If you are new to sushi or not familiar with Japanese customs, it can be difficult to get into a restaurant.Asking the staff for help is an easy way to learn proper manners.You can pick up the sushi by using chopsticks or your fingers.You can eat the sushi and follow it with a slice of ginger by dipping the fish in soy sauce.The server and chef will overlook any mistakes you make if you are polite.
Step 1: You can clean your fingers with a cloth.
When you sit down, some restaurants will have an oshibori in front of you.It is a small towel that you can use to clean your fingers.Place it back in its container after folding it nicely.As needed, use it again.Don't wipe your face with a piece of paper.It is meant for you.
Step 2: To pick up the sushi, use your fingers or chopsticks.
Most people use chopsticks, but sushi is a finger food.The fingers allow you to feel the texture of the roll.You can prevent nigiri sushi from falling apart with this.Ask the staff if you should use your fingers or something else.Don't ask for knives and forks.Some restaurants are more tolerant of using utensils than others.If you think you are rude for eating this way, offer an apology first.The best way to eatscattered sushi is with a fork or chopsticks.
Step 3: It's a good idea to lightly dip sushi in soy sauce.
The fish portion of the sushi should be towards the soy.You can get all the soy you need with a gentle dip.The flavor of the sushi is overwhelmed by the absorption of soy.The original flavors of the roll are not good enough if you soak it in soy.When eating nigirizushi, always eat it side by side with the soy sauce.Don't pour a lot of soy sauce into your cup.You don't need a lot of soy, and wasted soy is frowned upon in Japan.Some rolls have sauce on them.Don't add soy or other condiments.It isn't a necessity.Before dipping your sushi into soy, you can place a little on it.The soy sauce should not be mixed with the wasabi.
Step 4: You can eat sushi in one bite.
One bite is all it takes to eat sushi.When eating large American versions, two bites is acceptable.If you have too much food in your mouth, it is better to take small bites.Don't put the sushi back on the plate when you do this.Try to hold the ingredients together until you finish by keeping the un eaten part between your chopsticks.
Step 5: You can cleanse your palate by eating ginger.
Ginger doesn't eat sushi.After finishing a piece of sushi, it's a good idea to use it to clear off the taste.This will allow you to sample the full flavor of the dish.If you want to feel refreshed, you don't need to eat a large slice of ginger.
Step 6: You should clean off your plate.
You enjoyed finishing your food shows.Everyone who worked hard to give you this food considers waste disrespectful.It is impolite to leave a grain of rice behind because it takes a lot of effort to get it right.
Step 7: You shouldn't rub your chopsticks together.
It is implied that the chopsticks are poor quality.It is not likely that you will find a splinter in wooden chopsticks.If you notice a problem, discreetly ask the staff for a new pair of shoes.
Step 8: Take your chopsticks out of the holder.
The hashioki has narrow ends.You are finished eating if you place them anywhere else.If there is no holder, lay them side by side across the bowl.If you are left-handed, the pointed ends should face to the left.Do not cross your chopsticks.Crossed chopsticks are symbolic of death and funerals.Do not stick your chopsticks in a bowl of rice.This also shows a funeral ritual.
Step 9: The communal platter has sushi with a blunt end.
You can reach the plate if someone passes it to you.If you turn your chopsticks around, you won't have to pick up the food with the end in your mouth.You can eat the sushi with the smaller ends of the chopsticks.
Step 10: Don't use chopsticks to pass food.
During a Japanese funeral ritual, family members pass the bones of the deceased to each other.It is offensive to pass food from one set of chopsticks to another.If you want to give food to someone else, you should give the plate to them so they can pick it up.As a gesture of close proximity between parents and children, passing sushi between chopsticks is not allowed.
Step 11: Ask the staff what's in the food.
It can be difficult to go to a sushi place.Different types of sushi come in different flavors.It's easier to order sushi if you know the basic terms.If you have a question, the chef or staff will be happy to help.You can ask the chef directly at the sushi bar.Ask your server.A piece of fish, shellfish, or fish roe over a rice ball is called Nigirizushi.It is the best way to appreciate the flavor of fish.The rice and filling are wrapped in seaweed.Nori means seaweed, so standard rolls are called norimaki.Futomaki and hosomaki are both thinner rolls.There is an inside out maki roll.The rice is on the outside of the roll.Similar to maki rolls, temakizushi are shaped like cones.The sushi is pressed into a shape.A piece of sushi is placed over a bed of rice.fried tofu is wrapped around Inarizushi.It is usually filled with rice.Sashimi is a type of fish.It isn't actually sushi.
Step 12: The chef can give you recommendations.
Don't ask the itamae for fresh food.Ask for the chef's choice menu, what fish is in season, and for recommendations.The itamae will be happy to guide you if you are polite.Allow the waiter or waitress to speak to the chef if you are dining at a table away from the sushi counter.If you want to place your order on your own, sit at the sushi counter.
Step 13: Light and heavy food should be ordered first and last, respectively.
Since they are only fish and rice, nigiri and sashimi are lighter.They won't fill you up as much as large rolls or dinners.Start light when ordering multiple courses.You will enjoy the taste of the food more if you fill up slowly.The chef can give you an order for the food.This is usually done with intent.The food should be eaten in the order presented.
Step 14: Say "please" and "thank you" to the staff.
You can do this in your native language if you are in Japan.You can also do this in Japanese.Say thank you at the sushi bar.You can say "itadakimasu" when you receive your food.Say "gochisosama deshita," which means "Thank you for the meal," after you are done.The employees at the restaurant may not speak a word of Japanese if you're outside of Japan.When you know they'll be understood, use these phrases.The sushi chef should not be disturbed by small talk and unrelated questions.
Step 15: tip through your server if you pay your bill
The sushi chef is using raw fish, so don't give him money.Let your server handle it.The tips are handled by the staff.Allow the chef to return to serving other customers.Tips are included in Japan.If you want to show your appreciation, you can give the chef a shot of sake.
Step 16: Drink tea with one hand.
The water can fall into the tea if the lid is removed.Make sure the inside faces upwards by placing the lid on the table.Place one hand on the side of the cup.Place your other hand under the cup.
Step 17: The soup should be drunk from the bowl.
People drink soup instead of spooning it.If you have a spoon, use it to pick up pieces.If your soup has noodles, eat them while slurping.It is rude to slurp in Japan since the noise indicates that you enjoy the food.
Step 18: Say good bye to others.
It looks bad to serve yourself.It's a good idea to pour the sake for anyone eating with you.Allow your server to do it when you are alone, or let them return the favor.You can smell the drink before you sip it.It's a good idea to tip your sushi chef with a shot of sake or a beer.This is common in Japan.If the chef does not accept, don't ask again.If the chef agrees, you can get the same drink.