Best Chopsticks – Stop Struggling With Asian Food

Everyone loves Chinese food. Well, most people certainly. But that doesn’t mean we all know how to use chopsticks. Even if you do, few people realize that there are several kinds of chopsticks available and we aren’t just talking about the material used to make ‘em. Several Asian countries use chopsticks and they each have their own specifications. If you want to get some chopsticks for your own to use or practice on, there are quite a number of choices in the market. To ensure you only get the best chopsticks that are suitable to your personal preferences, we’ve scoured the market and came up with the list below:

Top 10 Chopsticks Of 2020 Reviewed

1. Happy Sales HSCSS4

Best Chopsticks For Beginners

If you want to practice your chopsticks-wielding skills, then these chopsticks from Happy Sales should be on your next shopping list. The HSCSS4 are stainless steel chopsticks that are pretty uniquely designed. To prevent the chopsticks from slipping through your unpracticed fingers, a portion of it has been turned into spirals for better grip and control. The tips of the chopsticks, though tapered in the Japanese style, also feature ring indentations to better grip your food. However, these will conduct heat if you leave it long enough in hot food. They aren’t impressive to look at, just like any basic utensils. And they don’t come with a box.

2. FinessCity Titanium Chopsticks

Best Chopsticks For Sushi

The FinessCity Titanium Chopsticks are perfect for those who want to have their Asian food on-the-go. This set of chopsticks is made of pure Titanium which is not only reusable and durable. Titanium is also odorless, non-corrosive, and non-allergic. They won’t rust even if you leave them wet. Aside from that, they’re much lighter (around 60%) compared to solid stainless steel chopsticks.

Now, what we really love about these is the fact that it comes with a strong aluminum case (which is available in a variety of colors) that features rubberized plugs that will ensure your chopsticks remain in the case and not rattle around while you travel around with it. However, the chopsticks are round and the tapered tips can sometimes be slippery, especially compared to wooden chopsticks. And these are a bit expensive for only one pair. In addition, some users prefer the feel of wood over metal.

3. Rbenxia Stainless Steel Spiral Chopsticks

These stainless steel chopsticks from Rbenxia are a bit similar to the ones from Happy Faces. They are made of stainless steel and features a spiral thread processing design for better grip and a grooves design along the tips to make holding food easier. These are Japanese style chopsticks that are hollow which makes them lightweight and resistant to deformation when heated. The main differences between the Rbenxia and Happy Faces chopsticks are the price (Rbenxia costs less) and the fact that food slips more easily through this one. But for the price, durability, and ease of use, these chopsticks are well worth a try.

4. Osho 5 pairs of Dishwasher Safe Reusable Fiberglass Chinese Chopsticks (Scarlet Red Chopstick Set)

Best Chopsticks For Home Use

These Chinese chopsticks from Osho are unlike the ones you commonly come across when dining in your favorite Chinese restaurant. Instead of wood or plastic, these chopsticks are made of fiberglass. Fiberglass is much lighter than metal but more durable. So durable, in fact, that it has a 5-year lifespan. It is dishwasher safe. And this material can withstand very high temperatures, as much ass 356 degrees Fahrenheit. The tips of these chopsticks are rough which provides them with an effective grip for holding on to food. And have we mentioned how incredibly cool these look? However, some people don’t like square-shaped chopsticks. And they’re pretty expensive compared to other chopsticks on our list but they are worth the price.

5. Royal Premium Disposable Bamboo Chopsticks

If you’d rather go authentic with your chopsticks, then these bamboo ones from Royal may just be what you’re looking for. Bamboo is biodegradable, sustainable, and naturally antibacterial. They feel natural in your hand. And, to prevent any shredding or splintering, these chopsticks are already separated and ready for use. Because they are disposable, these are sold in bulk – 100 sets or 200 sets. You can use these as your personal supply or for Asian cuisine night with your family and friends. Each set is in a paper sleeve that features Chinese characters which mean “Good Luck, Long Life, and Well Being.” However, these are round shaped which requires a bit of expertise. And while you don’t need to split the chopsticks, some users still report that a few in each batch are not so smooth.

6. Hiware 10 Pairs Reusable Chopsticks Set

If you can’t make up your mind on whether to go bamboo or metal, then this set from Hiware should be just right up your alley. The set comes with 5 pairs of high-grade stainless steel chopsticks and 5 pairs of bamboo ones. The metal ones have a spiral design for better grip as well as some grooves at the tip for holding food. The bamboo ones, on the other hand, are polished and smooth with slight indentations near where your fingers will be for better grip and control. Plus, it features some Chinese design as well as characters that looks lovely. Even better, it does not contain any BPA, PVC or phthalates. However, some users still found the metal chopsticks to be a bit slippery. While the stainless steel chopsticks are dishwasher-safe, the bamboo ones require handwashing.

