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Chopsticks · Slurping in Public · Tipping · Back to Home

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Eating out

Get out and enjoy the great atmosphere and delicious food of Japan!

Eating with chopsticks

Eating with chopsticks can be fun!

CHOPSTICKS or Ohashi ("O-ha-she")

How to use chopsticks When dining at a Japanese restaurant, each person is given two ohashi, or chopsticks. The chopsticks take the place of all other dining utensils.

Important rules to remember when using chopsticks:

Do not pass food with your chopsticks directly to someone else's chopsticks. (This is only done at funerals when the bones of the cremated body are passed from person to person in that way!)
Do not spear the chopsticks into your food, especially not into your rice. (This is done at funerals only! Chopsticks are stuck into the rice that is put on the altar.)
Do not point with the chopsticks or move them around too much in the air. (This is considered bad manners!)

Using ohashi is like riding a bike. Once you learn how to use them, you will never forget. It's actually very easy (once you figure them out)! If you are right-handed, hold the ohashi in your right hand. Use your left hand to bring small bowls or your drink to your mouth. (Do the reverse if you are left-handed!) For large bowls, put your ohashi down and use both hands. Back to Top

SLURPING in Japan:

Although it is considered down-right rude in Western cultures to slurp your soup, it is perfectly acceptable in Japan to bring your bowl to your mouth and SLURP. In fact, slurping out loud is thought to be a sign that you are enjoying your food and a compliment to the chef! Back to Top

TIPPING in Japan:

Tipping is not customary in Japan. Although we have become accustomed to this practice in America, leaving a tip on the table after dining in a Japanese restaurant is considered an insult. It is basically the same as saying to the chef, "Go back to school to learn how to cook!" Not a good idea!

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