learn with. They are usually too short and too lightweight for someone who is inexperienced using them. Chopsticks vary in weight. I recommend selecting a medium weight set as it will likely be easier to maneuver than a very heavy or very light set. However, any set that you are comfortable with and will actually use will be the best ones for you.
Liked it
Published in: Cooking
Comments: 49 | Post a CommentPost a Comment
tyler | Aug 13, 2007 | Reply
Good Tips! I’ll give them a try.
Dave | Aug 18, 2007 | Reply
Great article. Maybe the best I’ve read on chopsticks!
Some pictures really would make this awesome.
Alex | Aug 18, 2007 | Reply
After spending six weeks in Japan over the summer, I found it necessary to learn how to use chopsticks–and fast. The best, easiest, and most enjoyable way I found to pick it up (quickly) is to eat rice–lots of rice! Obviously, properly cooked oriental rice is easier to eat with chopsticks, but at the end, there are always individual grains left. If you can will yourself to eat every single grain of rice (with chopsticks, of course!) you’ll pick up the skill extremely quickly. Think of it like a personal challenge–the faster and better you get at picking up those little grains of rice, the better your chopstick skills will be.
I highly recommend learning this! It’s a blast to use chopsticks in oriental restaurants, particularly when you can show off to your friends! =P
paluus | Aug 19, 2007 | Reply
why do we have to eat with chopstick ?
…really any reason why some people prefer eating with chopsticks?
Josh43 | Aug 19, 2007 | Reply
I’m going to get _no_ cred for this, but the absolute best “training food” I have found is Cheetos; the puffed cheesy snacks; the are light, not slippery, and you reach into a bag to get them, which means you can save yourself all the mess (Which, to be fair; some people like)
Now if only cheetos were not considered snacks in the “omg why am I eating this” category.
T. | Aug 19, 2007 | Reply
Wow. Chopsticks really aren’t that hard to learn, but for the commenter who asked why we should eat with chopsticks at all, I answer: Because you have less dishes to wash! Any eater armed with a pair of chopsticks does not need a fork or spoon, and the table is instantly freed up for more plates of food.
If you’re ready for the switch, here’s an easy way to get going: Go eat at a Chinese restaurant and watch how your fellow eaters use their chopsticks. Copy the way they hold their chopsticks, and try to eat without dropping your food. Make sure you always have a plate/bowl of rice beneath your chopsticks. I guarantee you that if you train yourself to eat with chopsticks only (spoons are allowed for soups, though), you’ll be expert in no time at all.
Bill | Aug 19, 2007 | Reply
The best thing to do is put away the fork. Do not allow yourself the fall back plan.
It’s amazing how quick you’ll learn when the only thing between you and your meal is a pair of chopsticks. And a week later, you’ll wonder what the fuss was about.
JB | Aug 19, 2007 | Reply
When in Asia don’t hold them in your fist upright, it is considered bad luck.
Like funeral joss sticks.
Duh.
Bangkok.
AndyC | Aug 19, 2007 | Reply
When I was learning I allowed myself to use a fork once the bowl was half empty, so I didn’t have too much cold food. Now I can eat at pretty much the same speed with either… not bad for a Westerner.
hgfd | Aug 19, 2007 | Reply
MAXMAN
窃听器
手机窃听器
监听器
手机监听器
jain | Aug 19, 2007 | Reply
I taught myself to use chopsticks with directions similar to these. One thing to remember is that Asian rice is stickier than American rice so it’s easier to learn on. I do think I’ll try this with Cheetos though – I hate getting that spray-on orange “cheese” on my fingers when I dip into the bag.
Joe | Aug 19, 2007 | Reply
Eating with chopsticks makes you leaner.
Todd | Aug 20, 2007 | Reply
Best way to learn is to learn young. I tried using then when I was about 7 years old. Now that I am 24, I eat plenty of sushi and use them with ease. I would say the trick is to pick up heavier things to start, it seems to be easier than trying to grasp a tinier object.
Niko | Aug 20, 2007 | Reply
Hi, I live in a chinese comunity and I’ve noticed that there is an alternative way of using the chopsticks, wich involves crossing them. I,ve heard that’s not the correct way to use them but I,ve seen a lot of people doing it around here. I use the orthodox technique you describe above, for this is the way I’ve been taught…
Liane Schmidt | Aug 20, 2007 | Reply
This is a great guide for anyone who wants to learn how to use chopsticks. Well written!
