Is it pretentious to take our own chopsticks to a sushi restaurant?

Question

My girlfriend and I absolutely love sushi. We go to a specific Japanese restaurant where we are regulars and are well-liked by the owner and staff. Would it be pretentious to take our own custom chopsticks, replete with a carrying case, to the establishment? We're very conscientious with manners, being extremely conscious of every detail, manners, and respect. We do not want to come across as pompous or offensive.

BTW, it was my bf who wrote this question, he forgot he was under my name. LOL :)

Answer 1

Absolutely not. A lot of people have invested quite a bit of money in nice chopsticks. You wouldn't think it wrong if you went out to play pool and took your own custom made pool stick, would you? Go ahead. It will let the establishment know that you have a little class and they will appreciate that you think their sushi is the best in town.

Answer 2

I live in Japan, with my Japanese husband, and we've never known anyone who did that! Not that that proves anything either way, of course..! Just because we don't SEE it, doesn't mean it doesn't happen!
; )

However, I'd just like to point out that it's VERY unlikely that your local Japanese restaurant is actually run by Japanese people - normally sushi restaurants in foreign countries are run by Koreans, although other Asians often do it too. So whether or not something's acceptable in Japan might be irrelevant!

Plus, in Japan it's acceptable to eat sushi with your fingers if you want ...!

Anyway, if I was you, I'd just take them - I can't imagine why they'd object ...! Especially if the alternative is the disposable ones ... you're saving the planet!
; D

Answer 3

Absolutely not. My ex and I used to go out for dim sum every weekend and we took our own chopsticks. The wait staff was always overly friendly with us, like we kind of knew what we were doing... :) It's not offensive, it's almost like a sign of respect for the genre of food you'er eating.

Answer 4

i know from a friend with a very strong japanese line that if you have had a custom set of chopsticks then it is perfectly polite to use them, after politely refusing the establishments chopsticks (if offered) and continue eating.

Answer 5

If they're authentic Japanese chopsticks, they would actually be pleased that you thought enough of their establishment that you wanted your own set and used them at their restaurant.

If they're just those cheep plane ones, then do everyone a favor and leave them at home.

My Mother gave me her and my father's set of hand crafted Japanese chopsticks. Complete with hand inlayed mother of pearl and black enamel carrying box.

Answer 6

As you can see, the answer to your question is no. But I was wondering, if you're regulars at this place and you believe you are well-liked by the owner and staff, why didn't you just ASK THEM? To not consider them worthy of seeking their advice, THAT is pompous.

Answer 7

No, Japanese people (living in Japan) have custon-made chopsticks just like you have. They shouldn't care. It's like bringing silverware to a place that has plastic forks, somewhat.

Answer 8

i think that if you bought the chopsticks, and you like these said chopsticks better than the ones that the restaurant in question provides, then you should use them.

Answer 9

not if they give you those cheesey disposable ones. i hate splinters, and so i often bring my own, theyre nicer, seem to hold the food better, and feel better in my hand. as long as youre unobtrusive about it, it shouldnt be a big deal.

Answer 10

You are customer, do what you want, you can also bring a drink as people do in asia