The main tools we Asians use when eating are chopsticks, while Westerners use knives and forks when eating. This must mean different ways of eating. Today we will learn about the tools used when eating Western food. Knife and fork dos and don’ts and how to use them.

1. Precautions for using knives and forks when eating Western food

1. Vegetables, ladle soup or select other foods. When eating Western food, everyone has their own tableware. If it is a shared meal and everyone can take from the big plate, then there must be a spare public fork or spoon for everyone to use.

2. When using a fork, please note: Do not use the fork to pierce the entrance of the food, but shovel the food into the entrance. When Americans eat meat, they sometimes cut it into pieces with a knife and then put it into their mouths with a fork; while Europeans usually eat it while cutting it and shovel it into their mouths. If you do not need a knife to eat a certain dish, you can also hold a fork with your right hand. For example, when Italians eat noodles, they only use a fork and do not need other utensils. It is simple and convenient to hold the fork with your right hand. If there are no large pieces of meat to cut, such as a vegetarian plate, and only vegetables and non-staple foods that do not need to be cut, then it stands to reason that you can also eat with the fork in your right hand.

3. Never point fingers when holding a knife and fork in your hand. When speaking or conversing, it is etiquette to place the knife and fork on the plate. When dining at the table, everyone should enjoy the delicious food and at the same time, of course, everyone should also have a happy conversation. But don't talk about it while holding the knife and fork in your hand, and don't hold the knife and fork upright in your hand. Don't laugh or make loud noises. This will make people feel frightened. In fact, this dangerous behavior is indeed harmful to people. It is a threat to oneself.

4. Forks and spoons can be put into the mouth, but knives cannot be put into the mouth, regardless of whether there is food on it. Etiquette has its merits, and a knife's entrance is dangerous.

2. How to use knives and forks:

1. Place knives and forks on the table. Generally, there should be no more than three sets. Set meals of more than three courses must be placed on the table. After using up the knives and forks, place new knives and forks with the food.

2. Knives and forks are used in order from the outside to the inside (that is to say, they are placed in order from the outside to the inside in the order of use). When eating, the left and right hands usually cooperate with each other, that is, a knife and a fork are used in pairs. There are some exceptions. When eating soup, just put the spoon on the right side - hold the spoon with your right hand. When eating raw oysters, you usually hold the oyster fork with your right hand.

3. Knives and forks have different specifications, and their sizes vary according to different uses. When eating meat, use a large knife regardless of whether you want to cut it with a knife. When eating salads, desserts, or some hors d'oeuvres, use a medium-sized knife, fork, or spoon, generally depending on the size of the knife. When drinking soup, use a large spoon, and when drinking coffee and eating ice cream, use a small spoon.

4. When using a knife, you can also hold a fork with your right hand. However, if you need to make a gesture, you should put down the knife and fork. Never wave the knife and fork in the air or hold the knife with one hand. Or use a fork while holding a napkin in the other hand to wipe your mouth. It is also not allowed to hold a wine glass in one hand and a fork in the other hand to pick up food. Never place a knife and fork with one end on the plate and the other end on the table at any time.