I've realized that (not just Korean restaurants ...but) no one really seems to clean tables and I usually don't feel comfortable laying my chopsticks right on the table. After all, it's going into my mouth.
Some restaurants do provide some neat chopstick stands and there are all different kinds you can also get...
Chopsticks Stand on eBay
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...but Korean restaurants rarely have one ready for you. One I took a picture of here was not provided by the restaurant. I made it with chopsticks wrapper and I'll teach you how to make one too!
Ok. Take chopsticks out. You have one long wrapper. Fold in thirds. Folding in the sides in so the middle part will be showing like the bottom part. Nice and clean.
Once you folded one thirds, fold in half like so. Some stop there for quick functional stand. But I would like to go further and make it look little more finished. (By this time I get so into it.)
Now, let's make sides. Pinch each corner into triangular shape like so.
Now the other sides too. Fold both ends into triangular shape.
Now close it firmly with two fingers to make it nice and neat. Repeat for the other end too.
Little more to go, Ha ha ha....having fun yet? Now we need to make a place to rest chopstick so it won't roll off. Just like the corner, you pinch the middle. But this time you are making a diamond shape. Push with one finger in the middle, hold each side with each hand (hold the top half folded area) and push/fold in.
Now you have a place to rest your chopstick!
There you go. Your own chopstick stand!
Just one thing... I also realized that I would make one before I eat and once the food is served, I always forget there's a chopstick stand... since I really don't need to rest it anymore...
Still I unconsciously reach out for the chopsticks wrapper everytime, take out chopsticks, and start folding my chopstick stand. I guess I try to forget my hunger till the food is served.
Hope this helps SOMEONE out there...or if it doesn't...you can kill some time till banchan comes...
Chopsticks on eBay
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Restaurant Reviews:
Jong Kak Korean BBQ Restaurant in Baltimore, MD
Allgreen Market Food Court-Poongnyun , MD
Sushi King Japanese Restaurant , MD
Niko Japanese Restaurant, MD
VietGoel/LightHouse Tofu House Korean Restaurant , MD
Tian Korean-Chinese Restaurant, MD
Kimchi Recipes:
Traditional Whole Napa Cabbage Kimchi
Quick 'n Easy version Kimchi
Popularity: 10%
It’s a great distraction from the hunger!
Hah Hah You got that right ^^
I’ve heard that if you’re a foreigner in an Asian country and you know how to make a chopstick stand you instantly elevate yourself in the eyes of the Asian people who see you do it.
Like “OMG LOOK A CIVILIZED FOREIGNER!!1111!!!!”
Lol no idea if this is true.
Ha Ha Ha!
Dan,
I would be pleasantly surprised if that happens even here in the States!^^
I might assume that person to be fluent in Korean too!
I’m assuming you are not Asian…so are you ‘civilized’? LOL
if not, you are now ^^
Thanks for the good laugh Dan!