Chopstick etiquette?!


Question: I'm going on a longer business trip to China, so I was wondering if somebody can tell me something more about dining etiquette and about properly using chopsticks. Is there something I shouldn't do during or after a meal (like leaving the chopsticks in a certain place)? Also,I'm left-handed, and I use my left hand when I use chopsticks. Will my hosts find this offensive? If yes, is there a way to quickly master using them with my non-dominant hand?
A link or a video would be great.
Thank you.

Answers: I'm going on a longer business trip to China, so I was wondering if somebody can tell me something more about dining etiquette and about properly using chopsticks. Is there something I shouldn't do during or after a meal (like leaving the chopsticks in a certain place)? Also,I'm left-handed, and I use my left hand when I use chopsticks. Will my hosts find this offensive? If yes, is there a way to quickly master using them with my non-dominant hand?
A link or a video would be great.
Thank you.
Back in the day you were not suppose to poke your food with the chop stick, you could not suck on them or lick them. You could hold your rice bowl only up to your mouth and move the rice into your mouth. When you were done you had to lay your chop sticks across the top of the plate. Unless there are small holders for them.
Now a days things have changed so much. Every thing is almost like the U.S.A. If you can get out to the country part of China. There you will find old school methods. Now those are the best!!!
Have a safe and beautiful trip.
After you seal the deal...Take some time for you and your memories! Who knows when you will be out there again???? Report It

Other Answers (6)

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  • Edward B's Avatar by Edward B
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    June 03, 2007
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    • NEVER EVER put your chopsticks straight up in your bowl ie plunge them into the middle
    bad bad bad omen

    its polite to put your bowl right up to your face whem eating and use chopsticks like shovel
    makes eating rice easier
    dont use hands
    Have a lovely trip!

    http://www.dimsum.co.uk/food/chinese-din...

    http://www.renmenbi.com/chopstick-faux-p...
    They're gonna make allowances for you, just as we do for them.
    Maybe you'll just give 'em something to laugh at.
    I'm left handed too. I don't think they would find it offensive but everyone wants people to be right handed in using chop sticks and chinese writing as well. Don't stick chop sticks on the food. When you are picking up food, make sure your chop sticks are rice free and get only the food in the dish closest to you. Another thing is that they wouldn't like people to drink anything during eating besides tea. That's it :P
    if you're really paranoid about it, there's no shame in using a fork :)
    secret here is not to pretend to be what you are not, explain to your hosts that you are not proficient with chop sticks, and take note of the advice already given above, your hosts will excuse you and make allowances for the fact that you are really trying to give it a go.

    if you feel that you want more instruction go to the local chinese restaurant and ask the staff there or watch the locals

    don't forget that there are left handed chinese as well
    good luck


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