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Original poster

Poke bowls

9 replies

Confusedcatlady1 · 21/04/2022 11:01

I have been invited for lunch at a restaurant that serves sushi and poke bowls but I am panicking because I do not know how to use chopsticks.

I have started practising using chopsticks (thanks to the tutorials on YouTube) but I am starting to panic that I will not be proficient enough. Is it a complete no-no to request a knife/fork or spook to use for the poke bowl? Thank you.

OP posts:
SummaLuvin · 21/04/2022 11:12

From what I understand Poke Bowls are Hawaiian, though influenced by Japanese immigrants who went there. So I don't know if they are traditionally eaten with chopsticks or western cutlery?

Either way, unless you are going to a very fancy Japanese restaurant, or actually in Japan (in those cases I would make the effort to practice) then I think asking for fork/spoon is fine. Better than dropping stuff down yourself.

AdaColeman · 21/04/2022 11:17

Just ask for cutlery if none is provided, I’m sure that won’t be a problem for the restaurant.
Enjoy your lunch! Wine Wine

JustJam4Tea · 21/04/2022 11:17

Perfectly normal to ask for fork and/or spoon. I used to live in Japan and got slightly irritated by my chopsticks being automatically swapped for a fork - as 'foreigners can't use chopsticks' - whereas I was pretty good with them. And for eating a lot of stuff, like salad, noodle soups - it's much easier!

Keep practising.

CreaturefromtheDeep · 21/04/2022 11:20

I love sushi and poke bowls. I used to be quite proficient with chopsticks but had an accident a few years ago where I broke multiple bones in my right hand and fingers and arthritis has now set in and I really struggle with them now. I'm usually upfront about this and ask for both chopsticks and a fork so I can move between them as needed. Never yet had a snooty response - most restaurant staff are happy to help.

Many sushi rolls are traditionally eaten with fingers anyway.

jytdtysrht · 21/04/2022 11:28

I don't know what a poke bowl is but why don't you take a fork in your bag if you don't want to ask for one.

toastofthetown · 21/04/2022 11:57

I would think that any restaurant would have options for a fork or similar, especially if they are in the UK. You certainly won’t have been the first to ask.

Original poster
Confusedcatlady1 · 21/04/2022 12:22

Thank you everyone for the tips and advice. I’ll report back and let you know how I get on.

OP posts:
CareBearsCare · 21/04/2022 17:31

In Japan people use hands rather than chopsticks for sushi Smile

nearlyspringyay · 21/04/2022 17:34

Poke bowls are from Hawaii, no chopsticks required.

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