8 Ways NOT to Use Chopsticks
Hsiao-Ching Chou
I was reading a review for a new cookbook that happens to include a recipe for a sweet-and-sour meatball dish. While the recipe wasn't to my taste, I don't begrudge anyone else's enjoyment of the book. What set me off was the accompanying photograph of the finished meatball dish which had a pair of chopsticks propped in the bowl. For Asians, a pair of chopsticks propped vertically in a bowl of food – rice in particular – symbolizes death because it resembles the incense burned at funerals. Even if the chopsticks aren't vertical but the tips remain buried in the food and the shafts of the chopsticks rest on the edge of the bowl, we experience a visceral reaction when we see this occur.
I posted a request/rant on Facebook and heard from most of my Chinese and Japanese friends, who also cringe when they see chopsticks being misused.
Other chopstick faux pas:
- Spearing food
- Using chopsticks in two hands like a knife and fork to break apart food
- Drumming with chopsticks
- Using chopsticks in a hair bun
- Crossing chopsticks (means death)
- Passing food from one person's chopsticks to another.
- Using your personal chopsticks to take food from communal plates of food instead of using the share chopsticks (like a serving spoon)
- Digging around for the exact piece of food you want (signifies digging a grave)
- Using chopsticks to move plates or bowls around
- Pointing or gesturing with chopsticks
There are many more nuances and culturally specific etiquette rules related to how chopsticks are used and it's hard to remember them if you didn't grow up around it. But, for the uninitiated, the above chart can serve as a basic guide. Remember this: If you are not actively using the chopsticks to eat from your bowl or plate, then place them next to your plate or bowl. If chopstick rests are provided, then use the rests. For the Chinese, you also can place the chopsticks flat, not crossed, on the rim of your bowl or plate to signify that you are resting.
Most importantly, don't stand the chopsticks in your bowl of food. It's the quickest way to get glares from your Asian dinner companions.