I learned how to use chopsticks when I was travelling in China. There was not a fork in sight. Spoons only came with soup and those were big glass spoons. It was not as difficult to use the chopsticks as I expected to be. I just copied the technique of some people at the next table the first time I used them. 😊
Reply to this Only one rule...don't use your left hand...was not that easy 13 years ago when I first arrive in Asia...I'left handed...beside that...no rules!
Reply to this Is there actually an etiquette unwritten rule about not using them in your left hand in China?
When I first starting using chopsticks I could use them equally well in my left and right hand - not know though!!
The first time I was in Japan for a year I only used cutlery once - I think I tried to go the whole year not using them because that was the way it was working out, but couldn't avoid the cutlery one time.
There doesn't seem to be any issues/rules about using them in your left hand here. I do find the longer Chinese chopsticks and the metal Korean ones much harder to use though.
Reply to this Hi Jo,
The metal korean one are indeed a challenge.
Chinese won't bother if you use your left hand...by now, in most of the places, they are used to see tourist, and don't specially expect foreigner to adopt all the local habits. But if you look closer, they simply don't use their left hand.
At the end of thre day, you still have many asians who can't use properly a knife...do we bother with it, no, the most important thing is people trying another culture...doesn't have to be perfect at the first shot!
Peter
Reply to this Is there actually an etiquette unwritten rule about not using them in your left hand in China?
Maybe like in a lot of countries the left hand is the toilet hand the the other one is for everything else. :D
Reply to this :-) Interesting question...seems that this rule is coming from a Chinese legend but today this etiquette is not always respected...
Most importantly, ones should not vertically stick the chopsticks in its rice bowl (or any other dish)...this is sign of death (looks like the incense stick ones would offer to a deceased family member) and still today this rule is widely respected...
There are quite a few more rules and for the one who spend time outside the big westernized cities, it is a sign of respect & appreciation of the local culture to respect them even though it might mean you have to watch and learn first :-)
More Chinese adventure to come ~!! Heading in 48 hours to the south part of Yunnan province near the Lao border!
Reply to this The easiest or rather hardest way to learn to use chopsticks is to order a dish with peanuts...trying to pick those up with chopsticks is hilarious especially when you aren't used to using them. This happened for our first meal ever in China, since then we have had no problems with chopsticks.
I also heard a story that an English teacher in China had a bowl of peanut M&M's put in front of him/her and was told he/she couldn't leave the table until all the M&M's had been eaten with the chopsticks! It's a good way to learn, although it took us about 2 hours to complete our meal that first night!
Reply to this Another chopstick 'no-no' here is passing food directly from chopsticks to chopsticks - related to a funeral ritual.
Someone started a challenge at lunchtime one day where I used to work, and had everyone trying to pick up toothpicks with their chopsticks!
Reply to this Just curious about if anyone would choose to use chopsticks in a restaruant where spoons and forks are also available?
I would use the forks and spoons if they are already on the table. Otherwise I would use the chopsticks if that is what is already on the table.
Reply to this Depending on the food I was having I would.
I have sometimes asked for them when we've been given only cutlery - I'm guessing on the assumption we prefer it, or can't use chopsticks.
Reply to this I have tried using chopsticks in a fastfood where plastic spoon and forks are also available. I felt full after eating half of my meal - maybe because I got tired trying to eat decently using chopsticks!
So I asked the waiter if I can take a pair of chopsticks home so I can practice - he gave me one.
😊
Reply to this I learned how to use chopsticks in girlscouts when i was about 10 years old (im now 26). A girl from Japan taught us. now i cant eat asian food without it.
Reply to this Are ya kidding me???? I can't even use them when they fix them up with a rubber band like they do for kids!
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