What is special about chop sticks?

Most people in Southeast Asia use the chopsticks especially the Chinese and Japanese. It is a part of their culture and tradition. When we go to the Chinese or Japanese restaurants, we are given a choice whether to use chopsticks or the traditional spoon and fork. I always choose the later because I am not proficient in using chopsticks. In Western countries, they use the fork and the knife. I guess we all have our differences. While I find it quite difficult to use the chopsticks in eating, the Chinese are more comfortable using it. I think this all depends on how comfortable and convenient those utensils are for us. Some even find more fun eating with the fingers, isn't it?

It is a tradition to eat with chopsticks if you're Asian. If we resort to spoons/knifes/forks- it seems like we're betraying our country even though we live in the US.

It's part of the ambiance. Sushi, Chinese food, rice, all call for chop sticks, relaxing Asian music, water elements and saki. It's the experience.

Hi, You are right. It is very difficult to eat with chopsticks. Chinese and Japanese people can eat with chop sticks easily. Because it is their tradition and they are used to it from their childhood. In India in our houses we used to eat with fingers. For some snacks we use spoons. Forks are very rarely used by us. Some rich people always use spoons and fork and knife.