William Hanson, a popular social media etiquette coach known for his lessons on table manners, has just shared a video on Instagram showing what he calls the proper technique for eating peas.
According to Hanson, peas should never be balanced on the back of a fork. “What we are not going to do is turn our fork over and shovel them onto the underside,” he said, explaining that peas placed that way will roll off everywhere, making a mess. Instead, he used the back of a knife to spear a small cluster of peas neatly onto the fork’s tines before taking a bite.
Viewers had plenty to say, with many being surprised about the need for etiquette when eating peas, especially with a fork. Some poked fun at the sheer effort required to eat peas this way. “How long did it take to finish the plate?” one person asked, emphasizing how impractical the method looked for a full serving. Another joked: “Petition to begin using a straw and inhaling peas like a vacuum cleaner instead.”
Others suggested that peas are not supposed to be eaten that way. “First, you should cook it properly,” a commenter wrote, pointing out that the peas should have been cooked so that it has a soft texture, making it easier to eat them. Another user was shocked to see the plate full of unappealing peas. They added, “Regardless of how you eat them, who serves such a huge plate of only peas?”
Some debated back against Hanson’s elaborate rules altogether. “What is wrong with using the hands? Imagine if you didn’t have hands, the etiquettes would cease to exist,” one viewer argued. Others wondered why people are not supposed to eat peas with spoons. “What do you have against spoons William?” one asked, while another added, “If you’re aware, there’s something invented called a spoon, which you can use to eat beans.”
Many viewers saw the clip as light entertainment, but it also raised questions about how this etiquette fits into modern life. Table manners were shaped in an age when formal dining was the standard, and every utensil had a place and purpose. Rules such as where to set a spoon after eating or how to rest cutlery between courses were designed to bring order to the table.
Some of those customs still serve a purpose, like keeping place settings neat or helping waiters know when a guest has finished. Others, like Hanson’s pea lesson, seem far less practical today. Based on the reactions, we can safely say that while basic etiquette can still guide us, most people value comfort and simplicity when they sit down to eat.
A simpler way to eat peas at home
Not everyone has the patience to line up peas one by one on a fork, especially on a busy weeknight. In everyday cooking, people often suggest pairing peas with other items on the plate, such as serving them with mashed potatoes or cooking them with rice, which helps keep them in place. That way, they can be scooped and eaten in one bite instead of trying to spear them onto the tines.
In everyday settings, a spoon is also a practical option. Most home tables don’t follow formal dining codes and use the utensil that works best for them. They care about having a meal that can be made and eaten with less hassle.
How different cultures eat peas
Of course, not every culture treats peas the same way at the table. In many Asian cuisines, peas are often stir-fried, served in pods, or mixed into rice (think curries and biryanis) and noodle dishes, so there’s no balancing act required. They’re eaten with chopsticks or scooped up as part of the dish.
In the UK, peas are one of the most common side dishes, often served with classics like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, or roast dinners. Many pubs also serve mushy peas alongside meat pies or fried fish, which makes them much easier to eat than their loose counterparts.
In France, peas are usually prepared with a touch more elegance. A well-known dish is petits pois à la française, where peas are simmered gently with butter, lettuce, and onions. It is a delicate side dish that can also be mixed into stews, paired with lamb, or added to creamy ragouts, which makes them part of the dish rather than something to chase around the plate.
So, the “rolling pea problem” is mainly a Western fine-dining dilemma, particularly in British etiquette.
Whether you spear your peas, scoop them with a spoon, or eat them however you like, the fundamental rule most people agreed on is simple: finish your food without making it more complicated than it needs to be.
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