Do Malaysians Use Chopsticks?

If you’re planning a trip to Malaysia, there is sometimes a number of curious questions you wonder about such as what type of utensils they use there. Is it a fork or chopsticks? Are you expected to eat with chopsticks? There are loads of places around Malaysia where you will find some delicious food to eat. So do they use chopsticks in Malaysia?

Yes, they do use chopsticks in Malaysia but they also use forks and spoons. You will have a choice of chopsticks, forks, and spoons in all restaurants and eateries around Malaysia. Typically the local ethnic Chinese traditionally eat their food with chopsticks while the Malaysians interchangeable between utensils depending on the food they are eating.

In this post, we will go through whether Malaysians use chopsticks. Let’s get started!

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Do They Use Chopsticks In Malaysians?

They do use chopsticks in Malaysia but they also use forks and spoons also. You will have a choice of chopsticks, forks, and spoons in all restaurants and eateries around Malaysia.

Typically the local ethnic Chinese traditionally eat their food with chopsticks while the Malaysians interchangeable between utensils depending on the food they are eating.

You shouldn’t expect too many situations where there will only be chopsticks available.

How To Use Chopsticks Properly?

The reason you are here is that you want to learn how to use chopsticks. You need to become familiar with how to hold chopsticks properly.

This can be tricky to get the hang of them. However, if you want to experience another culture whether you are in Japan or China, using chopsticks is a skill you’ll want to get acquainted with!

Let’s get started on an easy and proper way to use chopsticks.

The First Step

First, you need to pick up the first chopstick and hold it in your dominant hand. This one is your anchor, meaning it should not move.

You want to hold the chopstick still, pressing it down with the base of the thumb against the V of your hand and the supporting finger.

Step 2

Take the second chopstick with your index finger and thumb. This is the stick that moves.

This allows it to press gently to hold food between the chopsticks almost at their tips.

Step 3

The pad of your thumb holds the chopstick that moves against the side of your finger. This will move the chopstick.

Now you use your index and middle fingers to open and close your chopsticks.

The Final Step

Now it is practice, practice, and practice! Start by practicing opening and closing the chopsticks. And then start on food or objects.

Remember not to squeeze too hard.

What Is Good Chopstick Etiquette?

Chopsticks in a lot of ways are very cultural, and they are also very symbolic. This applies to China, Malaysia, and other Asian countries.

Doing something innocent could be misunderstood as an insult or worse that could lead to confrontation. And that is something that you don’t want while on your holiday.

sushi with chopstickssushi with chopsticks

To avoid any misunderstanding, we have got you a list of chopsticks etiquette you just need to be aware of when using chopsticks in Asia.

Don’t cross the chopsticks. It is considered rude.
Don’t put chopsticks in your mouth. Particularly in the way that you might accidentally get stabbed in the throat.
Don’t use chopsticks to stab food. Use a fork if you want to do that.
Don’t stab others with chopsticks. This shouldn’t need an explanation.
Don’t wave chopsticks around.
Don’t stick chopsticks in your rice. This resembles offerings to the dead, so it could be understood as showing disrespect to others at the table by implying that they are dead.

These etiquettes are more or less common sense and easy to remember. Enjoy the local food.

Wrapping Up

Finally, they do use chopsticks in Malaysia but they also use forks and spoons. You will have a choice of chopsticks, forks, and spoons in all restaurants and eateries around Malaysia. Typically the local ethnic Chinese traditionally eat their food with chopsticks while the Malaysians interchangeable between utensils depending on the food they are eating.

And that’s it for now! I’d love it if this post on whether Malaysians use chopsticks was helpful to you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.