7. HuaLan Japanese Natural Wood Chopstick Set

These Japanese chopsticks from HuaLan are made of different types of natural wood – Rosewood, Ebony wood, Boxwood, Chestnut wood, and Cherrywood. Each one is 8.8 inches long and beautifully made. These are all are varnished with natural and eco-friendly, food-grade lacquer.

The chopsticks are not completely smooth and round; there are some “dents” and ridges” which allow you to have better grip and control. However, the tips are very tapered which may be difficult for some users who aren’t very experienced with using chopsticks yet. Also, they aren’t ideal for gripping slippery noodles. There have also been a few reports that the coating on their chopsticks was starting to chip.

8. Totally Bamboo Reusable Chopsticks

Best Chopsticks For Noodles

The Totally Bamboo Twist Reusable Bamboo Chopsticks are incredibly unique. The twisted design you see here is all done by hand. Not only does it make the chopsticks look gorgeous, but it also gives the user a better grip. Each pair is 9.75 inches long which makes it an ideal choice if you’re eating at a large table, requiring you to have a long reach.

These are Chinese style chopsticks which mean they have the blunt, flat tip which makes them great for eating just about anything. However, these are coated with lacquer which can make them a bit slippery, particularly for beginners. Also, these typically only last a year. It’s a pretty long time for chopsticks but it’s definitely not as durable as stainless steel or titanium ones.

9. Happy Sales HSCH22/S

If you want personal chopsticks for members of your family, you might want to check out the Happy Sales HSCH22/S. This set of Japanese bamboo chopsticks come in a variety of colors which makes it easy to distinguish one pair from another. They feature a square-shaped body which makes it easier to use and won’t be rolling off the table while you’re not looking. However, these are coated with a lacquer that makes them a bit slippery when used. They aren’t the best to use when eating ramen. Also, some report that the lacquer does get chipped very easily. In addition, some users were unhappy with the fact that these Japanese chopsticks were made in China.

10. Happy Sales HSKS1/B

Unlike our other Happy Sales chopsticks, the HSKS1/B is quite unique and there’s only one pair in the set. Also unlike other picks, this pair is made out of wood with a black lacquer coating and crane design. The chopsticks look very beautiful and can’t compare to other everyday use chopsticks. They even come with a black case with the same crane design for storage. The square shape of the chopsticks makes it easy to grip. However, the tips are very tapered (they are Japanese, after all) which can make it hard to grip food if you’re not skilled. Also, the chopsticks rattle around inside the case which doesn’t make them ideal for travel in your bag.

How to Choose the Best Chopsticks: The Ultimate  Buying Guide

So, you want to buy chopsticks. Who could blame you? It’s definitely one of the best utensils there is. You can use it for eating, cooking, serving food, and even making walrus impersonations. They’re also much easier to clean and store than a regular spoon and fork. But, if you’ve already tried looking online, you probably found out just how many kinds of chopsticks are available out there.

Finding the best chopsticks for your personal use may not be as easy as dropping by your local Asian restaurant or grocery store. Because chopstick choices can become confusing for the average Joe or Jane, we decided to help you avoid making poor choices with this buying guide.

What Material Should Your Chopsticks be Made of?

The materials used to make chopsticks are usually wood, plastic, and metal. There are pros and cons to each one. The best material will entirely be up to your preference and level of expertise. Take note that chopsticks can also be made of bone, ivory, or other precious materials. However, we will not be covering them since they tend to be incredibly expensive and are typically used by wealthy Asian families as a symbol of their status. Definitely not an option for regular Sushi nights with friends/family.

Wood

Wood chopsticks have several benefits. They are low in temperature conduction (they do not transfer heat from the food to your fingers). They usually provide you with a good grip for holding food.

Wood chopsticks can be separated into three different types – unfinished wood, lacquered wood, and bamboo. Chopsticks made of unfinished wood are typically what you see in cheap Asian restaurants. These are sterile when newly opened. However, bacteria does seep into the wood which makes them impossible to clean.

This is why these chopsticks tend to come cheap and are disposable. You can usually get these in bulk which makes them a great choice if you want a true “takeout” experience every time you serve Asian cuisine at home. It’s also great for sushi parties with friends and family.

Lacquered wood, unlike unfinished wood, is reusable due to the shiny laminate coating that protects the wood from bacteria. These can be pretty nice to look at compared to your unfinished wood. They may even have intricate decorations which are really nice to look at when you set the table.

The HuaLan Japanese Natural Wood Chopstick Set is a good example of a beautiful lacquered wooden chopstick set. However, some chopsticks have a coating that makes them somewhat slippery which can be difficult for beginners to handle. Also, the lacquer can wear off so you need to be careful when washing. Once the lacquer is gone, so will your chopsticks as they have become impossible to clean.

