Serving Chopsticks

[R.O.]

When I learnt to use chopsticks I learnt the normal practice at the time: diners used their own chopsticks to pick food from the communal dishes. I read that chopsticks did not touch the lips; I didn't believe it but I carried on as if I did.

When I thought about it, it seemed a distasteful and unhygienic practice. I always use serving chopsticks now, even at home.

What is the general practice?

[wtbhotia]

When I learnt to use chopsticks I learnt the normal practice at the time: diners used their own chopsticks to pick food from the communal dishes. I read that chopsticks did not touch the lips; I didn't believe it but I carried on as if I did.

When I thought about it, it seemed a distasteful and unhygienic practice. I always use serving chopsticks now, even at home.

What is the general practice?

Depends on who you are eating with. I like sharing my saliva so dont bother with serving chopsticks when eating with family or friends.
If eating with clients or colleagues and the restaurant comes with serving chopsticks then I will use them.

[R.O.]

I went to a restaurant where each diner had two pairs of chopsticks, different colours, one for serving, one for eating. I don't know how common this is.

[East_coast]

Serving chopsticks -
If they are provided use them.
If your guests seem concerned about hygiene ask for some extra and use them
If you are concerned about hygiene look around and review who you are eating with and see how many people survive each day without using them and make a judgement call on their need.

The choice is yours to make

[flameproof]

I went to a restaurant where each diner had two pairs of chopsticks, different colours, one for serving, one for eating. I don't know how common this is.

The other option is to have one pair of chopsticks on each food plate. Also quite common.

[Enderman]

I don't and haven't seen any difference between chopsticks and any other cutlery when it comes to shared eating...with family, it probably doesn't matter, else, use serving utensils...same as you would in England and OZ, etc...

[Open Casket]

I prefer serving chopsticks....otherwise it is like eating off one big plate and generally I would prefer not to share saliva others.

also, I get a good laugh at the bowl & chopstick cleaning ritual. Don't think that really kills any germs ... but I do it none the less.

[Drunken Master]

I prefer serving chopsticks....otherwise it is like eating off one big plate and generally I would prefer not to share saliva others.

also, I get a good laugh at the bowl & chopstick cleaning ritual. Don't think that really kills any germs ... but I do it none the less.

It's not meant to kill germs. What I have heard from people who work as dishwashers is that restaurants tend to save water and don't rinse well.

[Rob2020]

The whole 'serving chopsticks' thing came up when people started thinking Hepatitis B was being spread by people sharing their saliva droppings in the communal bowls.. Apparently, it's just another urban myth, unless you're bleeding in the mouth, you're not sharing your HBV with your dining partners.

Expert Speakers Forum: Dr. So: Is HBV transmitted by casual contact?

Hep B chopsticks now available - Hepatitis B

[Open Casket]

It's not meant to kill germs. What I have heard from people who work as dishwashers is that restaurants tend to save water and don't rinse well.

its meant to clean the bowl & chopsticks