Best wishes!
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
francie | Aug 21, 2007 | Reply
What a delight to have just by accident come upon your Great article! I feel so proud to be now using chopsticks, I do not eat as fast nor as much. I’m not as good as I could be at this art but am gradually getting better. There are a lot of helpful comments here on sites to visit for more info. Great job writing this article.
Lucy Lockett | Aug 22, 2007 | Reply
I used to think it was difficult, not anymore. Well written.
M. Day | Aug 25, 2007 | Reply
Unless you are Asian, you are stupid to use chopsticks! A fork is the only way to go. You don’t have to learn to use a fork. The only reason people do it is to show off! How immature is that? I think if you are over 18 and a non Asian, you are acting very immature and it is time to grow up!
jen | Aug 27, 2007 | Reply
yes, you do have to learn to use a fork! ever seen a baby just pick up a fork and know how to use it???
Eating with chopsticks is in some cases much more practical than eating with a fork. For example if you are eating dumplings you can use chopsticks to pick up a whole dumpling and put it in your mouth. If you are using a fork it will definately roll off the fork if you just try to place it on the top of the fork. If you stab it with the fork, it falls apart and all the filling falls out! Chopsticks are the only way to go!
Many foods just taste better when eaten with chopsticks! Silverware has a metallic taste.
I am not asian. I use chopsticks all the time and it has nothing to do with showing off. I use them at home…not in front of people!
Lex Stevens | Sep 2, 2007 | Reply
Nice tutorial.
I picked up this skill a long time ago, but even that was long *after* I should have. If I’d had a tutorial like this, maybe I would’ve figured it out sooner!
jvfij12 | Oct 13, 2007 | Reply
Hey Joe: Are you really sure eating with chopsticks makes a person leaner.I would definately wanna try. Could you please explain the reason behind it?
Jen: That was a good explanation and pointing out difference between eating with fork and chopsticks.
Jeff | Nov 25, 2007 | Reply
Thanks for tips! I am going to China soon and will try this out.
Cal | Dec 6, 2007 | Reply
#19 by M. Day, Aug 25, 2007
“Unless you are Asian, you are stupid to use chopsticks! A fork is the only way to go. You don’t have to learn to use a fork. The only reason people do it is to show off! How immature is that? I think if you are over 18 and a non Asian, you are acting very immature and it is time to grow up!”
Just wondering where i would come in this scenario, i am NOT asian but have lived in china all my life, and i am 32 years of age now. A knife & fork, yes will be easier for some to use. But at the same time a closed off mind to new experiences and sampling things from other cultures is a pretty sad existence, i think most would agree.
Good job with the tutorial original poster, and some nice tips from others along the way too.
and Jeff i hope you enjoy your time in this great country
Alex | Dec 17, 2007 | Reply
thnks i doing a project on this and you helped me thaks again:)
Richard Davies | Dec 20, 2007 | Reply
Since I’ve started eating out with my Chinese girlfriend we’ve been to a variety of Far Eastern places.
She’s finds it easier to use chopsticks than a knife & fork, & me the other way round.
Most mainstream (mainy catering for whites) places serving Chinese food have chopsticks on request, which my girlfriend had to ask for. It was interesting to see how she managed some tricky items of food.
A Korean produce shop with a small cafe in only gave us some very short flat wooden chopsticks & a soup spoon each. Being double jointed doesn’t help, as I couldn’t get a good grip.
I couldn’t manage with then & had to use just the spoon.
Just yesterday we went to a conveyer Sushi bar, which only gave us chopsticks, but these were shortish oval sectioned wooden ones with pointed tips.
I found these a lot easier to use than any others I had tried with, & managed okish until my Girlfriend ordered a noodle dish which came with a fork, which then used.
Since then I’ve been practising with pens & can managed alright, even if my best grip is different from any diagrams I’ve seen.
Bubba O'Reilly | Jan 12, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for the tips. Maybe someday the erroneous idea that chopsticks are difficult to use will just go away.
