How and why did chopsticks replace the spoon to become the primary eating utensil in Asia? Why did chopsticks spread across Asia from the 7th century and, in more recent decades, around the world? How has the rise of chopsticks reflected the evolution of culinary traditions?

Professor Q. Edward Wang, author of Chopsticks: A Cultural and Culinary History, will delve into the answers to these questions and more as we learn about the origin and development of chopsticks as an eating implement from ancient to modern times.

A book signing and beer from Brooklyn Brewery to follow.

This program is part of our Global Cuisines, Global Cultures series.

About Q. Edward Wang

Educated partly in China and partly in the US, Dr. Edward Wang has been a professor of history at Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, for over two decades. He has published extensively on cultural history, historiography and global history. He is most interested in examining and analyzing cross-cultural and inter-region exchanges in human history, past and present.

About East Wind Snack Shop

East Wind Snack Shop was inspired by the old Chinatown tea houses and we love it when food brings people back to their fondest memories. For us, the only way to accomplish this is to make the food in the best way possible: from scratch, everyday, with really good responsibly-sourced ingredients. We handcraft the best dumplings and bao and slowly cook all our meats for tender goodness. We’re a small mom and pop shop dedicated to sharing our culture. We call it “Damn Good Chinese Food!”  

*Ticket Refund Policy: Full refund with 48 hours notice, 50% refund with 24 hours notice, and no refund with less than 24 hours notice.