Top Chopstick Tips

Chopsticks look simple, but get it wrong and someone could get hurt.

Start by bracing the first chopstick between your thumb and middle finger. Hold the second chopstick between your thumb and index finger. It’s only this second, upper chopstick that should move to pinch the food against the lower chopstick.

Chopsticks also have their own etiquette, akin to western table manners. Chopsticks aren’t weapons, so don’t stab your food, or point them at people. Also don’t cross your chopsticks, or use them with shared food. Once you’ve finished eating, leave them to the left of your dish.

This is only the tip of the iceberg too, for a practice that’s evolved over hundreds of years. This is a good place to start though, and will hopefully prevent your hosts from thinking you’re rude, or a jinx.