How to Use Chopsticks Perfectly [4 Easy Steps]
Did you ever notice that chopsticks’ structure is similar to that of tweezers? You just pick out the small portions of food without disrupting the rest. But holding chopsticks can become a real deal if you haven’t used them already. And you are probably here because you want to know how to use chopsticks perfectly, right?
Let’s learn the proper hold of chop sticks so that you may enjoy every bit of your meal using chopsticks flawlessly.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use Chopsticks
Step 1- Grasp the Chopstick 1 (Base Chopstick) between Your Thumb and Ring Finger
Start by holding the first chopstick in your primary (dominant) hand. The chopstick should be between your thumb and the ring finger. The narrow end of the stick should be towards the front- like that of a pen tip.
Now rest the wider end on the lower thumb joint with about one inch sticking out from the thumb. It will make sure that the stick is stable. Now rest the other end on the inner edge of your ring finger (just near the edge of the nail) while a major part of it should stick out from the ring finger.
Note: Stick 1 is your base stick that you’ll not move when picking food.
Step 2- Hold the Chopstick 2 between Your Thumb and Index Finger
This is the stick that you’ll move to transport food from your plate to the mouth so make sure to hold it properly.
For this, use the other hand to rest the second chopstick between the thumb and index finger of your dominant hand. Your thumb should hold the wider end of the stick.
Keep the thicker end of the stick under your thumb tip, sticking out about an inch on your index finger and an inch outer to that. Now adjust the narrow end; it should pass from between your index finger and the edge of the middle finger.
Note: Make sure that stick 2 is in line with stick 1.
Step 3: Move Top Chopstick While Keeping the Bottom Chopstick Still
To move the chopstick 2 easily, try to keep your thumb at a position where it is a little back from your index finger. Remember, the thumb should firmly hold the chop sticks.
Use the index and middle finger to move the top chopstick and grab the food while keeping the other chopstick in a fixed position. Using these fingers will exert pressure on your thumb to either harden or loosen the top chopstick’s grip on food. You need to make sure that your index finger, middle finger, and thumb operate at the same time for proper movement. It is important to learn that the bottom chopstick remains stable and only the top chopstick is used for picking the food.
Exercise the grasping and releasing of the chopsticks a few times. This will prevent you from getting frustrated when you actually have to grasp the food.
Step 4: Pick up the Food Bite
You need to ensure that the area between your chopsticks opening is wider than the food bites. So, open it accordingly depending on the bite size.
After you grasp the bite, slowly close the top stick moving your middle and index finger. It will help you grab your food and transport it to your mouth perfectly.
And you are done! Follow these four step, keep practicing, and you don’t have to worry about ‘how to use chopsticks’ again.
I’d suggest starting with small. Take some small items and pick them up using chopsticks. You can do the same with small food items. All you need to do is practice.
A pro Tip: Usually, some people grab the chopsticks very close to the tip. Avoid this, because then it gets difficult to move the chopsticks together.
