The origin of sushi dates back to over two centuries ago. It is one of Japanese most prepared cuisine. Great tasty Tokyo Sushi is usually prepared by specially trained chefs.
The effort put into its preparation can only be matched with the right Etiquettes particularly when eating this sumptuous delicacy. This article discusses how to have fun eating Sushi with maximum satisfaction.
While it is true that you cannot be penalized or kick out of a Tokyo Sushi restaurant for eating or handling Sushi wrongly, it is equally imperative that you learn all you can about how it is eaten in order to make that Tokyo Sushi meal a memorable one.
The first person you would want to relate within a Sushi restaurant is the Itamae (chef); since he prepared the cuisine, it is only normal for him to know everything there is to know about it. Chefs spend years before they earn mastery of sushi preparation.
The chef is in a better position to help you make the best choice. Rather than just walk into the restaurant and request for the menu, as usual, you might want to seek the chef’s opinion; this does not mean have to do what he says it simply reflects your respect for his profession.
Most Tokyo Sushi restaurants also have concierges to whom you may be directed to speak with in case the chef does not speak English or you have allergy issues. The concierge, in turn, relays the message to the chef.
Eating Sushi
Though Tokyo sushi is traditionally eaten by lifting a piece between the thumb and middle finger, it is generally believed that eating sushi with fingers is a good means of feeling its texture and keeping the sushi together as opposed to the use of chopsticks in modern times.
This does not in any way nullify the use of chopsticks. It is therefore important to master the use of chopsticks before you visit a sushi restaurant; if you don’t know how to use them.
Often times sushi etiquettes boil down to how well you remember and use your manners as an individual. From the moment you step into the restaurant, your demeanor towards the concierge and the chef, in particular, contributes to your overall Tokyo sushi experience.
At the table
- Now that you are seated and relaxed, a hot wet towel (oshibori) will be offered to you. You are expected to wash your hands with it and fold it neatly when you are done with it. Washing of hands is done prior to feasting.
- Your chopsticks should not be rubbed together, they should be placed parallel to you on the chopsticks holder.
- Leaving your chopsticks anywhere else aside from the chopsticks holder could indicate that you are through with the meal; trust me, you don’t want your meal to be mistaken for a leftover.
- Licking or sucking the extra wasabi condiment on your chopsticks is an impolite act.
- Do not put wasabi (condiment) directly in the dish; sushis come with sufficient wasabi placed under the fish by the chef. The chef decides the wasabi to fish ratio.
- It is generally advised to eat Tokyo sushi in one bite in order to keep the sushi together. However, if the sushi is big, you may eat it in two bites.
- Ginger is considered a palate cleanser. Eat ginger in between sushi bites.
- When eating rice and fish sushi, dip the fish into your shoyu (soy sauce), not the rice.
- Do not stick your chopsticks into rice in an upright manner, these bear certain resemblance to funeral sticks; a symbol of Japanese funeral.
- Belching at the Japanese table is considered an impolite act.
After the Meal
– You may tip the Itamae for the meal or express your appreciation verbally; try the Japanese term “domo arigato” this means “thank you”.
In essence, enjoying a sushi meal in a Tokyo sushi restaurant is closely dependent on individual manners just like in any other restaurant. With these few tips, you now have better insights into how to have fun and enjoy your sushi meal simultaneously.