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For many Asian nations, chopsticks are a familiar utensil in meals. However, the chopstick culture varies in each country in terms of usage and beliefs.
Origins of the Chopsticks
Chopsticks, a crucial and familiar tool in East Asia, have become a cultural symbol. Alongside the lunar calendar, candles, paper, ink, and more, chopsticks represent a major invention by the Chinese. Dating back 3000 years (during the Shang Dynasty), humans discovered the utility of chopsticks for picking up food instead of using their hands.
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In the early times, what we now call chopsticks were not referred to as such; instead, they were called 'assistance' or 'armor'. It wasn't until the 6th or 7th century BC that they were termed 'chopsticks'. Due to certain beliefs in the Jiangnan region of East Central China, they later changed the name to 'chopsticks'. Since then, chopsticks have become a symbol of civilization, representing a significant aspect of a vast cultural heritage across many Asian countries. Around 1800 BC, larger chopsticks were primarily used for cooking. By around 200 BC, chopsticks had become a common utensil in meals.
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The chopstick culture in some Asian countries
Vietnam
For the Vietnamese, using chopsticks is not just a tool for picking up food; it also signifies care and elegant sharing. At the beginning of meals, especially during gatherings, before picking up food for themselves, they often use clean chopsticks to serve food to everyone around the table. Throughout the meal, if they want to share food with others, they must turn the chopsticks around, a gesture considered the minimum etiquette.
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In general, the chopstick etiquette in Vietnam is not overly strict; young children usually start learning how to use chopsticks around the age of 5 or 6. Similar to many other East Asian countries, besides avoiding sticking chopsticks straight into the rice bowl, which is considered bad luck, associated with the image of a ritual rice bowl. In Vietnam, it is also frowned upon to tap chopsticks together or against bowls and other utensils to make noise while eating. They believe this may attract hungry ghosts and disrupt the meal, emphasizing the high value they place on etiquette.
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Traditional Vietnamese chopsticks feature a round, unadorned body without paint or decoration, and the tips are often not overly pointed. Typically, in the Northern region, chopsticks are crafted from bamboo, while in the Southern region, coconut wood is a common choice.
South Korea
Like in many other countries, chopsticks play a crucial role in the meals of the Korean people. Koreans, during meals, rarely lift bowls or plates and instead use chopsticks and spoons to pick up and scoop food. They do not hold both spoon and chopsticks in the same hand. When sharing a meal, anyone wishing to take food from a communal dish must ensure their chopsticks are clean, without any food or rice sticking to them.
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Particularly, Korean chopsticks are often flat, with round tips, and engraved with characters like 'phuc' and 'hy' in Han script or symbolic images representing prosperity. Almost every household and restaurant in Korea uses metal chopsticks. They prefer metal chopsticks for their cleanliness and environmental friendliness. However, mastering the art of using metal chopsticks can be quite challenging when dining in the land of kimchi.
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China
Chinese chopstick culture is quite open, with not too many strict rules. Chopsticks are usually held in the right hand, and using chopsticks with the left hand is considered inappropriate. Playing with chopsticks is deemed impolite, while serving food to the elderly or children is seen as courteous and polite. When dining with elders, the Chinese often let the seniors pick up chopsticks first, and the host will take the initiative to serve food into others' plates.
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There are some taboos to be aware of when using chopsticks here. They never stand chopsticks upright in the rice bowl, as it reminds of ritual rice bowls, symbolizing bad luck and death. Additionally, tapping chopsticks against the bowl is considered an impolite act.
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Japan
In Japan, chopsticks are almost always used in their meals. This is because the majority of Japanese dishes are intricately prepared and cut into small pieces. Additionally, with a frequent consumption of fish, using chopsticks allows them to be more flexible in removing bones. As a result, the Japanese hold chopsticks in high regard; beyond being utensils, they are considered works of art. Many Japanese families own precious sets of chopsticks adorned with mother-of-pearl or gold inlay, or intricately lacquered chopsticks with elaborate paintings.
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When traveling in Japan, you'll find many dining establishments exclusively providing chopsticks for their meals (except for dishes like soup that come with a spoon). This is why many diners, especially Westerners unfamiliar with chopsticks, may face difficulties when dining in such places.
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The Japanese way of using chopsticks is quite unique. When they feel satisfied and don't want any more food, they hold the chopsticks between the thumb and forefinger and say 'gochisosama' – meaning the meal was delicious, thank you. This not only expresses gratitude for the served meal but is also a polite gesture. In Japanese culture, savoring your meal is not considered impolite but a way to praise the chef's skill.
Thailand
While people in Thailand often use chopsticks during meals, they usually opt for disposable wooden or plastic chopsticks. However, in reality, many locals here prefer using a fork and spoon. Except for rice and noodle dishes where chopsticks are commonly used, in most meals, people use spoons extensively. While some still use chopsticks to pick up and transfer food to their plate, many Thais now use chopsticks only for serving and then switch to using a spoon for eating.
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Hopefully, this article can offer you intriguing insights into the culinary and chopstick culture of each Asian country.
Nhi Tuyết (compiled) – dulichvietnam.com.vn
According to Vietnam Sports Newspaper
Published by: Phuong Phuong Nguyen
Keywords: Chopstick culture in dining across various Asian countries
