How to use chopsticks
How to use chopsticks. If you ordered takeout and intend to splurge in front of the TV in your living room, eating Chinese food with a fork is fantastic. But you’ll be glad you read and reread this tutorial if you’ve ever eaten at a fancy restaurant where chopsticks are the standard and forks aren’t even provided as silverware!
Learn the correct grip for your chopsticks and how to position your fingers to deliver food from your plate to your mouth perfectly!
Let’s get going!
How to use chopsticks
Step 1: Snapping Apart
If you’re using disposable chopsticks, which are common at almost all Chinese restaurants, you must first snap them apart in the wishbone fashion. If there were any remain splinters after a poor snap, remove them.
Step 2: Grasping Stick 1
With just one stick, place the narrower end as you would a pencil tip using your dominant hand (however, according to Chinese tradition, you would still use this hand to eat with even if you are left-handed). The stick should be adjusted so that only an inch or so of the thicker end protrudes between your forefinger and thumb. This stick will be more stable if the lower thumb joint is used. Now release your middle and forefinger from grasping the stick completely by placing the narrower end (but not the tip) so it rests just slightly on the inside of your ring finger.
This stick will serve as your basis and shouldn’t budge as you pick up food.
Step 3: Grasping Stick 2
This stick will have a lot of work to perform since it will be the only one in charge of starting and finishing a successful meal delivery.
Stick 1’s thicker end should line up with your forefinger and thumb’s thicker end. The narrower end should then pass just below the tip of your thumb and between your middle and index fingers. Get accustomed to this posture because it is the standard method to hold chopsticks.
Use the top portion of your thumb to move stick 2 (because stick 1 is always motionless), but keep the bottom portion of your thumb still because it is holding onto stick 1. Additionally, push on your thumb with your index and middle fingers to tighten or loosen the sticks’ hold on food.
Stick 2 will move carefully as it descends to meet Stick 1 if your thumb tip, middle finger, and forefinger all work together in tandem.
Step 4: Grabbing a Bite
To avoid becoming irritated at not being able to grasp onto anything when actual food is offered, practice squeezing and releasing the sticks.
Place your sticks so that the opening between them is broader than the food item you want to grab. After that, slowly lower Stick 2 and shut it so you can squeeze it before grabbing your food.
When you’re ready, I advise starting with bigger meals like prawns or sushi and working your way up to smaller foods like noodles and rice because holding onto smaller foods requires more coordination.
Good fortune!