Originally posted April 30, 2017
Reposted February 16, 2022
Chopsticks are the way of eating in Japan unless you have a traditional plate of curry rice with which that is eaten with a spoon. There is a range of qualities when it comes to chopsticks, even the disposable wooden pairs. And, of course, there are proper manners and etiquette when it comes to eating as a Japanese local.
A chopstick is just not a chopstick, especially in Japan. Disposable wooden chopsticks, known as waribashi, is used for high-end restaurants and for street eats. However, like the food itself, the chopsticks also range in quality.
If you see the natural lines in the chopstick, that is a high-quality pair with true wood that has been cleanly cut. If you do not see any lines, those chopsticks are like processed food and of lower quality.
Chopsticks etiquette is like utensil etiquette – each country has their respective set of manners and traditions when it comes to proper eating. In Japan, manners are more formal than in other chopsticks-eating countries.
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