Q&A for How to Hold Chopsticks

Asian markets carry cheap ones that can look beautiful, and online stores carry them.

Certain foods are more difficult to eat with chopsticks than others. Things like noodles, rice, etc., will require you to scoop the food out, rather than "pinch" the food out. Keeping the narrow tips together will allow you to scoop the food in a similar fashion to a spoon. Keep practicing, you'll get there.

Most Asian markets have them, and you should be able to find them online. If you're lucky, they may show up at a local flea market or thrift shop (though this is rare). Another option is to eat at an Asian restaurant, and then take a pair home with you; these are normally disposable, but they can last awhile if they're good quality and you take care of them.

No. Sometimes it's useful to have the tips separated very slightly when scooping, or to use a scooping and pinching technique like the one described in How to Eat Rice with Chopsticks.

If you're holding a pair of chopsticks correctly, as shown above, moving the bottom one would be very difficult. I just tested this idea out, and while you can, it's rather difficult to do it without moving the top one too much. It's generally better to hold and use them in a way described because it's most efficient, but there are no hard and fast rules.

No, you won't generally find chopsticks at delis.

Your grip might be too loose, or the chopsticks could be slippery. Many beginners experience this, but with practice, you will improve.

No, it is not rude to ask for a knife and fork at a Chinese restaurant. While chopsticks are the traditional utensil, most establishments understand that many customers may be unfamiliar with them or have physical limitations.