Sushi Etiquette...

Become one with sushi

There are so many questions about the correct sushi etiquette, especially from new found lovers of sushi. People often worry about eating sushi correctly and what behaviour is appropriate and inappropriate at a sushi bar in front of the chef. Please do not feel intimidated walking into a sushi bar, it is a very pleasant environment. Many sushi chefs will be thrilled if take the time to learn traditional sushi etiquette, yet people who are still yet to learn the way of sushi are equally welcomed.

One of the most popular questions is "how do I use my soy, wasabi and ginger (gari)?". Everybody eats differently but many people worry about offending the chef when applying their own methods with these garnishes.

The pickled ginger slices (gari) are intended to cleanse the palette. The traditional sushi lover would consume a single slice of gari between each different dish. For those who are great admirers of gari they will consume more slices more frequently, purely for the taste of it.

Wasabi has almost a cult following, love it or hate it. It packs a great punch and definitely helps to clear your sinuses. It is also believed my many traditional sushi chefs that it kills any parasites that may reside in the fish. Despite its great qualities it is often abused in some sushi bars today. It is all too common to see people applying too much wasabi and overpowering the taste of the fish. In high quality sushi bars the chefs apply what they believe to be the correct amount of wasabi to the sushi when it is ordered, to apply more wasabi and overpower the taste of the fish could be seen as an insult. Traditionally wasabi is never used with egg (tamago).

Soy is an extremely popular garnish. The soy should always be poured into a small dish and used to dip the fish and not on the rice, this method is often broken these days. This usually means tipping the sushi upside down to dip. This is also the way the sushi should enter your mouth with the fish striking your taste buds first. "Can I mix my wasabi with my soy?" I hear you say? The two should only ever be mixed for sashimi, which should in turn be eaten before sushi. When you begin your sushi dishes you should always have fresh soy.

Do I use chopsticks or do I use my hands? The answer is both! It is perfectly acceptable to use either. Most people use chopsticks to eat sashimi, noodle and salads and their hands to eat maki rolls and nigiri. This is usually to save them getting their hands too messy although don't be afraid to use your hands.

Chopsticks are something you need to handle respectively when at the sushi bar. Because of the original of chopsticks in Japan you should honour certain rules. When chopsticks first reached Japan from China they were used in ceremonies and rituals to pass the ashes of loved ones. Because of this you should never pass sushi to another with your chopsticks, you should always offer the plate. It is also considered rude to point with your chopsticks. Rubbing your chopsticks together in a sharpening fashion may also be frowned upon, indicating to the sushi chef that his chopsticks are cheap and low quality.

When at the sushi bar do not feel afraid to ask the chef questions and watch the chef as he prepares his sushi. Curiosity is quite common, especially with the wide variety of amazing ingredients and displays. Most chefs are pleased that you wish to learn more about their dishes. Take time to learn the names in both English and in Japanese, it all adds to the experience. Soon you will be able to learn the names of your favourite dishes and order like a pro.

Leaving food on your plate in a sushi bar can often insult the chef. If you are new and still experimenting with new dishes it is not uncommon to see people leaving food on the plate. You may be asked if there was a problem with the dish you didn't finish but chefs will fully understand if you are new to sushi and still experimenting. It is always good to experiment new dishes, variety is the spice of life.

Tip at the sushi bar like you would a restaurant. The usual amount would be around 10%, although it all depends on your generosity and how much you enjoyed the service and the sushi. It is not a must that you tip at fast food conveyors sushi bars, again it depends on your generosity, service and sushi.

Above all, have fun!