Chinese Cuisine: How to Use Chopsticks

1. Place upper portion of 1 chopstick in curve between thumb and first finger of eating hand, resting lower portion against side of fourth finger in a stationary position. You should not be able to wiggle this chopstick.
2. Place upper portion of second chopstick above first chopstick, between tip of thumb and side of first finer and resting against middle finger (similar how you would hold a pen or pencil). You should be able to wiggle this chopstick.
3.  By moving your index finger, move the top chopstick up and down, creating an open and close action against the bottom chopstick, perfect for picking up everything from dim sum dumplings to pea pods.

Chopstick Etiquette

Yes, just as with knives and forks, there are manners when using chopsticks. We're not sure how authentic these points of etiquette are. However, they might keep you from offending your host.

1. To prevent 'double dipping', use larger ends of chopsticks to choose food from a common platter. the trick here is to remember to turn them around before starting to eat again.
   
2. Don't pass food from one pair of chopstick to another.
3. Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice.
4. Don't spear food with chopsticks. If food needs to be cut, pick up food and bite off portion.
5. Use chopsticks to eat solid pieces in soup (such as wanton, brccoli, pea pods), then use the open-bowled spoon for the broth.
6. Don't use chopsticks to pull bowls or plates towards you.

So there you have it, some basic etiquettes for an authentic Chinese Cuisine experience.