Hello, this is the ShimaSuki editorial department.When visiting Japan, many travelers look forward to experiencing authentic sushi. However, sushi comes with its own set of unique dining customs and etiquette, which can be unfamiliar to first-time visitors. This guide provides an in-depth look at different types of sushi, basic dining manners, and how to behave in a sushi restaurant so that you can enjoy sushi like a pro.
Understanding Sushi Basics
Types of Sushi
There are several types of sushi, and knowing them in advance can make ordering easier.
- Nigiri Sushi: The most common style, consisting of a slice of fish or topping placed on a small bed of vinegared rice.
- Maki Sushi (Rolls): Sushi rolls wrapped in seaweed, sometimes featuring ingredients like avocado or cucumber.
- Chirashi Sushi: A bowl of vinegared rice topped with assorted sashimi and ingredients.
- Oshi Sushi (Pressed Sushi): Sushi that is pressed into shape using a wooden mold.
- Gunkan Maki (Battleship Roll): A type of sushi wrapped with seaweed to hold delicate toppings like sea urchin or fish roe.
Basic Sushi Etiquette
Chopsticks or Hands?
You can eat sushi with either chopsticks or your hands. In high-end sushi restaurants, using your hands is more common, while casual sushi spots often see more chopstick use.
How to Dip Sushi in Soy Sauce
- Avoid dipping the rice directly into soy sauce, as it absorbs too much and may fall apart.
- Instead, lightly dip the fish side of the sushi into the soy sauce to preserve its texture and flavor.
The Role of Gari (Pickled Ginger)
Gari is a palate cleanser and should not be eaten together with sushi. Eat it between different sushi types to refresh your taste buds.
Handling Wasabi
- Many sushi pieces come with wasabi already added. If you prefer less, you can request “wasabi-nuki” (without wasabi).
- Instead of mixing wasabi into soy sauce, the traditional way is to place a small amount directly on the sushi before eating.
The Proper Order to Eat Sushi
To fully enjoy the flavors of sushi, start with lighter tastes and progress to richer, more flavorful ones.
- White Fish (Flounder, Sea Bream, etc.): Light and delicate, perfect to start with.
- Silver-skinned Fish (Mackerel, Horse Mackerel, etc.): Slightly stronger in flavor, following white fish well.
- Shellfish (Scallops, Ark Shell, etc.): Refreshing texture that cleanses the palate.
- Red Fish (Tuna, Bonito, etc.): Medium-fatty fish with a more robust taste.
- Medium-fatty & Fatty Tuna (Chutoro, Otoro, etc.): Rich in flavor and best eaten later.
- Gunkan Maki (Uni, Ikura, etc.): Strongly flavored, perfect towards the end of the meal.
- Maki Rolls (Tuna Roll, Cucumber Roll, etc.): Helps cleanse the palate at the end.
- Tamago (Sweet Egg Omelet): A mild and sweet finish to your sushi experience.
Smart Behavior in a Sushi Restaurant
Ordering Sushi
- At Conveyor Belt Sushi (Kaitenzushi): You can take sushi from the belt or order using a tablet or staff.
- At a High-End Sushi Bar: Ordering “Omakase” (chef’s choice) or “Okonomi” (choosing your favorites) is common.
“Omakase” vs. “Okonomi”
- Omakase: The chef selects the best pieces for you, based on the freshest ingredients available.
- Okonomi: You choose specific sushi pieces according to your preference.
When to Pay
- At Conveyor Belt Sushi: Payment is made at the counter or via a tablet.
- At a Sushi Bar: You typically settle the bill after finishing your meal at the table.
Do You Need to Tip?
Tipping is not customary in Japan. Simply paying the bill is enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I Eat at a Sushi Restaurant Without Speaking Japanese?
→ Many conveyor belt sushi restaurants have English menus or picture menus. You can also point at the sushi and say, “This one, please.”
Q2. My Sushi Keeps Falling Apart – What Should I Do?
→ Dip the fish side into the soy sauce instead of the rice to prevent it from breaking apart.
Q3. What Drinks Pair Well with Sushi?
→ Green tea, sake, and beer complement sushi flavors perfectly.
Conclusion
Sushi is more than just a meal—it is an experience that allows you to appreciate Japanese culture. By understanding basic etiquette, you can enjoy sushi more elegantly and authentically. The next time you visit Japan, be sure to indulge in the true taste of sushi!
