Whether it’s ramen, sushi, Korean BBQ or Pho Bo: Asian dishes are among the most popular dishes in Germany. As popular as the food is, most people find it difficult to use the chopsticks provided correctly. We will show you a simple method that is guaranteed to work.
Holding chopsticks correctly is an art for many. And while there are countless ways to use the chopsticks correctly, beginners in particular are overwhelmed with the handling.
However, a certain method has proven itself and allows you to use chopsticks of all kinds after just a few attempts. All it takes is a little skill or a lot of practice.
How to hold chopsticks correctly
- First, place a chopstick between your thumb and forefinger in your right or left hand. Now use your ring finger to ensure stability from below.
- Hold the second chopstick in your hand like a pencil and enclose the chopstick with your thumb, forefinger and middle finger.
- Now you can only move the upper double crochet up and down while the lower one is firmly in hand. Make sure the bottom ends of the double crochet are at the same height.
- Then use the chopsticks to form a downward V-shape and pick up the food (see picture).
But beware: round and very soft food in particular, such as Japanese tofu, is difficult to grasp and requires a lot of practice.
If you find it difficult to hold the chopsticks correctly and eat with them despite the instructions, you can, for example on Amazon Chopsticks for adults and children Find. Thanks to their special shape and the additional loops, you will learn to keep your fingers in the right position.
For a better idea, see the instructions again in the following video in moving images.
Eating properly with chopsticks: You should avoid these mistakes
Similar to western cutlery, when eating with chopsticks there are blunders that you should avoid. These not only look ugly, but also make it difficult for you to eat. The most common mistakes are:
- Hold too far down: Beginners tend to hold the chopsticks very low, almost touching the food with their fingers. As a result, the angle, for example to pick up sushi, is far too small. Therefore, hold the chopsticks in the upper third.
- hold crossed: Be careful how much pressure you hold the chopsticks in your index and middle finger. They should not cross in the middle when eating. It is normal if the chopsticks lie loosely in your hand and you do not cramp.
- take in the fist: Do not put the chopsticks in your fists, as this will prevent you from picking up the food properly. In addition, this method also seems very impolite in some travel countries.
- keep parallel: Be careful not to put your middle finger between the two chopsticks. So you can’t merge them well.
If you avoid these mistakes, you can safely use the chopsticks in a different position. The main thing is that you can enjoy your meal stress-free.
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