Thursday, December 4, 2008

Chopstick Etiquette

For our first blog, we're starting simple. Chopsticks, they're a staple at almost every Asian restaurant. However, there are proper rules of etiquette for using them. We're going to lay down the rules. After all, you wouldn't want to offend someone, would you?


1. Chopsticks are NOT drumsticks. Sorry, all you aspiring drummers out there. Did your mom let you beat on the table and plates with your fork and knife? Didn't think so. Don't do it with chopsticks either.

2. Piercing food is a big no-no. If you haven't mastered picking things up with the chopsticks, ask for a fork. No one will think less of you.

3. When you're not using your sticks, don't
use your food as a place holder. Stabbing chopsticks into food is reminiscent of the incense used at Asian funerals. It symbolizes feeding the dead. Grim, right? Use your handy chopstick wrapper instead! Simply fold it up and, ta-da, you have a convenient holder to prop your sticks on.

4. It's also rude to rub your chopsticks together in an effort to de-splinter them. You're implying that your host is too
cheap to spring for the good sticks. How rude.

So, them's the rules. Simple, right? Now you can impress your friends with your knowledge of Asian dining etiquette next time you eat at Silhouette!


いただきます!