Eating sushi has a certain etiquette, and there are traditional practices in Japanese culture. Here are some tips on how to eat sushi properly:
1. Use sticks or fingers:
Sushi can be eaten with chopsticks or, in some cases, with the fingers. For nigiri sushi, a small rice bed topped with something like fish or seafood, it is quite acceptable to use your hands.
2. Soy sauce and wasabi:
Pour a small amount of soy sauce into the soy sauce dish. Add wasabi to the soy sauce according to taste. Keep in mind that sushi chefs often already use wasabi between the rice and fish in nigiri sushi, so you may not need additional wasabi.
3. Pick up sushi:
If you use chopsticks, hold them at the end for better control. For nigiri sushi, pick up the sushi with your chopsticks or fingers. Pick up the sushi by the sides or the bottom with your fingers and avoid touching the rice.
4. Gently dip into the soy sauce:
Dip the fish or seafood part of the sushi into the soy sauce, not the rice. Dipping the rice can cause it to fall apart. Proceed carefully to avoid soaking the rice excessively.
5. Eat in one bite (if possible):
Try to eat the sushi in one bite if possible. This way, you can experience the flavor combination all at once. However, if the piece is too large, it is acceptable to take two bites.
6. Special Nigiri Sushi:
Turn the nigiri sushi so that the fish touches your tongue first. This way, you can enjoy the flavors in the order intended by the sushi chef.
7. Especially Sashimi:
When you eat sashimi (raw fish slices without rice), pick up the slice with chopsticks. You can dip it in soy sauce as you like or enjoy it as is.
8. Ginger as a palate cleanser:
Pickled ginger (Gari) is provided as a palate cleanser. Treat yourself to a small bite between different types of sushi to refresh your palate.
