Chopstick Etiquette

Using chopsticks can be a new and daunting experience for those unaccustomed with using them. 30% of the world’s population uses chopsticks as their customary eating utensil, meaning that with practice and patience you can master using chopsticks as well! We’re here to tell you some of the basic etiquette when using chopsticks; please note, however, that we will be referring to Japanese etiquette. Each country has their own specific customs that should be researched and respected.

In Japanese culture, chopsticks have often represented and functioned as a bridge. In the country’s early history chopsticks were used as a bridge between humans and the divine. It was believed that if chopsticks were offered to a deity or a god, they would inhabit the chopsticks. Therefore, chopsticks weren’t used for everyday meals, but for special meals with the divine. As chopsticks became more common in the everyday life, they formed a bridge between the serving plate and the mouth. Japanese chopsticks can be identified by their tapered ends – tapered towards one end means it’s a regular set of chopsticks, while tapering towards both ends indicates the set as ceremonial chopsticks. The latter is still used for ceremonial purposes today, like in funerary practices. Here, chopsticks function as a bridge between this world and the next.

Japanese chopstick etiquette still has lingering customs related to the history described above. Using correct chopstick etiquette in Japan is also seen as a sign of politeness. Here are some of the most important points:

Do not rub chopsticks together

Rubbing chopsticks together is usually done to remove splinters. If this is done, whether this be reusable or disposable chopsticks, it will appear as if you are implying that the establishment gave you cheap chopsticks. This can be meant as an insult.

Do not stick chopsticks vertically into your food

A bowl of rice with chopsticks vertically stuck in is customary at Japanese funerals, as this is an offering to the deceased. Doing this outside of funeral settings can be seen as disrespectful and it also brings bad luck.

Do not pass food directly between pairs of chopsticks

This is one of the most important chopstick rules in Japan! If you want to share food with someone, place the food on a separate plate and pass that around instead. Passing food from one pair of chopsticks to another is reminiscent of funerary practices and doing this can be seen as disrespectful.

Use both chopsticks at the same time

Using a single chopstick to stab at food is seen as rude table manners or showing a lack of trust in your host if checking whether food is cooked. Use both chopsticks at all times. If you’re food keeps getting away from you, keep trying! You’ll get there.

Place chopsticks without crossing them

Crossing chopsticks over your bowl indicates that you no longer want the dish and if there is still food in the bowl, this can be seen as disrespectful. It can also be a reminder of funerals and a symbol of death. Keeping your chopsticks parallel to one another is the best rule to follow if you’re unsure. Place your chopsticks on chopstick holders if provided, or if you are using disposable chopsticks fashion a chopstick holder from the wrapper.

Use sharing chopsticks when taking food from a sharing plate

Using chopsticks that have toucher your mouth to take food from a sharing plate is seen as unhygienic. Instead, use the utensils provided with the sharing plate. If these were not provided, first try to find a clean pair of chopsticks to transfer the food from the sharing plate. As a last resort, use the thick ends of your chopsticks to transfer the food – this is not 100% hygienic but still better than using the front ends. Also never eat directly from a sharing plate – transfer the food first to your plate and then enjoy!

Do not point your chopsticks at other people

Pointing your chopsticks at someone is considered as a very rude gesture, similar to pointing a finger at someone.

Do not play with your chopsticks

Playing with chopsticks is seen as childish and rude – children are taught from a young age to not do this.

Chopsticks should be placed above the plate on the table, tips facing the left

When setting a table with chopsticks, the chopsticks should be placed above the plate or bowl, with the tips facing to the left.

Place disposable chopsticks back into the wrapper

In more formal settings, place the disposable chopsticks back into their wrapper, as this is seen as a good gesture and indicates that you are finished with your meal.

If you mess up on any of these rules, don’t worry – the most important thing is that you are putting effort into respecting a culture and practices that are hundreds of years old! And if you are unsure what to do, don’t be afraid to look at those around you or ask for help. Now, enjoy your meal and don’t be afraid to ask our friendly staff for any assistance or tips