The Basics

Learn the basic kinds of sushi. In most sushi restaurant, you should be able to order sashimi, nigiri, maki, and temaki.

• Maki is also referred to as a "sushi roll." Typically, Maki includes one or two types of fish and vegetables rolled with rice in a sheet of roasted seaweed and cut into bite-sized portions. This is usually the best starting point for people who are squeamish about eating raw fish.
• Nigiri refers to slices of raw fish over an oval-shaped piece of rice. These are prepared to order by the sushi chef and are typically seasoned lightly with a tiny amount of wasabi and soy sauce before it comes to you.
• Sashimi refers to slices of raw fish prepared on a plate without rice. In general, this is the most basic and cleanest way to eat sushi, but may not be appropriate for the beginner.
• Temaki Similar to Maki, except the ingredients are rolled into a cone shape that you hold and bite into the way you would a taco.

Commonly available fish

• Sake (pronounced "sha-ke") - fresh salmon
• Maguro - blue fin tuna
• Hamachi - yellowtail tuna
• Ebi - cooked shrimp
• Unagi - freshwater eel
• Tai - red snapper
• Tako - octopus
• Tamago - sweet egg
• Masago - capelin caviar

Condiments

Typically, a plate of sushi includes wasabi, which looks like a green ball of paste. This spicy condiment is sometimes included in maki and nigiri but is available if you desire more.

Pickled ginger comes in thin, pink or white tan slices on the side of the plate and is used for cleansing the palate between bites. You'll also have a shallow dish to dip your sushi in soy sauce.

Clean Hands

Clean your hands before eating sushi. Many people choose to eat with chopsticks, it is entirely acceptable to eat sushi with your hands, so it's good form to wash your hands thoroughly before you begin, especially if you're sharing a plate with friends.

Prepare some soy sauce

• When eating food which is dipped in sauce before being eaten use the hand not holding the chopsticks to hold the sauce dish. Pour a tiny amount of soy sauce into the dipping bowl.
• Be careful when dipping Nigiri into the soy sauce. Dip the fish, not the rice, so the piece will stay together and won't become soaked with the salty soy sauce. Don't overdo it. Try it first without and use the condiments to your taste.
• If the sushi already has sauce on it, do not dip it in the soy sauce. Try enjoying it as the chef seasoned it.
• Alternatively, you can use chopsticks to dip the ginger in the soy sauce, and then use it to brush the sauce onto the fish rather than dip the fish directly. This also gives the "essence" of ginger without eating it directly.
• Today, it is becoming more acceptable to dip the rice into the soy sauce.

Eat in one bite

Japanese dishes are designed to be the right size and shape for holding in the hand. It is an important part of etiquette to lift the dish to the chest when eating rice or drinking soup.

If the piece is too big, eat it in two bites. Use your chopsticks to cut pieces of food too large to fit into the mouth in one bite.

Pay attention to both the flavours and the textures. You may be surprised with how mild and tender the fish is. Remember that you're not supposed to be overwhelmed with the strength of flavour here, but with the balance of flavours and textures. Take the time to enjoy it.

Refresh your mouth

A slice of ginger in between bites will help to refresh your mount and cleanse your palette. This is particularly smart between bites of different types of sushi. Do not eat it in the same bite as sushi, and don't eat big globs of ginger all at once.

 

You are now ready to start your Sushi Adventure. Enjoy!