The reason you would eat Asian (and other) dishes with chopsticks is the same reason you would eat soup with a spoon. They are the best tool for the job. If you wouldn’t eat soup with a fork why would you use a fork to eat a dish that has been developed to be eaten with chopsticks. A lack of skill and a closed mind are the only reasons that I can think of. Foods prepared to be eaten with chopsticks are actually more difficult to eat with a fork. If you don’t think so then you don’t know how to use chopsticks properly. Chee-tos, French Fries, Chicken Nuggets, Pizza Rolls or any other food that is served as small individual items can be eaten with chopsticks It’s like eating with your fingers without having to wash your hands afterwards. What could be easier?
When the table fork was introduced in Italy 1000 years ago (it’s just a baby among implements) there was an outcry against it. “Only the fingers God gave us are fit for eating the food He has provided.” It was not widely used in England or America until the 1700’s and even then was considered effeminate (Take that, you he-man fork users)
Anonymous | Mar 30, 2008 | Reply
I’m not Asian, but I love rice. So, I went to the local Asian restraunt to get fried rice, and I got some free cheap throw-away chopsticks. I was hooked, and that was a few days ago. I find myself using them still, And I know this is not sanitary. Is there any website that sells good beginner chopsticks?
OH, I give alot of credit to this guide for getting me hooked. Thank you!
Scott | Mar 31, 2008 | Reply
This tutorial really helped out alot I’m planning to go japan and this really helped me get used to holding the chopsticks in literally 5 minutes
ishtin | Apr 5, 2008 | Reply
i first learned how to use chopstx wen i was in elementary. it was easy. u just have to find a comfortable spot for the stix to rest in ur hand! and the thing about the rice grains that was so true. practice that & ur good to go.
& yea i agree with jvfij. chopsticks will make u leaner. since u dont eat in bulk like u do when u use spoons and u chew ur food more.. and u tend to eat a meal a lot longer too.. im a filipino and i use chopsticks most of these days.. theyre so easy to wash (the metal ones) and its not awkward when u put it in the mouth since its small unlike spoons plus it makes food tastier since u eat more food than metal.. aja..
to comment #30 by anonymous, metal chopsticks are more hygeinic since u can sterilize them unlike wooden ones… but for beginners wooden ones are better since they’re lighter..
Davina | Apr 9, 2008 | Reply
I am not sure but I was curious if the way I use chopsticks: Stick 1 is held by my thumb and index finger. The Second stick is resting at the top between my index finger and middle finger while the middle finger presses down on the stick and the lower rest point is on top of my ring finer.
This is the only way that I seem to be able to use a pair of chopsticks.
Anyone else have a different technique?
Rick | Jun 12, 2008 | Reply
I found them pretty easy to use, it just takes some practice. The only difficult thing for me was it makes my hand cramp up, which it always does with any sort of pinching motion. Time and practice will ease that.
Since I rarely cook or eat out (a looooot of sandwiches in my house), I practice on cereal. Bizzarre, perhaps, but it works. And it does make you eat slower, which is good. You’re a lot less likely to overeat.
taleah | Oct 11, 2008 | Reply
taleah dose not know how to use chopsticks
Fatima | Oct 14, 2008 | Reply
my hand cramps up when i use chopsticks…anyone else??
Lorna | Dec 21, 2008 | Reply
A friend from school gave me a set of chopsticks as a Christmas prezzie after I ranted for ages on how cool the japanese culture is after watching a little too much Lucky Star. xD Can’t wait to try them out on food, your guide was really helpfull.
azzy | Dec 25, 2008 | Reply
I find using chopsticks fascinating!! Im from India and am accustomed to eating with by hand n can also use a fork n knife… but i really love how Asians manage their food with chopsticks… so Im practising, n i can pick chunks of food with them.. n i have a lot more fun using chopsticks.. i think its a wonderful cultural experience!!
Nervana | Jan 22, 2009 | Reply
It is truly so easy. Thanks alot ! But I have 2 very small problems.
1. It is sort of painful.
2. Sometimes the food or things slip from me while holding them .
What can I do ?
Ruwaa | May 2, 2009 | Reply
its SUPER easy . but i have 3 prob.
