I have to sit up straight and sip some liquid. I have a hiatal hernia? Not sure spelling. I think that is part of the problem.
Eat smaller bites and swallow before taking more? the sitting up straight is important for me as I tend to bend over.

and it doesn't matter much what it is, as long as it's wet.

If things continue to stick even with fluids, you need to visit a GI specialist, get it checked out.

For most people, fluids do the trick.