Came across this t-shirt at Threadless a couple of days ago and it made me laugh because, well, I can’t use chopsticks. Every time we go to an Asian restaurant, we always have to ask for a fork and a spoon. Most of the time, they think the fork and spoon are for Troy since I’m the Asian among us and he’s the white guy. Silly generalisation, if you ask me. Not all Asians can use chopsticks. Or at least I don’t think so.
I could say that I can’t use chopsticks because in Indonesia, we eat using spoons, or spoons and forks in more formal settings. But Troy grew up eating with forks and knives and yet he can use chopsticks like a pro, so my argument wouldn’t be valid. I think I’ll just say that I can’t use chopsticks because I’m clumsy, and that it will be better for my sanity, faster, and less food wasted if I just use forks and spoons to eat my meals. And yes, I’ve tried using chopsticks before. It just didn’t work. Just ask Troy. :)
However, if you have any simple tips and tricks on using chopsticks that you think I could use, feel free to share! I’d love to hear it.
I’m Eurasian but can use chopsticks - have been doing so for about 60 years. A suggestion, ask for Japanese chopsticks- the ones with points- and stab your food. As for rice, it’s in a bowl and you can lift the bowl to your mouth and shovel it in; it is permitted for men anyway. With noodles , once you get them too your mouth you suck and merly use the chopsticks to guide.