- it alipa from my hand
- its painfull
- is the japan food discusting???? cuz what u know is sushi
ripley | May 25, 2009 | Reply
cool this helps cos’ im doing a porject on chinese food.
mads | Jun 3, 2009 | Reply
#19 by M. Day:
“unless you are asian, you are stupid to use chopsticks”
what kind of crap is that? (sometimes it’s NECESSARY” to use chopsticks)
actually, if you are over 18 and you refuse to use chopsticks to eat ASIAN food simply because they are too ASIAN for you, then YOU are the immature one.
just because you are too lazy to LEARN to use chopsticks, doesn’t mean they are bad and stupid.
grow up yourself
Judy | Jun 25, 2009 | Reply
Using chopsticks is just a tool. If you think using chopstiks is stupid, why using knives and folks is not stupid? I is not helpful to judge other’s culture. Hopefully, everyone can just enjoy the food and be open to other culture.
Marilyn | Dec 18, 2009 | Reply
I love asian food. Especially sushi. I don’t use chopsticks in chinese restaurants because diners are given silverware. Or, if eating at a buffet…it is sliverware that is provided. Chopsticks are available, but optional.
However, my experience at sushi bars is reversed. I have never visited a sushi bar which included silverware in your table setting. Silverware is optional. Available upon request. Seeing silverware in use, is an oddity. You feel “out of place” with silverware.
That led me to learn how to use chopsticks. The more you use them the better you get. But, if/when to use them? My advice…when in Rome do what the Romans do.
Kurt | May 24, 2010 | Reply
Talk about “Stupid” Just look in the mirror my friend. Who made you a Judge?
Kurt | May 24, 2010 | Reply
Just buy a bunch of cheap Throw Aways or ask your favorite resturant, they will give them to you with a smile!
Ti | Jun 4, 2010 | Reply
I’m not “into” Asian culture at all… not an anime fan, not an exchange student, or live anywhere that would require frequent use… however, I find chopsticks effortless to use. It’s kind of funny to watch my anime-loving friends suffering over chopsticks while in the meantime, I’m eating a meal as fast or faster with chopsticks as I could with a fork. Given the option, I will take chopsticks. Ironically, the food I feel is easier to eat with chopsticks is food that is never served with them… salads, for example, I find are much easier to grip with chopsticks than a fork where the small pieces tend to get away! And ever try eating a heavy Italian noodle dish with a plastic fork in a food court? Please, give me disposable wooden chopsticks instead. Both of those are foods I feel it’s more effective to use a set of chopsticks than a fork.
I’m not trying too hard, I’m not stupid, I just feel like chopsticks extend my fingers… and with some foods, using longer fingers is much easier than using something jabby.
Korea | Jun 15, 2010 | Reply
I can’t make/eat ramen without chopsticks. i’ll also drop an egg in there and scramble it with a chostick and I use them to tear the noodles apart when they start boiling and i use them to pick up clumps of noodles. i would be lost eating ramen if i had a fork or a spoon.
Van Bronkhorst | Jun 16, 2010 | Reply
“If I am in a Western country, I will eat with a knife, fork or spoon, as is our custom”
You are a complete retard. The whole point of an asian restaurant in a foreign country is to make it feel like your in asia, and at the same time eat delicious foreign food, If you use a fork in an asian restaurant it will ruin the mood. Don’t you think its strange eating something like sushi with a fork? ITS CALLED BAD MANNERS. IN AN ASIAN RESTAURANT IT IS THEIR CUSTOM. Even if you are in America and eating sushi, YOUR SUPPOSED TO USE CHOPSTICKS. If you think its peer pressure, its actually not, Its designed that way so it doesn’t make you look stupid. If your eating in an italian place, its okay to use fork and spoon because its supposed to be that way. I don’t know if you want to look stupid because of your close minded ego or you have a mental disability. OH AND ITS NOT MUCH EASIER. If you are eating ramen, it is much easier to use chopsticks because you just pick it up whereas using a fork you have to swirl it.
This is my last words you wanking redneck
I am Asian-British but my favorite food is italian food.
shailendra sham | Mar 11, 2011 | Reply
Lovely article! Very clear and helpful.. Thank you:-)
Chopsticks | May 20, 2011 | Reply
Thanks for the useful post, but I still can’t do it. I guess chopsticks aren’t made for me.
Magic Quill | May 24, 2011 | Reply
Now I wont have to ask for a fork when i go to chinese. It’s difficult!
thanks for sharing