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Learning to use chopsticks has been a delightful yet maddening adventure for me. There’s something fun about picking up those two slim sticks and imagining myself effortlessly plucking sushi rolls, fried rice or Japanese noodles like a seasoned pro, but despite how hard I’ve tried, I just can’t seem to get it.
For those of us who struggle with this activity, the fun quickly turns to frustration. No matter how many tutorials I’ve watched or how carefully I try to mimic the grip, the chopsticks and my fingers refuse to cooperate. Food just rolls away from me, and after countless attempts, I just choose to stab the food with the chopstick or even use my fingers to pick up the sushi rolls. (I know, I know.)
What makes it all the more infuriating for me is how effortless it looks for others—even my children are able to do it! But despite the frustration, I still want to learn and one genius trick shared by @urbanbellychicago featuring chef/owner Bill Kim may finally help me master this skill!
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The Easy Way to Use Chopsticks, According to Chef Bill Kim
Chef Bill Kim (@chefbillkim) demonstrated on Instagram how to use a paper napkin to assist with maneuvering chopsticks. Several people in the comments said this was a handy trick for beginners to learn, so I knew I had to give it a shot!
To do it, you just grab a pair of chopsticks and a paper napkin. Place the chopsticks at one end of the napkin, with the top sides facing each other toward the center of the napkin. Roll the napkin into a firm, compact cylinder, keeping the chopsticks in place as you roll.
The napkin helps to maintain space between the chopsticks, making them easier to control. You can also wrap a rubber band around the chopsticks and napkin at the top to create a springy effect, so the chopsticks automatically separate when you release your grip, making it easier to grab your food.
To use the napkin-clad chopsticks, you simply hold the chopsticks as usual, one resting between your thumb and index finger and the other between your thumb and middle finger. Thanks to the napkin spacer, the chopsticks will be more stable and aligned, letting you focus on picking up food without them slipping apart.
People in the comments were big fans of this tip, too. One commenter said that they used to use this tip as a kid and now all of their kids have learned using this method too. How cute is that?
Who knew that the answer to my chopstick frustration was at my fingertips this whole time? Sometimes, just a little help goes a long way in helping you learn a new skill, and this one is so easy! Thanks, chef Kim!
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