If you are not a sushi expert, you may feel overwhelmed and confused by all the options available to you. Fortunately, once you learn the basics, you just have to figure out what you like best. To enjoy sushi, you just need to know your personal preferences. Do you like to eat with chopsticks or with your hands? Do you like to add wasabi for that extra spicy touch? You will soon discover your preferences and develop your own way of eating sushi.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Ordering at a Sushi Bar or Restaurant
Step 1. Sit at the counter if you want to interact with the chef
If you like watching how sushi is made, you will have the best view sitting at the counter. You can also ask the chef for advice or suggestions.
For a quieter, more intimate meal, ask to sit at a table and not at the counter
Step 2. Order drinks and appetizers from the waiter
Someone will come to your table or counter and ask if you want something to drink. You can order green tea, beer, sake or water for example, but avoid fizzy drinks, as they are too sweet and will cover up the flavor of the sushi. If you want appetizers before moving on to sushi, order them from the waiter and not the chef.
Try miso soup, edamame, or wakame salad to calm your appetite
Step 3. Decide whether to order sushi or let the chef choose
Even if you are given a menu from which you can order, you can decide to let the chef prepare what he wants and surprise you. If you have allergies or don't like some ingredients, let the cook know.
Did you know that?
Having the chef decide the menu translates to "omakase" or literally "I'll leave it to you".
Step 4. Order the sushi rolls if this is your first time tasting sushi
You've probably seen these rolls, made up of pieces of fish wrapped in rice and seaweed. They are called maki and are ideal for beginners who don't like the idea of eating raw fish. California roll is one of the most popular maki for newbies, because it is made with surimi, cucumber and avocado.
- The Philadelphia roll is another common choice for beginners. It is made by wrapping cream cheese, salmon and avocado with seaweed and rice.
- On the menu you can find temaki. They contain the same ingredients as maki, but rice, fish and vegetables are served in a cone of dried seaweed.
Step 5. Choose nigiri if you like raw fish
If you already know you appreciate raw fish, order some of these cut fish pieces. The chef will spread a slice of fish over a piece of pressed rice. This is a great choice even if you don't like the taste of seaweed.
Remember that you will usually only receive 1 or 2 pieces of nigiri. If you want more sushi, order various types of nigiri or maki to split
Step 6. Choose sashimi if you want sushi without rice or seaweed
Sashimi is one of the simplest ways to eat raw fish because it doesn't contain any other ingredients. The chef will put slices of raw fish on your plate that you can enjoy natural.
It's a good idea to ask the chef what he recommends. You can tell him what you like and have him bring you various sashimi to try
Method 2 of 3: Eat Sushi Properly
Step 1. Wash your hands before eating sushi
You can do this before you sit down, or the waiter can give you a warm, wet towel to use before your meal is served. Rub your hands on the towel well and put it back on the plate, so that the waiter understands that he can take it away.
In many restaurants, you will be given another warm washcloth to clean your hands after a meal
Step 2. Recognize wasabi and soy sauce
The waiter or chef will bring you the plate of sushi you ordered, but you will also notice a small empty saucer, in which you can pour the soy sauce and a ball of green pasta. Green paste is wasabi, which you can eat alongside sushi to spice it up.
- Chefs add some wasabi to their dishes, so try the sushi before adding any more sauce.
- You will also notice the ginger on the side of the dish. It will have a pale or light pink color.
Did you know that?
Western wasabi is made with horseradish powder, mustard seeds, and food coloring. Genuine wasabi is the only grated wasabi root, so it has a much paler color and is less spicy.
Step 3. Take a piece of sushi with chopsticks or fingers
While you have often seen sushi eaten with chopsticks, it is also acceptable to take it with your fingers. If it's prepared well, it shouldn't break when you take it.
Remember that sashimi is usually only eaten with chopsticks. It doesn't contain rice, so it's pretty easy to take
Step 4. Dip sushi in soy sauce if you want to make the fish tastier
Pour some soy sauce into the empty saucer that was brought to you. Slowly dip the sushi in the soy for about 1 second. If you are eating nigiri, turn the piece to put the fish in the soy and not the rice so it won't separate.
- Since the chef has already seasoned the sushi, it is considered rude to dip a whole piece in soy sauce. Also, wetting the sushi is more likely to break.
- Try not to mix wasabi with soy sauce, as it is considered rude.
- If the sushi already has a sauce, eat a piece of it before dipping it in soy. You may find that there is no need for additional seasoning.
Step 5. Try to eat sushi in one bite
Most sushi pieces are small enough to fit directly into your mouth. Eating the whole piece in one bite will allow you to enjoy all the flavors of rice, seaweed and fish. If it is too big, you can divide it into two bites, but you can also inform the chef that you prefer smaller pieces.
- Although some people argue that you should put sushi in your mouth with the fish facing down, you can eat it however you like.
- Pay attention to how the flavor changes while eating sushi. For example, you may notice a tender texture at first, followed by a slightly spicy aftertaste.
Step 6. Eat ginger between sushi to cleanse your mouth
You've probably ordered a few different types of sushi, so you'll want to appreciate the differences between one and the other. To freshen your mouth after eating a type of sushi, take a slice of ginger with chopsticks. Once you've eaten the ginger, you're ready to move on to the next piece of sushi.
- Don't put ginger on sushi and don't eat them together.
- In some cases the ginger is pale white or light pink if food coloring has been added.
Method 3 of 3: Enjoy the Experience
Step 1. Try different sushi to find out what you like
If this is your first time eating sushi, you can try maki that include cooked fish, such as smoked salmon or tempura shrimp. For variation, also order a few pieces of nigiri or sashimi, including:
- Sake (pronounced "sha-ke") - fresh salmon
- Maguro - bluefin tuna
- Hamachi - seriola
- Ebi - cooked shrimp
- Unagi - freshwater eel
- Tai - red snapper
- Tako - octopus
Step 2. Communicate with the chef
If you are sitting at the counter, let the cook know that you are enjoying the meal. For example, compliment them on rice, as each chef spends years developing their own rice recipe. You can also tell him if the pieces are too big for you or if you'd like to try a different type of sushi.
If you're not sitting at the counter but want to let the chef know you enjoyed the meal, check for a tip jar
Step 3. Share various types of sushi with a friend
You can enjoy more flavors and textures if you order several rolls or pieces of nigiri and sashimi to divide. When taking pieces of sushi from a shared plate, remember to use the blunt end of the chopsticks. This way you won't spread your germs.
There is nothing wrong with informing your friend that there are maki or sashimi types you don't like. Try to share varieties of sushi that you both enjoy
Step 4. Have fun and don't worry about your mistakes
You've probably heard of the rules on how to eat sushi, so it's understandable that you have some fears. Remember that you can eat it according to your personal preferences. For example, if you can't get sashimi with chopsticks, there's no harm in getting it with a fork.
Focus on having fun and don't try to follow all the rules, especially if it's your first time eating sushi
Advice
- If you are in a sushi bar, don't put on perfume and turn off your cell phone. That way you won't bother other customers.
- Never ask if the fish is fresh, because that way you offend the chef. If you have chosen a restaurant that serves high quality sushi, you can rest assured that the fish is fresh.
- To find a high-quality sushi restaurant, read reviews and ask for recommendations.
- Don't worry if the fish is raw; unlike meat, fish can be eaten raw or cooked. The main difference is in flavor and texture.
