Effortlessly showcasing your chopstick skills exudes a definite degree of sophistication. If you can easily pick up any sized food morsel with chopsticks, be it unwieldy sushi rolls, slippery udon noodles, or tiny rice grains, you are sure to impress your date. Maybe they will think you are a world-class traveler or a food connoisseur. Either way, asking for a fork at an Asian restaurant does not scream finesse. Knowing how to use chopsticks properly and comfortably shows your date that you are a confident and capable guy.
How To Use Chopsticks in 4 Easy Steps
To get started, let’s break out the beginner’s guide for how to use chopsticks correctly.
- Sandwich one chopstick between your index finger and thumb of your dominant hand, and then balance this chopstick on your ring finger.
- Place the other chopstick between your index finger and thumb and then balance this chopstick on your middle finger;
- Use your thumb, index, and middle fingers to hold the second chopstick securely.
- Your index and middle fingers maneuver the chopsticks to clamp down on your food.
Pro Points To Keep in Mind:
- Hold the chopsticks about one-third of the way from the bottom.
- Make sure that your chopsticks fit snugly in your hand.
- When moving your chopsticks, the bottom chopstick should be static, while the top chopstick does the main lifting.
- Practice using chopsticks before your date. Do not go into your date with the intent of trying out these steps for the very first time.
Using Chopsticks with Decency
To further impress your date, you should be aware of these rules for chopstick etiquette.
Do Not Pass Food to Each Other Using Your Chopsticks
This is considered to be taboo in Japan because the bones of the deceased are passed this way during Japanese funeral rituals. If you want your date to taste some of your food, it is better to place that morsel directly on her plate.
Don’t Play With Your Chopsticks
Enough said. Do not be a child. Do not play with your chopsticks at the dinner table no matter how much they remind you of tiny swords.
Don’t Rub Your Chopsticks Together
When you rub your chopsticks together, it may be implied that you think the restaurant you are in does not provide premium quality chopsticks. If you want to avoid tiny splinters, ignore this tip.
Do Not Cross Your Chopsticks
Avoid placing your chopsticks down in an “X” shape. In China, crossed chopsticks represent death. In Japan, it is considered to be plain bad manners. Remember to keep your chopsticks in a parallel position while they are resting in your hand or on the table.
Do Not Stick Your Chopsticks Into Your Bowl of Rice
In Japan, sticking your chopsticks straight down into your rice is only performed during funeral rituals. While this is an easy way to temporarily hold your chopsticks between courses, place your chopsticks uncrossed on your bowl or plate.
Beyond Your Chopstick Skills
Understanding both chopstick mechanics and etiquette unleashes your chopstick prowess. At the Rugged Standard, we give you the golden nuggets to succeed in life from simple how to like this chopstick guide to how to pack a suit for travel. Reach out to let us know how our tips have made your life even more awesome than it already is!