Chopsticks

Buy chopsticks online - browse our range of wooden chopsticks, essential eating utensils, decorated with a variety of eye-catching patterns like flowers, dragons, birds, and traditional Chinese scenes. Use extra-long cooking chopsticks for authentic preparation of Chinese and Japanese dishes. Travel chopsticks are essential if you take a bento lunch, while fans of Korean food should try traditional metal chopsticks. And don’t forget chopstick rests to complete your authentic table setting.

Chopsticks in Presentation Boxes

Find our selection of Japanese chopsticks in presentation gift boxes, complete with ceramic rests decorated in traditional patterns. These smart gift sets make wonderful gifts, and are a neat way to keep your chopsticks tucked away safely when not using them. Or choose to gift of one of our travel sets of chopsticks that comes in a neat case that you can slip into your pocket.

How to Look After Your Chopsticks

Clean wooden chopsticks in warm soapy water. Do not put them in the dishwasher. Soak your wooden chopsticks in water for a maximum of 30 seconds, so they do not become over saturated with water. Wipe off any food using sponge and once clean, dry thoroughly using a clean cloth. Metal chopsticks can be kept under water for longer, so follow the same steps and dry thoroughly once clean.

Keep knives and chopsticks in a separate compartment of the cutlery drawer, to prevent nicks and damage from other knives and other utensils used.

Choosing the Right Chopsticks: What to Look For

When buying chopsticks, there are several factors to consider to ensure they are perfect for your needs. Chopsticks come in a variety of materials, lengths, and styles, each suited to different dishes and dining experiences. Here's a guide to help you choose the ideal pair.

Material Matters

1. Wooden Chopsticks
Wooden chopsticks are a popular choice for many people. They provide a good grip, are easy to hold, and are often more durable than other materials. If you prefer a natural feel when you eat, wooden chopsticks are a fantastic option. these chopsticks can be made from various types of wood, including bamboo and maple.

2. Bamboo Chopsticks
Bamboo chopsticks are lightweight, affordable, and eco-friendly. Bamboo is a renewable resource, making these chopsticks a sustainable choice. They are ideal for everyday dining and cooking and can be used for a range of dishes.

3. Metal Chopsticks
Metal chopsticks, often made from stainless steel or silver, are sleek and durable. They are traditionally used in Korea and are perfect for those who prefer a more modern style. Metal and silver chopsticks are dishwasher safe, making them easy to clean. However, they can be slippery, so they might not be the best choice for beginners.

Design and Style

5. Chinese Chopsticks Chinese chopsticks are longer and have blunt tips, making them ideal for communal meals and designed to reach across large dining tables. The extra length of these chopsticks also makes them suitable for cooking, particularly for stirring and serving noodles.

Choosing the Right Length

6. Length
The length of the chopsticks you choose can make a big difference in your dining experience. Shorter chopsticks are great for precise eating, while longer chopsticks are better for communal meals or cooking. In Japan, chopsticks are often shorter for women and longer for men.

Tips for a Good Grip

7. Grip
When buying chopsticks, consider how easy they are to grip. Wooden chopsticks generally offer a better grip compared to metal or plastic options. Some chopsticks come with textured tips to make it easier to pick up slippery foods like noodles.

Style and Decoration

8. Style
Chopsticks come in a wide range of styles, from plain and simple to elaborately decorated. You can find chopsticks with traditional Japanese designs, floral patterns, or even minimalistic modern styles. Choose a style of chopstick that reflects your personal taste and the occasion for the meal in which you will be using them.

9. Finished and Unfinished
Wooden chopsticks can be finished with lacquer or left unfinished. Finished lacquer chopsticks have a smooth, shiny surface, making them easier to clean but sometimes more slippery. Unfinished chopsticks offer a more natural feel and better grip but may require more care to prevent damage.

Choosing Durable Bamboo Chopsticks

10. Durability
Durability is key, especially if you plan to use your chopsticks frequently. Wooden and bamboo chopsticks are quite durable, especially if they are well cared for. These are the most durable and can last for years without showing signs of wear.

11. Heat Resistance
Consider the heat resistance of the chopsticks, especially if you'll be using them for cooking. Metal chopsticks can withstand high heat, while some plastic or bamboo chopsticks may warp if exposed to high temperatures for too long.

Ease of Cleaning

12. Dishwasher Safe
If convenience is a priority, look for chopsticks that are dishwasher safe. Metal chopsticks are the easiest to clean, but some wooden chopsticks with a durable finish can also be placed in the dishwasher. Be cautious with bamboo and unfinished wood chopsticks, as they can warp or splinter.

How to use chopsticks correctly?

When holding chopsticks, position the first chopstick between your ring finger and thumb, while the second chopstick is held with your one hand using your thumb and ring finger for control.

This method ensures a steady grip on chopstick, allowing for more precise movements, especially when eating rice or other small pieces of food. Practice this technique to achieve a good grip on chopstick and make everyday dining with chopsticks more comfortable and enjoyable, whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to refine their chopstick skills.

