When In China, Do As The Chinese Do….Chopsticks!

So I don’t know if I mentioned this already, but I am currently in China, on a business slash shopping slash eating trip! So you can imagine why I was inspired to draft a post about the marvel that is chopsticks! They are available in assorted styles, designs, textures and sizes. The beauty of this trip is I have learned that levels of chopstick skills range from expert (eating slippery peanuts and assorted tiny morsels of food) to novice (huge chunks of food being dropped or flung across the table).

Due to the collection of shirts I now own that bear the stain of foods that slipped from chopsticks and landed on my chest. I searched for novice chopsticks that can help “beginners” to harness their Zen and master the power of the chopsticks! Check out the Rookie Chopsticks that are offered by Sur La Table. They are available in sets of 4 and only cost $7.95!

More importantly they are easy to use and will teach you how to position your fingers and help you get a feel for the level of pressure you should apply. Some other things I learned about chopsticks from the locals and friends are:

You should never spear your food with the chopsticks, apparently it’s rude and bad luck.
You should never play drums with your chopsticks on your plate and tea cup, apparently its not funny and evokes looks of bewilderment.
You should never strike your chopsticks together (to remove the shards of splintered wood) above the table, rather due so below the table.

Those are my major tips for now. If I learn anymore during the duration of my trip I shall update this post. Once you pass your novice level of chopstick use, feel free to start shopping and using decorative and beautifully crafted chopsticks.

购物 (Go Shopping!)

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