Hey, where are the chopsticks?

[KingAdrock]

I've noticed an odd trend in Asian restaurants... there's no chopsticks! Many places I've gone to there's a fork, knife, and spoon on the table... and nothing else! I've seen this not just in my area but also when I travel. If you want chopsticks, you have to think of it yourself and specifically ask for them. This is absurd. Has anyone else noticed this?

[haulingthescoreup]

They're probably tired of the waste by people like me who can sort of fumble a shrimp or mushroom or other item of similar size with chopsticks, but eventually gives up and goes for the fork.

Maybe they need to offer a skills test to guests, and only those who pass get issued the chopsticks.

I kind of don't like the ones you get in restaurants, anyway. Sometimes they're a bit splintery, ouch. I miss the ivory and mother-of-pearl ones I had as a teen.

[Phoenix-rising]

One restaurant we go to has them available on every table, sort of like the salt & pepper or the sugar packets.  You can take them or leave them depending on your preference.

Another local restaurant you have to ask for them specifically.  I think hauling is probably right about it being an effort to cut down on the cost and wastefulness.

[demi]

I'll never forget going to a sushi place and they had the cheapos that are attached at the top, you tear apart.  One of my friends was trying to eat with them attached, kept complaining about how bad they were.  The other friends with us and I still crack up everytime we see chopsticks.

[fused]

Not here in Hawaii! Chopsticks will never disappear in Hawaii, and it doesn't matter if it's Chinese (Korean and Japanese too) take-out or dine in.

[KingAdrock]

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@Phoenix-rising wrote:

One restaurant we go to has them available on every table, sort of like the salt & pepper or the sugar packets. You can take them or leave them depending on your preference.

Another local restaurant you have to ask for them specifically. I think hauling is probably right about it being an effort to cut down on the cost and wastefulness.

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The former I don't mind, that's the way that works best. The latter really annoys me. More than once I've started eating my meal, then I stop and say "Wait a minute, can I have some chopsticks?" It's pretty stupid, IMHO.