Americans are used to reaching for a fork and knife or using their hands when it’s time to enjoy a delicious meal. If you’re enjoying sushi, you may want to try a pair of chopsticks instead. Handling these utensils can be challenging, but the team at Kobe Japanese Steak House and Oku’s Sushi Bar in Lahaina, HI, has a few tips that will help you master the art of chopsticks.

Some Japanese restaurants give diners chopsticks that are attached at the top. After you separate the pair, you might be tempted to rub them together to remove splinters, but avoid doing so—this is considered a rude gesture in most Asian cultures. When you’re ready to eat your sushi, follow these simple steps:

• Positioning the First Chopstick: Take one chopstick and lay it at the base of your thumb. The broadest end of the chopstick should lay where the index finger and thumb connect. Use your ring finger to hold it in place. Maintain a firm grip on the chopstick because this one will be used for leverage.
• Adding the Second Chopstick: Take the second chopstick and place it between the thumb and index finger, so it is parallel with the first one. Use your index and middle fingers to create a tight grip on the second chopstick.
• Picking Up Sushi: Operate up the chopsticks by bending and straightening your index and middle finger to move the second stick up and down. Open the pair wide enough to pick up a piece of sushi. If you are sharing with your dining companions, remember to use the broad end of the chopsticks to sample from their plates, not the end you put in your mouth.

It may take a few tries to get used to maneuvering the chopsticks, but it’s perfectly fine to eat with clean hands. If the sushi is too big to eat in one bite, the chef will cut it into more manageable pieces.

When you’re ready to put your chopstick-using skills to the test, stop by Kobe Japanese Steak House and Oku’s Sushi Bar for a scrumptious meal. They serve a variety of sushi delicacies that are prepared fresh each day. Sample sashimi, nigiri, maki, or an assorted tray. After enjoying your dinner, end the night with your favorite song at the karaoke bar. To book a reservation, call (808) 667-5555. Check out their website to learn more about their menu.