Sushi is a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. But there are some sushi etiquette rules that you should know before you dig in.
Do you eat sushi with your hands? It depends on the type of sushi you’re eating. If you’re eating nigiri (a type of sushi where the fish is draped over rice), then you should use your hands. But if you’re eating maki (sushi rolls), then you can use chopsticks or your hands. But sashimi should always be eaten with chopsticks.
Here we will discuss the proper way to eat sushi, as well as some of the most common myths and misconceptions about this popular dish. So sit down, grab a chopstick, and let’s get started!
Eating Sushi In Earlier Times
When the sushi was first invented, people used to eat sushi by wrapping it in seaweed and then eating it by hand.
This was due to the fact that sushi was eaten as fast food, or finger food, and was eaten on the go. And since chopsticks were not invented yet, eating by hand was the only option available.
But as time progressed and sushi became more of a delicacy, the way of eating it also changed. Now, sushi is eaten with chopsticks or by hand, depending on the type of sushi.
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Eating Sushi With Your Hands
If you are eating nigiri or maki sushi, it is better to eat using your hands, but it is also good to eat it with chopsticks.
But sashimi has to be dipped in the sauce for eating, with a chopstick because they are very thin slices of fish that cannot be dipped in soy sauce using your hands.
When dining out, if you are not comfortable using chopsticks, you can request a fork and eat the sushi with a fork.
Just remember to use the hashi oki, or chopstick rest, to place your chopsticks when you are not using them. Please do not stick them in your rice bowl!
When eating in a group, the Japanese recommend eating sushi with your hands if you do not know how to use chopsticks properly.
How to Eat Sushi the Right Way
The Japanese follow some specific set of rules when eating at home or dining at a restaurant.
The right way to eat sushi depends on a few things, such as the type of sushi, the size of sushi, and comfort in using chopsticks. The right way to eat your sushi is given below:
- If you are eating sashimis, then use chopsticks.
- If you are eating nigiris, then use your hands to eat them.
- If the sushi is too big to fit in your mouth, then cut it in half or bite-sized pieces using chopsticks before eating.
- You can also hold sushi using chopsticks and dip it in soy sauce before taking a bite.
- Hold a rice bowl or side dish bowl in your hand when eating with chopsticks for a good posture.
- Do not mix wasabi in soy sauce, as it is considered to be impolite.
- Take a small amount of wasabi on your plate and add it to your sushi piece before dipping it in soy sauce.
- Do not dip sushi too much in soy sauce.
- Do not leave any unfinished sushi on your plate. It is considered rude to do so.
Rules for Eating With Chopsticks
If you’re using chopsticks to eat your sushi, then there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, never stick your chopsticks into your rice. This is considered to be bad luck in Japan.
Secondly, when you’re not using your chopsticks, you should rest them on the chopstick holder or on the edge of your plate.
And lastly, never pass food from one set of chopsticks to another. This is considered to be extremely rude.
LEARN MORE: Do You Eat Sushi Hot or Cold?
Tips For Enjoying Sushi Without Making A Mess
- Do not touch the sushi with your fingers if you are using chopsticks to eat.
- Do not use too much soy sauce, as it will make the sushi too salty.
- Do not bite into sushi, as this will squish all the rice out. Instead, take a small bite and savor the flavor.
- Do not use your chopsticks to move sushi around on your plate. This is considered bad manners.
Conclusion
Eating sushi is a special experience. You do not want to ruin the experience by doing something you are not comfortable with.
So, don’t be afraid to ask for a fork if you are not comfortable eating sushi with your hands or with chopsticks.
Just be comfortable, and enjoy your sushi with your hands, chopsticks, or fork, whichever you prefer.
