Chopsticks are a mealtime staple on many tables in China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. They're one of the most ancient utensils, dating back to 1200 B.C. in China (and spreading across East Asia by A.D. 500). Today, chopsticks are used around the world in restaurants and at home and come in a variety of styles, from fancy contemporary designs in stainless steel to basic silhouettes in eco-friendly bamboo. Beyond cooking, chopsticks can be used to reach into hot oil or water, allowing the user to pick up food as deftly as they can with their fingers.