A How To Guide to All Things Chopsticks

As Indians, we're accustomed to using our hands (or spoons, if we’ve got our fancy pants on) for eating. So, the idea of mastering chopsticks might seem unnecessary at first. I used to feel the same until I realised something important: I actually don't want to touch my food with my hands… especially delicate dishes like sushi, where the oils and moisture of your hands can ruin the texture of the rice and the fish.

Moreover, it would break my heart if I had to ruin the artistry of a well-made dumpling by mercilessly stabbing it with a fork. So, I decided to embrace the chopstick challenge. Surprisingly, it's not as daunting as it seems! So, here are a couple of tricks that helped me get comfortable with chopsticks. Follow these and maybe you’ll manage to chop a grain of sticky rice before I do!

How to be a Master of Two

1. Let's start off with the way you should hold your chopsticks. First, hold one chopstick like you're holding a pencil – between your thumb and the side of your index finger. Then, add the second chopstick between the tips of your thumb and index finger, with your middle finger supporting it. Aim to hold them about one-third of the way from the top.
2. Next, practise opening and closing those chopsticks. Try moving the top chopstick up and down using your thumb and index finger. It might feel a bit tricky at first, but don't worry – you'll get the hang of it!
3. Now, have a go with odd objects. Grab some peanuts, beans, or even pieces of candy, and practise picking them up with your chopsticks. It's a great way to improve your skills while having a tasty snack!
4. And if you're struggling to get a good grip, here's a neat trick: wrap a rubber band around the top ends of your chopsticks. This gives you some extra traction and makes it easier to pick up food. Give it a try and see how it helps!

With a bit of practice and these handy tips, you'll be a chopstick pro in no time.

Getting Creative in the Kitchen!

Apart from just eating, there are a bunch of nifty chopstick tricks that you can use too! Try out these chopsticks hacks and use them the next time you're taking over the kitchen!

• Testing Oil Temperature: When frying, just dip the tip of a chopstick into the oil. If bubbles form around it, the oil is ready for frying up some delicious spring rolls!
  
  
• Skewers for Appetisers: Get creative and use chopsticks as skewers for your favourite appetisers like meatballs, shrimp, or veggies. It adds a fun twist to your dish!
  
  
• Separating Ingredients: Doing a little sautéing or stir-frying? Use your trusty chopsticks to separate or flip ingredients. They offer precise control for delicate manoeuvres.
  
  
• Checking Cake Doneness: Wondering if your cakes or muffins are baked to perfection? Insert a chopstick into them – if it comes out clean, your treats are ready to be enjoyed!

Chopsticks and the Art of Etiquette

Going to an Asian restaurant or taking a trip to an east asian country and want to blend in? Then just learning how to use the chopsticks is simply not enough! There are some general rules of thumb etiquette that you should know about before you cross the border. 

• No Rice Stick-Up: Steer clear of sticking your chopsticks straight down into your rice – it's like inviting bad luck to the dinner table! Plus, it's reminiscent of some eerie ancestral rites, so better keep those chopsticks horizontal.
  
  
• Pass the Dish, Not the Chopsticks: Want to share that delicious dish? Pass it around, but never attempt to transfer food from chopstick to chopstick. Trust us, it's not just a superstition – it's like playing with fire, or rather, unburnt bones!
  
  
• Handle with Care: When wielding your chopsticks, remember to treat them with respect. No pointing them at people or sticking them upright in your food – it's just not polite and could bring some unwanted bad luck vibes.
  
  
• Neat and Tidy: After you've enjoyed your meal, resist the urge to leave your chopsticks in the rice bowl. Instead, give them a proper resting place on the table. It's all about keeping things tidy and respectful.
  
  
• No Chopstick Playtime: While chopsticks are versatile tools, they're not meant for playtime! Avoid skewering your food or using them as drumsticks. It's all about showing proper manners and respect for the meal.

If you’ve come this far, you’ll go even further armed with all this knowledge! Practise diligently and learn how to use chopsticks while eating, learn how NOT to use them, and about their full potential. Let me know how it goes for you!