How to Eat with Chopsticks

July 21, 2017

Whether you want to eat your Asian cuisine more authentically, or are travelling abroad, there are many reasons to want to learn how to use chopsticks. This will teach you how to eat with them.

10 Second Summary

1. Place the first chopstick between your middle finger and the base of your thumb.
2. Place the second chopstick on top, between your index finger and thumb.
3. Open and close the chopsticks. Move the top one, and keep the bottom one stable.
4. Start picking up food from 45 degree angle.

Step One: Pick up the first chopstick and place it between your middle finger and the base of your thumb. This one is your anchor — it should not move. Stiffen your hand for a firm grip. Have the broad end of the chopstick lay in the crook of your hand, where your thumb and pointer finger connect. Rest the narrow end between the base of your thumb and the side of your index finger. It should be virtually immobile. It’s similar to how you hold a pen, but a bit lower.

Some may prefer to hold the chopstick on the side of their ring finger, with the tip of their ring finger holding it in place. This frees the middle finger to hold the other chopstick more securely and provides that one with more control. It is a more formal approach.

Step Two: Grip the second chopstick with your index finger and thumb. This is the stick that moves. Place your thumb over the side of the second chopstick, so it rests above the first. Adjust your grip to a more comfortable position. Make sure the narrow tips of the chopsticks are even with each other to help prevent them from crossing or being unable to “pinch” the food.

To get them even, you can tap them on the table. Uneven chopsticks will be very difficult to use.

Step 3: Practice opening and closing the chopsticks. Make sure the broad ends of the chopsticks do not make an “X” as this will make it difficult to pick up food. Is only the top one moving? Great!

If it helps, move your hand up and down the chopsticks, but maintaining the same position, experimenting with levels of grip. Some find it easier to maneuver closer to the base, others further up.

Step 4: Start picking up food! Working from a 45° angle may be easiest right now. Once you have it steady, lift ‘er up. If it feels unstable, put it down and try again.