Chopstick Etiquette
Chopsticks1 by SHAANXI TOURISM CUISINE PROFESSIONAL COLLEGE World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
By far the most distinctive and widely known aspect of Chinese tableware is chopsticks. But do you know how to correctly use this unique utensil?
Well, look no further. Hold the chopsticks with your dominant hand while keeping the two sticks aligned. Pinch the upper third of the sticks between your thumb and forefinger, and allow the rest of your fingers to naturally curl around to hold the chopsticks steady.
Chopsticks2 by SHAANXI TOURISM CUISINE PROFESSIONAL COLLEGE World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
If you've never used chopsticks before, this process may be more difficult than described. Now, get yourself a pair of chopsticks and start practicing!
Chopsticks3 by SHAANXI TOURISM CUISINE PROFESSIONAL COLLEGE World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
When it comes to using chopsticks, there are also some taboos. Let's explore some things that are worth paying attention to when using chopsticks.
Pointing by Gabrielle Cooper-Weisz World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Outstretched forefinger
This is when someone holds the chopsticks with four fingers while outstretching their remaining forefinger. Chinese culture considers it discourteous to point at another. If one has chopsticks in this way, your forefinger will be pointing at others throughout the entire meal, which can come off as unfriendly. Besides, using chopsticks to point at someone is also considered impoliteness.
Drumming by Gabrielle Cooper-Weisz World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Tapping chopsticks against bowls
This should be avoided, since it was a behavior used by beggars to draw people's attention in the past.
Hovering by Gabrielle Cooper-Weisz World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Traveling chopsticks
This is when someone indecisively goes back and forth between dishes with their chopsticks. Such poor manners will spoil the dining experience for your fellow diners.
Searching by Gabrielle Cooper-Weisz World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Digging a grave
This is when someone is constantly rooting around in a dish with their chopsticks. The polite way should be to take food that is nearest to you.
Make Nosies With Chopsticks by Gabrielle Cooper-Weisz World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Noisily tasting chopsticks
This is when someone sucks on their chopsticks while eating, resulting in an unpleasant sound. There may be leftover food or soup residue on your chopsticks during the meal after picking up food. However, attempting to clean the chopsticks with your mouth is neither graceful nor hygienic.
Reversing by Gabrielle Cooper-Weisz World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
The Upside-down chopsticks
It is also impolite to use chopsticks in reverse order. The end of the chopstick should be aligned to avoid using one end at a time, meaning avoid picking up food with the lower end of one stick and the upper end of the other.
Standing by Gabrielle Cooper-Weisz World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
Chopsticks standing on end
This refers to sticking the chopsticks upright into the food, especially rice, which symbolizes disrespect. Should you need to put down your chopsticks, you can lay them horizontally on your bowl or plate or simply rest them neatly on the side.
Chopsticks Group Photo by Gabrielle Cooper-Weisz World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry
There are many other things to learn about the etiquette of chopsticks, such as the need to avoid other people's dishes at the same time to prevent "chopstick fights"; the crossed placement of chopsticks means negation of others; the uneven order of chopsticks is also an unlucky symbol, etc.
Although in modern times, many sayings have been faded; most families are promoting casual and relaxing table manners and enjoyment. Nonetheless, when dining out, people would do well to remember that such etiquette is an indispensable part of Chinese tradition as well as a generally accepted convention.