Bamboo is the best option of the three because chopsticks made of this material are reusable. Not only that, bamboo is a naturally antibacterial, antifungal, and odor resistant fiber. No need to worry about smelly, bacteria-infested chopsticks. Plus, they are eco-friendly, sustainable, and free from toxicity, pesticides, etc.  And you still get that natural feel like with the Totally Bamboo Reusable Chopsticks. However, these need to be washed with care and some can get easily warped. They also tend to deteriorate after much-continued use.

Plastic

Plastic chopsticks are affordable and do not transfer heat. They may also be dishwasher safe. However, they tend to be slippery which makes it harder to grip food. Unlike wood chopsticks, these cannot be used for cooking since plastic can get damaged when exposed to high heat. The great thing about plastic is that they are very easy to clean.

Metal

Metal chopsticks are, obviously, the most durable option. They’re eco-friendly and easy to clean (dishwasher-safe). Metal chopsticks can be stainless steel or titanium like the FinessCity Titanium Chopsticks. Both are non-corrosive and odorless. However, metal chopsticks are heavier compared to other kinds. Also, they can be slippery and some absorb heat more quickly.

Types of Chopsticks

Chinese

The origins of the chopsticks came from China more than 5000 years ago. They were considered extensions of the fingers, enabling the Chinese to easily retrieve small pieces of food being cooked in a pot or over a fire. Compared to other types of chopsticks, these are much longer (around 10 inches for eating) and thicker.

They also do not taper towards the end as much as other types of chopsticks. The sides can be squared or rounded while the tips are blunt and flat. Chinese chopsticks are usually made of melamine plastic, unfinished wood, or lacquered bamboo. Some like the  Osho 5 pairs of Dishwasher Safe Reusable Fiberglass Chinese Chopsticks (Scarlet Red Chopstick Set) are made of fiberglass.

Japanese

Japanese chopsticks like the Happy Sales HSKS1/B are typically shorter than Chinese chopsticks, primarily made from wood and plastics. You can also find some that are made of metal, bone, or ivory though these are typically more expensive. Generally, these chopsticks taper to a fine point and have rounded tips. Take note that Japanese chopsticks can also differ in length, depending on their intended use. For eating, they are usually 7 inches for women and 8 inches for men. The tips tend to be more pointed. For cooking, the average length is 12 to 15 inches.

Korean

Korean chopsticks are made from stainless steel. They are of medium length and feature a flat rectangular shape since they are usually used with a spoon. Because metal can be slippery, these chopsticks also feature rough ends to provide them with a better grip on the food.

What Shape Should You Choose?

The shape of the chopsticks is as important as the material used to make it. Shapes range from triangular to 10-sided. Triangular shaped chopsticks, square shaped ones, and any others that have sides are easy to grip in your hand such as the Happy Sales HSCH22/S. Round shaped chopsticks may feel very comfortable between your fingers but they tend to roll when you’re picking up food as well as when you lay them on the table. Take note that shape is still a matter of preference. It’s best that you visit your local Asian restaurants to test which ones feel right in your hand.

What Kind of Tip Should I Choose?

Some chopsticks taper a lot while others don’t (at least not to the same degree) and feature a blunt end. Pointy tips like what you see with the HuaLan Japanese Natural Wood Chopstick Set are perfect for picking up very small food items like a grain of rice or even the fine bones of a fish.

However, they tend to require a lot of dexterity and experience. And they aren’t as good at gripping slippery noodles. A blunt tip, on the other hand, is better at gripping foods of all shapes and sizes. Again, it is important that you test which size and shape best suits your skill level before making your final choice.

As you can see, choosing your chopsticks is very dependent on your personal preferences. To help you figure out what your preferences are, we created several questions that you need to ask yourself before you make a purchase:

#1: Are You Going to Use the Chopsticks for Eating or Cooking?

Chopsticks for cooking need to be longer (around 12 to 16 inches) while those for eating are shorter. You will also need to consider the material. Plastic is definitely not an option if you’re cooking. The metal may also not be ideal.

#2: How Experienced are You in Using Chopsticks?

Your skill level will help determine the shape and size of your chopsticks. Chopsticks that are pointy may require more dexterity and skill while those that are blunt are perfect for beginners to start out with. The Happy Sales HSCSS4, for example, is perfect for those who are still trying to figure out chopsticks but don’t want to buy a training pair.

#3: Are You Going to Use Them Only One or Would You Prefer Repeated Use?

And if you plan to use them more than once, do you want to use them daily or only for special occasions? If you only plan to use them once, disposable chopsticks are what you’re looking for. You can easily buy this in bulk (around 100 to 200 pairs) like the Royal Premium Disposable Bamboo Chopsticks which makes this also ideal for sushi parties at home. If you plan on using them repeatedly, particularly if you plan on daily use, stainless steel or titanium chopsticks may be the way to go. But if it’s only for special occasions, you can go with lacquered wood which typically comes with beautiful designs.