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Chinese Chopsticks
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In cultures where rice bowls are a staple meal, chopsticks are the eating utensils of choice. For more than five centuries now, countries like Japan, China, Korea and Vietnam have been using chopsticks. The unique oriental flavors of Asian cuisine are simply highlighted when you eat them using chopsticks – which is why the tradition has even spread to Western countries.
Just like spoons which come in all sizes and are made from different kinds of metal, there are also several types of chopsticks that you can choose from. Whether you are a regular or an occasional patron of the most famous Chinese restaurant in your area, it is quite interesting to learn what the different types of chopsticks are.
Basically, there are a couple of ways to classify chopsticks: according to material and according to style.
Kinds of Chopsticks by Material
Since the history of chopsticks can be traced back to as far back as the 6th century, several types of materials have already been used in the manufacturing of these eating and cooking utensils. For some Chinese families, owning chopsticks which are made of expensive material has even become a status symbol. Here is a quick look at the kinds of chopsticks by material.
• Bamboo or Wood
In Japan, the disposable wooden chopsticks are called the waribashi. Meanwhile, in China, bamboo and wood are two of the most common materials used in the manufacturing of chopsticks. Aside from being quite easy to find, wood and bamboo also had antibacterial properties, making them efficient for food handling.
• Plastic
Unlike the disposable, wooden ones, plastic chopsticks are more resistant to wear and tear. However, due to the elasticity of the material, plastic chopsticks are not as efficient in handling food as their wood or bamboo counterpart. Also, plastic chopsticks are not recommended for cooking because they might melt under the heat.
• Metal
The advantage of using metal chopsticks is that they are extremely durable and they are also easy to clean. The downside is that metal chopsticks are more expensive, they are not suitable for cooking and they are not as effective as wooden chopsticks for food handling.
• Other Materials
Porcelain, animal bone, ivory, coral, agate and jade are the other materials used in making chopsticks.
Kinds of Chopsticks by Style
Another way to differentiate the various types of chopsticks is according to the country where they are manufactured. Each culture has a different way of making chopsticks, depending on what they are used to.
• Chinese Chopsticks
This is the typical chopsticks that you see in Chinese restaurants, which have a box-shaped cross section, has a long stick and ends with a round, blunt tip.
• Japanese Chopsticks
As compared to Chinese chopsticks, the Japanese version is shorter in length but the general look is similar.
• Korean Chopsticks
Korean chopsticks are often decorated at the ‘handle’ end of the sticks, they are medium in length and are usually made of brass, silver or stainless steel.
• Vietnamese Chopsticks
Lastly, there are Vietnamese chopsticks which are longer than the average Chinese or Japanese chopsticks. They can be made of wood, bamboo, plastic and usually have a tapered end.
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