What Is The UK’s Best Chopstick?
In this guide we’ll look at the best chopsticks for the UK market.
We’ve compared material, length, style and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
Chopstick Reviews
Chopsticks Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to choosing chopsticks, there are many things to consider.
It’s worth bearing in mind that Japanese chopsticks are typically pointier than Chinese chopsticks which tend to have blunt ends. Also, Chinese chopsticks tend to be a bit longer than those used for Japanese or Korean cuisines.
Not sure what to look for when it comes to the best chopsticks? Check out this buyer’s guide.
Material
Classic chopsticks are made of wood, but if you favour a longer-lasting, more eco-friendly alternative, there are fibreglass and titanium options available.
Metal and plastic chopsticks can be slippery and more difficult to hold, but they offer a different aesthetic experience.
Bamboo is a popular choice: it is sustainable, has a high environmental profile, and some people prefer the feel of these traditional chopsticks in their hand. However, bamboo is not as hygienic or easy to clean as metal or plastic.
Design
Chopsticks come in an innumerable variety of designs. The design and shape of the chopsticks is driven to some degree by the country of origin; there is variation in length, width and shape.
A shorter, lighter chopstick, with a tapering end and a roughened texture, will be easier to use than a longer, heavier alternative made of metal with a smooth surface.
Chopsticks can be plain or feature high levels of decoration and design. This can affect their usability as a smooth, decorated surface is harder to hold.
Many chopsticks have patterning confined to the top of the chopstick as this doesn’t affect usability.
Quality
Quality chopsticks are defined by the material they are made from, as well as the level of styling and decoration present.
A highly-polished, plain hardwood chopstick can have just as much quality as its titanium equivalent.
Furthermore, quality is not just about the material and level of finish: don’t overlook the way in which the chopsticks are presented! The box they are stored in can be really important. Great boxes can make an eye-catching table centrepiece, and make all the difference if you want to give the chopsticks as a gift.
Durability
One-use chopsticks tend to be made of plastic or a cheaper wood. These are hard to keep clean and aren’t very hygienic. That said, some long-lasting chopsticks can be made of wood but you should look for highly-polished hardwood.
The best chopsticks for longevity are stainless steel, titanium or fibreglass.
Chopsticks FAQ
How to use chopsticks?
Take one chopstick and place it between the index finger and thumb so that it is balancing on the ring finger. Place the second chopstick between the index finger and thumb and rest this one on the middle finger. Use the thumb, index and middle fingers to grasp the second chopstick firmly. The index and middle fingers do the lifting.
The easiest way to learn how to use chopsticks is to ask someone who is experienced to sit next to you when dining and show you.
Conclusion
Chopsticks make a lovely addition to Asian cuisine; whether you are dining with the family at home, organising a select supper party, or heading out to your favourite restaurant. There are also some beautiful designs that can make the perfect house-warming or a wedding present.
Our recommendation for the best chopsticks is the Youda Premium Chinese Dragon Chopsticks Set which combines well thought-out design and usability with beautiful decoration.