You have finally learned to eat meat, vegetables and sushi with chopsticks for food, but you still have a lot of difficulty with the simplest food of all: rice. Stop worrying! By reviewing the basic techniques and learning some specific tricks for this food, almost anyone can become an expert with a couple of kuaizi.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Using Chopsticks to Eat Rice
Is this your first time using this oriental cutlery? Click here to learn basic techniques before "tackling" a challenging bowl of rice.
Step 1. Keep the sticks parallel to each other
Rice is particularly difficult to eat even if you are good at handling such tools. This section of the article describes some "tricks" to make things easier. It begins with the traditional grip of the sticks and rotates the hand sideways by 90 °; at this point, the sticks should be on top of your hand instead of at your side, but you should still be able to move and spread them easily.
This position allows you to better support the bite of rice as you bring it to your mouth. It is difficult for the food to fall between two horizontal sticks, but it is much easier to roll off sideways when you balance it with the sticks vertically
Step 2. Lift the rice from underneath
To grab this food you don't have to "pinch" it between the tips of the chopsticks, but lift it (as if you were using a spoon) and at the same time pinch it with the sticks. Keep the cutlery slightly open, so that each is on the sides of a mouthful of rice; bring them close to the base of the bite and pinch it gently as you lift it.
This movement makes it easier to control the rice without dropping any grains. The more compact food on the bottom supports the one on the top and the pair of chopsticks turns into a sort of makeshift spoon
Step 3. Bring the bowl to your mouth
This is typically the most complicated stage for people who have difficulty with this food. Use the hand that does not control the chopsticks to take the bowl and lift it up to a few centimeters from the mouth; transfer a mouthful of rice into your mouth using the method described above. The bowl collects every grain that falls "hiding" possible errors. This gesture not only makes the process easier, it is also considered more polite in many countries where chopsticks are used.
However, remember that it is considered a bit rude to "shovel" food directly from the container to the mouth; lift the morsels of rice to eat them and do not put your lips on the bowl by pushing the grains towards you
Step 4. If you can, choose sticky rice
The different varieties do not all have the same consistency and the same weight. To make things easier, opt for short-grain white rice that tends to form sticky lumps that are easy to lift; brown rice and long grain rice tend to remain well separated, so there is a greater chance that the grains will fall out while you try to eat them.
Part 2 of 3: Learning the General Technique
Step 1. Hold both sticks with the thumb side
If you grab them properly, eating rice is easier; fortunately, this is an easy technique to learn! Start by lining up the two sticks and holding them with your dominant hand; insert them in the "cradle" between the thumb and the base of the index finger. The soft part of the thumb should pinch them while holding them still.
Make sure they are lined up on top of each other and not side by side
Step 2. Grab the top stick like a ballpoint pen
When both are between your thumb and forefinger, slide the top one up while holding it with your forefinger, middle finger and thumb. The tip of the thumb should rest on the side of the wand, the index finger should be folded around it and remain at the top, finally the middle finger should hold it on the opposite side of the thumb. The description might sound complicated, but it's a very similar grip to the one you use to hold a ballpoint pen or pencil!
If you are having difficulty, put the other wand down to focus on this one alone; you can slip it into your thumb at a later time
Step 3. Hold the lower wand steady
This is one of the most important details to remember when using this type of tool: the lower wand does not move. Keep it stable with the fleshy part of the thumb, a slight pressure should be enough; no need to press with excessive force, bend the ring finger slightly to support the lower portion with the last knuckle.
Step 4. Use thumb, index and middle finger to move the upper stick
Maintain your grip and practice bending and straightening your index and middle fingers. When you extend your fingers, the wand should point upwards; when you fold them, it should come back down and even touch the lower one. Practice this movement until it feels natural.
- Try to keep your thumb straight as you practice. If you bend it to lower the wand, you lose the correct grip and consequently the control of the tools.
- Remember that the lower stick does not move, keep it well embedded and supported with the ring finger.
Step 5. Pick up the morsels of food by pinching them between the chopsticks
Prepare a dish to practice. Alternatively, you can crumple up a few sheets of paper and place them on the plate; lift them by pinching them between the tips of the chopsticks and bring them to your mouth. It takes some practice to get used to the feeling of holding food with these tools, but it quickly becomes more natural.
If you have decided to "train" with food and this is your first time using this cutlery, lay down a cloth to protect yourself from splashes
Part 3 of 3: Learn Chopstick Etiquette
Step 1. Do not use chopsticks as skewers to skewer food
As you begin to master this type of cutlery, it is worth learning a few simple rules of its etiquette; they are not absolutely essential, but they are easy to remember and do not make the meal more complex. For example, you don't have to use sticks to poke or stab food; it is considered a rude gesture, a bit like going to a luxury restaurant and stabbing food with a knife instead of using a fork.
Step 2. Do not put them in the food face up
This position brings to mind the incense that is used in Buddhist funerals and is considered a taboo.
Step 3. Do not pass food to another person directly from one "pair of chopsticks to another"
In other words, do not take a bite by holding it suspended while waiting for another diner to take it with his sticks, but place it on the plate; this gesture also has a negative connection with funeral rites.
Also, when someone wants to give you food, bring your plate closer instead of grabbing it with your chopsticks
Step 4. Do not take the dishes from the common tray with your personal cutlery
This is considered an unhygienic habit, especially if the chopsticks have already made contact with your mouth. Instead, use the "service" ones made available; generally, there is always a spoon or similar utensil to take your portion.
Advice
- This link contains many tips for holding chopsticks in your hand and for choosing a good quality pair when you go to buy them.
- The rules of etiquette described in this article are only the basic ones; if you are looking for detailed information, you can do further research online.
