Saibashi

Hashi and Saibashi (below)

Saibashi (菜箸; さいばし) are Japanese kitchen chopsticks used in Japanese cuisine. A special version of chopsticks (箸, hashi), they are used in the preparation of Japanese food, and are not designed as a tool for eating.

These chopsticks are very practical and allow the handling of hot food with one hand, and are used similarly to regular chopsticks. These chopsticks have a length of 30cm or more, and usually are looped together with a string at the top.

Most chopsticks are made from bamboo, but for deep frying it is recommended to get metal chopsticks with bamboo handles as the tips of bamboo chopsticks discolor and get greasy after repeated use in hot oil or fat. The wooden handles insulate the hand from the heat conducting metal.

See also

• List of Japanese cooking utensils