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Integral’s Compact Chopsticks.

Whether you're slurping noodles in Tokyo or noshing on sushi at Heathrow airport, Integral's Compact Chopsticks are a novel way to B.Y.O.U. (bring your own utensils).

How it works

Each collapsible chopstick comes in two parts. Pull (don't twist) the coloured plastic tip. Out comes a pointy wand-like end that when flipped and reinserted into its stainless steel base, forms a full-sized chopstick. The clip that holds the unassembled set together doubles as a chopstick rest. Mine kept rolling off, so I opted not to use it.

Pros and cons

Waiters and fellow restaurant patrons looked on suspiciously as I pull out them out, but that shouldn't be a deterrent. They are light (mine have a permanent place in my purse), eco-friendly and much prettier than the spork I used to carry as a backpacking university student. If you're a clean freak, give them a good rinse and dry before putting them away; otherwise expect to face the lingering odour of your last plate of pad Thai.

Final verdict

They're a fun way to eat foreign foods while travelling, or dining out in your own city – just be prepared to be the odd man out at the table. $14 (U.S.); integrald.com

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