How to use chopsticks: step by step instructions and recommendations

For many years in the trend Japanese cuisine. First, it's delicious. Secondly, it's fashionable. Well, thirdly, it's useful. So in any case, you should join the culture of eating rolls and sushi. Only many Europeans have a problem - inability to use chopsticks. Indeed, how to use chopsticks? Maybe it's easier to glue them to your fingers so they do not slip out? Or should you abandon the installed devices and use the usual fork? Let's try to build a convenient algorithm for mastering science.

From the history

Sticks are considered a traditional cutlery in East Asia, but Japanese restaurants have appeared in virtually all Russian cities. Everything is explained by the growing popularity of Asian cuisine. But how to use chopsticks, many Russians still do not know. Someone squeezes the rolls, holding the sticks with both hands. Someone sticks food on a wand, like an ancient man on his spear. Many people refuse the sticks and eat with a fork ...

Such an ambiguous cutlery appeared in ancient China. According to legend, it was invented by a certain Yu, who wanted to get a piece of meat from a hot boiler. In China, the sticks have their own name - "kuaizi", and in Japan - "hasi".

National souvenir

For the Japanese, Hasi is a very personal subject that can not be given to other people. In restaurants, therefore, do not serve metal or ceramic appliances, and use disposable, which are called varibasi. Therefore, do not worry about hygiene, you can safely learn how to use chopsticks, and then dispose of them.

Chopsticks began to be used almost 3 thousand years ago in China, and they came to Japan only in the 12th century. Initially, the sticks were made of bamboo and they resembled tweezers. Later, wood, plastic and ivory were used for steel production. Metal sticks Japanese do not favor, as they can damage the tooth enamel. The Chinese are beginning to teach children the possession of chopsticks from an early age, and already a two-year-old can safely handle such a device. Chinese sticks have about 20 cm in length. They are quite thick and easy to handle. In Japan, the rods are shorter by 5-10 cm and, in addition, they have sharp tips. There is also a Korean version of Chokkarak sticks. They are made of stainless steel. They can be used only by an experienced eater, so they will seem European too thin and uncomfortable.

In the Chinese version

So, how to use chopsticks? If in the restaurant you brought fat and long sticks, then this is clearly a Chinese option. They are convenient, but first of all you need to learn how to keep them. That wand that has a thickening at the end, lies on the base of the thumb, and the lower phalanx of the middle finger serves as a support for the thin end. The thumb should be pressed on the stick to fix the position. This stick performs a passive function - it supports food. But the second stick moves between the thumb and forefinger during the seizure of food.

But you have to keep Hasi different. Here the passive stick lies at the base of the thumb. Almost in the middle, the stick rests on the upper phalanx of the ring finger. It turns out that the big, index and middle fingers form a ring. In this ring, an active stick acts. The index finger is responsible for the movement.

Nuances of possession of chopsticks

Know how to correctly use chopsticks in theory - half the battle, but to repeat the experience in practice is not all. Etiquette of food intake is required to thoroughly study. For example, with the help of chopsticks, you can make it clear that the meal is over. To do this, it is enough to put them across the cup ends to the left. They can not be tampered with food. Clamped in the fists of the wand talking about the threat, and if they stick into the rice, you can insult the owner of the house. This dish is intended for the enemy. In general, knowingly consider the art of knowing how to use chopsticks. In the homes of Asia, banal ignorance can turn into serious problems. In a restaurant, the situation is somewhat simpler. But still any cultural person wants to look decent, and therefore learns the art of possession of chopsticks.

Algorithm in the smallest aspects

In order not to bother with partners in lunch, it is better to practice how to use chopsticks for sushi at home. So there will be plenty of time, and no one will interfere. It is best to practice on sushi and rolls of different shapes. Wands take in a circle from the thumb and index finger, directing sharp ends to the dish. Conditionally divide them into the upper one - the active one and the lower one - the passive one. The bottom supports food, and the upper one captures it. For convenience, the upper stick can be moved with a thumb, holding it with the index and middle. Rolls grab from the horizontal sides, and sushi - from the vertical. Gently dip the rolls into soy sauce, and when you are removed, lightly shake to brush off the excess sauce. Now send the food in your mouth, enjoying the taste. Here's how to properly use chopsticks for sushi.

Ethically

In the Eastern culture, knowing how to correctly use Chinese chopsticks, the reviews get positive not only in the circle of certain nations, but also among our compatriots, as the process looks beautiful and authentic. Eating Japanese food is a whole ritual that entails many conventions. In particular, the sticks can not be licked, stuck in food or pass a piece of food to neighbors on the table. If you touch the chopsticks to a piece, then you need to eat it. And if you take food from a common dish, then you need to use the opposite end of the sticks. You can not swing wands, move them with the help of dishes or draw the attention of the waiter. When you finish the meal, do not put the sticks on the plate. In some countries, such an act may mean a hostile attitude or discontent with a meal. Better fold them next to the plate on a napkin. From the ethical point of view, it is not necessary to finish the soy sauce or finish all the wasabi, which is put on the meal. These ingredients have a specific taste and should not be abused. That's the whole science of how to handle chopsticks correctly. Bon Appetit!