Feeling Intimidated by Non-Conveyor Belt Sushi?
Many people might feel that traditional, non-conveyor belt sushi restaurants are a bit intimidating. Nowadays, conveyor belt sushi has improved in quality and is sufficient for a family outing. However, there are still occasions when you might want to savor sushi at a traditional non-conveyor belt sushi restaurant. In such cases, you might be concerned about the customs and etiquette specific to sushi restaurants. Without a touch panel, how do you order?
In this article, we will explain the etiquette, how to eat sushi, and the proper order in which to eat it. If you plan to visit a non-conveyor belt sushi restaurant, this is the perfect time to review these points.
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Three Etiquette Rules for Eating Sushi
Eat Sushi as Soon as It’s Served
Sushi’s flavor can deteriorate if it dries out or its temperature changes. Therefore, eat sushi as soon as they serve it. You’ll surely find the ‘freshly made’ sushi delicious.
Do Not Dip the Rice in Soy Sauce
If you dip the rice in soy sauce, the rice may fall apart, making it difficult to eat and spoiling the sushi’s appearance. When eating sushi, try flipping it over and dipping the fish (neta) in soy sauce instead. Additionally, only lightly dip the tip of the fish in soy sauce. Too much soy sauce can overpower the flavors of the fish and rice. Remember, a small amount of soy sauce is best.
Should You Eat Sushi with Your Hands or Chopsticks?
Feel free to use your hands instead of chopsticks to eat sushi; it’s not considered bad manners. If you do eat with your hands, make sure they are clean. Also, instead of gripping the sushi, gently pinch it. Sushi is a delicate dish, so be mindful of temperature. The longer your fingers touch the sushi, the more it affects the surface temperature. Keep contact time short and minimal.
The Order in Which to Eat Sushi
While it’s Fine to Start with Your Favorite Sushi, if You Want to Observe Proper Etiquette, it’s Worth Considering the Order in Which You Eat Sushi. This isn’t Just About Etiquette; it’s a Method to Fully Enjoy the Flavors of the Sushi.
Here’s the recommended order:
- Start with light-flavored fish and move to richer, more flavorful ones.
- Begin with white fish and move to red fish.
- Eat nigiri sushi before moving on to maki rolls.
- End with sweet items like tamago (egg) or kanpyo-maki (dried gourd roll), and soup.
If you’re unsure about what to order, you can say “omakase” (chef’s choice) and let the chef decide. When eating at the counter, you can ask the chef for recommendations, such as “Please focus on your recommendations, and I’d like about X rolls.” The chef will consider the order and serve the sushi in the most delicious sequence.
At conveyor belt sushi restaurants, people often eat what they like or find tasty, but if you’re visiting a non-conveyor belt sushi restaurant, I recommend considering the overall sushi experience from start to finish.
Things to Keep in Mind When Eating Sushi
Here are Some Actions that Could be Considered Bad Manners When Eating Sushi:
Separating the Fish from the Rice is a No-No
Sushi is a dish made up of both the fish and rice, so avoid eating them separately. Some people remove the fish, dip it in soy sauce, and then eat the rice, but this is frowned upon. It also doesn’t look good.
Eating Sushi in Two Bites is a No-No
Sushi is carefully made to be eaten in one bite. Therefore, it’s important to eat it whole without biting it in half. Splitting the sushi in half with chopsticks before eating is also considered disrespectful to the chef. If you feel it’s too large to eat in one bite, you can ask the chef to make the rice portion smaller.
Avoid Wearing Strong Perfume or Smoking
When eating delicious food, including sushi, be mindful not to let the smell of perfume or cigarettes interfere with the flavors. This is especially important when enjoying delicate Japanese cuisine like sushi, where strong smells can be considered bad manners. When dining at a sushi restaurant, ensure your clothes aren’t carrying the scent of perfume or cigarettes.
Asking for No Wasabi is Not Bad Manners
If you don’t like wasabi, it’s okay to ask for your sushi without it. There’s no need to force yourself; the important thing is to enjoy your meal.
Four Other Etiquette Tips When Eating Sushi
Here are Some Additional Etiquette Tips for Eating Sushi:
How Should You Wipe Your Fingers?
It’s common to use the finger towel or wet towel provided. However, if your hands feel particularly dirty, it’s okay to wash them in the restroom.
What if You Get Full Mid-Course?
Depending on how full you are, you can ask for less rice or stop the course midway. You can also inform the chef of how much more you can eat. On the other hand, if you’re still hungry, you can ask if it’s possible to add more sushi. Sometimes it may not be possible due to the availability of ingredients, but consulting with the restaurant staff is not bad manners.
Do You Have to Eat the Garnishes and Ginger?
Garnishes and ginger are usually provided for decoration or as a palate cleanser, so it’s not necessary to eat them.
Does Your Drink Have to Be Alcoholic?
There are no rules requiring a specific drink when eating sushi. It’s perfectly fine to have water, tea, or juice. You don’t have to order alcohol. However, if you’ve ordered a pairing menu, the restaurant will have selected drinks that complement the sushi, so it’s best to enjoy the beverages provided.
Enjoy the Flavor of Sushi by Following the Proper Etiquette and Order
There are certain etiquettes for eating sushi, and being mindful of the order can help you fully appreciate the delicate flavors. By following these etiquette tips and eating sushi in the recommended order, you can truly enjoy the sushi experience.
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