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How to Use Chopsticks
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The best way to experience the culture of a particular country is to try out the traditional mouthwatering cuisines that they have to offer. Sushi from Japan, tasty noodle dishes from China and Korea and savory dumplings from Vietnam are just some of the treats that you can sample. And your dining experience will never be complete without the use of the traditional eating utensils that these countries have long been known for, which are chopsticks.
The history of chopsticks can be traced back to more than five thousand years ago, and from China – their use have spread to the rest of Asia. Food aficionados say that eating a full Chinese meal will not taste as good if you will not use chopsticks – but most individuals get intimidated on how they can use a pair of wooden or bamboo sticks to pick up their food.
A Step-by-step Guide on How to Use Chopsticks
To help you out, here are some easy-to-follow steps when using chopsticks:
1. If you are right-handed, pick up the chopsticks using the thumb, index and middle fingers of your right hand. Use your left hand to support the chopsticks as you lift them from the plate or table.
2. Next, hold the upper chopstick with your thumb, middle and index finger.
3. The second chopstick should be placed between the bottom of your thumb and the tip of your ring finger.
4. Make sure that the tips of the chopsticks are parallel. When picking up your food, move only the upper chopstick – the lower one should be stationary.
5. With this technique, you can practice using the chopsticks to lift the food. Hold the food item firmly with the chopsticks as you life it to your mouth to eat.
Chopsticks Etiquette 101
Now that you know the basic technique of eating using chopsticks, take a look at the following etiquette pointers when using these quite complicated tools for eating:
• When you are finished eating, lay down the chopsticks in front of you, placing the tip to the left side.
• In traditional Chinese culture, sticking chopsticks in an upright position in a bowl of food, especially rice, is a no-no. This is only done with rice which is put onto the altar during funerals.
• Passing food from one person to another with the use of chopsticks is also frowned upon. This is another Chinese tradition which has something to do with their practice during funerals.
• Do not gesture with the chopsticks in your hand. Waving chopsticks above food dishes, sucking on the tips or using them to spear food are also considered bad mannerisms.
The Chinese say that using chopsticks increases the dexterity of your fingers, while at the same time improving your memory.
More importantly, using chopsticks to eat traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese dishes enhance your overall dining experience – so go ahead and practice your chopsticks-using-techniques to enjoy your next meal at an Asian restaurant!
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