Chopstick Taboo

[den]

Why was I never told of this?I've been comitting sashi-bashi and namida-bashi for AGES

Comments

[mmmetta.livejournal.com]

i find i am guilty of neburi-bashi, and occasionally watashi-bashi, and probably utsuri-bashi (but only when i was learning, honest! ;-))

[dewhitton.livejournal.com]

It's a worry.

[ldy.livejournal.com]

I'm guilty of Neburi-bashi and Watashi-bashi.

THEY'LL NEVER TAKE US ALIVE! *Nigiri-Bashi*

[hopeforyou.livejournal.com]

I'ts kaki-bashi and sashi-bashi for me. Especially sashi-bashi.

One thing I'm not noticing here is alternative correct strategies for using chopsticks. I for one would love to know how to cut larger portions of sushi and other items with my chopsticks *without* stabbing them at any time. I've just never seen it done -- I stab the piece with the chopstick and use multiple "swishing" cutting motions with both chopsticks to tear across the item.

[http://users.livejournal.com/crossfire_/]

I think the idea is you shouldn't have to cut your food (especially sushi) up further at the table. The food should arrive at the diner's table ready to enjoy without effort.

At least, that's what I was taught by my Uncle Him about Chinese table manners. They do have knives and forks, after all, but they are considered implements for the kitchen. Only barbarians would have them at the dining table.

Me, I'm guilty of watashi-bashi frequently, but now I will be much more careful not to do it in public. I don't think there is an equivalent censure against placing your chopsticks on top of the bowl in Chinese etiquette, which is probably where I picked up the bad habit.

What concerns me is not knowing precisely what Yoko-bashi is (mentioned in the "There are a number of other taboos" section, but with no picture). It sounds like it may be what I do to eat rice with chopsticks...

[tropism.livejournal.com]

Basically, you press down with the length of the chopstick to force the bits apart. But it's also perfectly okay to just eat whatever it is in a couple of bites.

[weyrdbird.livejournal.com]

Why do I suspect these are Japanese in origin? I'm guilty of Kaki-Bashi, but so were all my asian housemates at the co-op and some informal diners in any type of asian restaurant that is casual. I'm guilty of Neburi/Komibashi, when I asked why the person blushed rather pink and said something about it having a rude sexual connotation. Lots of Americans do Watashi-Bashi, especially dishwashers:D.
And if there wasn't so much sauce the Namida-bashi wouldn't stain my shirt! (feeble defense:)).

I would *love* to see an etiquette expert define the atrocities and behavior of Ranma and Genma Saotome, (not to mention Misater Tendo) while consuming the evening Tendo Dogo meal. But I digress. Time to go shovel down a double order of potstickers.

[mmmetta.livejournal.com]

i actually kind of thought the close-to-mouth & shovel thing was appropriate, at least chinese, etiquette... it's at least something i've seen a lot of them do over here anyway.

but i guess it's more important with fish flavoured jello, i mean, sashimi, and stuff like that, to not shovel it into your mouth :-)

perhaps there's more honour in eating gracefully for the japanese? :-)

[tropism.livejournal.com]

Naw, it's okay to do it close to your mouth, just not pretty much up against it.