Quote:
Originally Posted by noodle
MMM, i have to agree a little with what tenchu said... your explanation is a bit tooo "poetic"... i think if japanese people read this, they'd be confused. Most of them wouldn't even realise that they use chopsticks for this reason. They would just say, this is what we are used to and this is easier to use than a FKS.
And as for the thing about not wanting to stab and cut your food etc, that was a chinese myth to why they used chopsticks. its hardly accepted by anyone, even chinese people! They used to say that it was inhumain to cut up your food or to let the guest work by cutting up their food to eat!!! Fair enough it sounds logical and all, but i doubt thats the real reason since back in the day, most people ate food like pigs anyway!!!
Also, that part about food being appealing for all the senses is actually a western thing.. It was westerners that started all that stuff about how food has to be beautiful looking, lovely smelling etc.... i won't add delicious. because i think everyone that cooks hopes to make something delicious!
The bottom line is, people use chopsticks because, its easier for their food, and its what they have grown up with...
ps. my theory is that poor people invented chopsticks (from twigs from trees), and that it was easier and cheaper to make than a fork and knife!!  hehehehehehehehehe |
If my post was too "poetic", well, I am not going to apologize for that. The question struck me and I gave an empassioned and truthful answer.
Noodle, to say that presentation is not a vital part of Japanese cuisine is just plain silly.
Essential Japanese Cooking: Japanese Serving Dishes and Food Presentation in Japanese cuisine
Japanese Food MeSay
"Japanese Restaurants
In addition to being delicious and healthy, Japanese cuisine is also known for its beautiful presentation."
Japanese Cooking Utensils and Serving Dishes: ThingsAsian
"Remember that presentation is as important as preparation"
Japanese Cooking DVDs course syllabus Tsuji Culinary Institute
"Beautiful presentation is an essential ingredient in Japanese cooking."
I don't think you give Japanese people enough credit.
I don't know about your Chinese myths, but chopsticks in Japan are NEVER used to pierce food, unless to slice a large piece of tofu in half.
Why would you say "back in the day real people ate like pigs". What a silly thing to say. Sure, back in the caveman days.
Food being appealing to all the senses is hardly a western thing. Have you ever had a meal in England or Ireland?
Noodle, you need to check you facts a little better on this one. I would say the same to Tenchu, but I know he doesn't care.