Overcoming the Embarrassment of Using Chopsticks in an Oriental Restaurant
Do you feel uncomfortable using a fork in an oriental restaurant because you don’t know how to use chopsticks? Do you feel embarrassed at the thought that you are the only one who cannot enjoy a meal with this traditional utensil? If so, you are not alone. Below, you will discover some tricks that will help you overcome this culinary challenge.
Discreet Tricks to Learn to Use Chopsticks
Flashy devices are often marketed to help children learn to use chopsticks, but what about adults? Here’s a discreet solution: simply use a paper napkin. Place the toothpicks on the napkin, fold it around them, and you’ll see how they subtly join together, giving you extra support to handle them more easily.
Advancing to the Next Level
Once you feel more comfortable with chopsticks, it’s time to advance to the next level. Learn to hold the chopsticks by the wide end for better control. Place the lower stick between your thumb and index finger, keeping it stationary, while the upper one should rest on the pads of your index finger and thumb. This method will allow you to handle pieces of food with greater precision and get them into your mouth with ease.
The Origin and Usefulness of Chopsticks
Have you ever wondered why chopsticks are so popular in Eastern culture? Chopsticks were invented long before the fork and, when the latter arrived in ancient China, the population was already accustomed to using chopsticks. Furthermore, the way of cooking in Asian culture, with dishes made up of small pieces, adapts perfectly to the use of chopsticks. Although in our Western culture we also enjoy a wide culinary variety, learning to use chopsticks gives us the opportunity to experience gastronomic diversity in an authentic way.