Chopstick Rests and Other Eating Utensils

13. Chopstick Rests
Chopstick rests are a neat addition to your dining table and set. They keep your pair of chopsticks clean and prevent them from rolling off the table. Chopstick table rests come in various styles and materials, from simple ceramic designs to more elaborate, decorative pieces.

14. Matching
Consider how your silver chopsticks will match with other utensils in your kitchen. Whether you prefer wooden, metal, or bamboo chopsticks or silver one, there are many options available that can complement your existing cutlery. Matching your silver chopsticks with spoons, forks, and a pair of chopstick rests can create a cohesive dining experience.

When choosing chopsticks, think about how they will fit into your dining habits and cuisine preference. Are they for everyday use while cooking, special occasion cooking? Consider the material, tip design, and length to find the perfect pair. With so many options available, you can easily discover chopsticks that not only suit your style but also make your dining experience more enjoyable.

Dishes to Enjoy with Chopsticks

Chopsticks are incredibly versatile eating utensils, perfect for a wide variety of dishes from different cuisines. Here are some of the most popular dishes you can eat with chopsticks, highlighting the unique experiences they offer. Chopstick rests are necessary for any of your favourite dishes you enjoy with chopsticks.

Noodles

Noodles are a staple in many Asian cuisines, and eating them with chopsticks adds to the enjoyment. Whether it's a steaming bowl of ramen from Japan, a savory plate of pad Thai from Thailand, or delicate glass noodles from China, chopsticks allow you to lift and slurp and eat the noodles with ease.

Sushi

Sushi is one of the most famous and favourite dishes to have come out of the Japanese kitchen, and chopsticks are traditionally used to eat it. From delicate nigiri to intricate rolls, chopsticks help you pick up and eat each piece without damaging the beautifully arranged rice and fish. This makes chopsticks the perfect tool for appreciating the precision of Japanese kitchen artistry.

Dim Sum

Dim sum is a variety of small Chinese dishes that are perfect for sharing. Chopsticks are ideal for picking up delicate dumplings, spring rolls, and buns. They give you the control needed to enjoy these bite-sized delights without them falling apart. Choose your chopstick that will be delicate on the dumpling wrappers.

Stir-Fries

Stir-fries, common in Chinese cuisine and other Asian cuisines, are another perfect candidate for chopsticks. Whether it's a vegetable stir-fry or one featuring meat, chopsticks allow you to grab each piece of food easily, making them an essential and effective tool for this type of dish.

Rice Dishes

While it might seem tricky, eating rice with chopsticks is common in many Asian countries. In Japan and China, for example, chopsticks are used to pick up clumps of sticky rice or lift small portions from a rice bowl. The practice becomes much easier with the right pair of chopsticks.

Tempura

Tempura, a popular Japanese dish consisting of battered and deep-fried vegetables and seafood, is also a food typically eaten with chopsticks. The gentle touch of chopsticks helps prevent the crispy batter from breaking apart. Go for a chopstick that will properly grip the batter.

Poke Bowls

Poke bowls, originating from Hawaii but inspired by Japanese flavors, combine raw fish with rice, vegetables, and sauces. Chopsticks are perfect for mixing the ingredients and enjoying each bite in its full, fresh glory.

Korean BBQ

At a Korean BBQ, you'll often find metal chopsticks provided. These are perfect for grabbing slices of grilled meat, wrapping them in lettuce, and enjoying them alongside various side dishes.

Asian Soups

Chopsticks are also used alongside spoons for Asian soups, especially those that contain solid ingredients like noodles, tofu, or vegetables. You can use chopsticks to pick up the solids in the bowl of soup first, then sip the broth with spoons.

Street Food

Many Asian street foods, such food such as skewered meats, bao buns, and grilled fish, are eaten with chopsticks. They are ideal for communal meals, where everyone can pick up small bites from the meal on shared plates.

How to buy the best chopsticks

Discover a pair of chopsticks that’s perfect for you. Whether that’s ones that are dishwasher safe, made of wood, silver metal, or embossed with flowers. There’s chopstick types for all people.

When buying chopsticks, there’s a world of options to explore. Whether you’re drawn to the traditional warmth of wooden chopsticks, the durability of metal chopsticks, or the practicality of dishwasher-safe plastic options, there’s something for every dining style. Consider the length, material, and design that best suits your needs, whether you’re eating at home, enjoying a communal meal, or adding to your Japanese kitchen. Confucius advocated for the use of chopsticks over pointed utensils to promote a peaceful dining atmosphere, emphasizing a separation from violence associated with places like both the slaughterhouse.

Chopsticks aren’t just utensils; they’re integral to the dining experience. With the right pair, you can enjoy a wide range of dishes—from noodles and sushi to dim sum and stir-fries—with ease. These versatile tools offer maximum control and precision, allowing you to fully appreciate the texture and flavor of each bite. Whether you’re picking up delicate tempura or slurping a hearty bowl of ramen, chopsticks make the meal more enjoyable.

As you explore the variety of chopsticks available, remember that each type offers its unique touch, enhancing your dining experience. From the fine craftsmanship of Japanese chopsticks from Fukui Prefecture to the simplicity of bamboo pairs, choosing the right chopsticks can make all the difference in how you enjoy your favorite dishes.