How to Eat Sushi

Relax! Learning how to eat sushi at home or in a local sushi bar isn't all that difficult. Just follow these simple guidelines.

Dip Your Fish in the Soy Sauce

Always dip your fish and not the rice in to the soy sauce. I discovered the reason for this after most of the rice from my ebi (shrimp)nigiri ended up floating in my dish. Also, the rice will suck up too much of the soy sauce and hide the wonderful taste of the sushi vinegar used to season the rice.

Take it easy with the soy sauce!

I just don't get those folks who soak everything in soy sauce. What's the point of eating sushi or sashimi if you can't enjoy their subtle flavours.

Keep the Wasabi in its place

I see people mixing wasabi in their soy sauce all the time. There was a time when I thought this is how it was done. Nope! If you want to kick it up a notch, ask the sushi chef to add a bit more wasabi to your sushi.

Eat Sushi with Your Fingers

It is not bad manners to eat sushi with your fingers. It is meant to be eaten this way (usually 1 or 2 bites at the most). Make sure to use chopsticks for sashimi. Check out my guide to using chopsticks:

How to Use Chopsticks

Toss the Spoon

The next time your bowl of miso soup arrives, eat it the Japanese way - without a spoon. Cup the bowl in both hands and slowly sip the liquid out. Use a pair of chopsticks to fish out those tasty bits of wakame seaweed or tofu.

Don't Rub Your Chopsticks

I used to think it was kind of hip to rub my wooden chopsticks together, especially when they were full of splinters. Turns out that this is a show bad manners. If you feel compelled to rub your chopsticks, do it out-of-sight - maybe under the table!

Don't Play With Your Chopsticks

I don't think I need to tell you not to stick a pair of chopsticks in your mouth and pretend you're a walrus. But, did you know that sticking them upright in a bowl of rice is definitely a no go! This action mimics a Japanese funeral rite.

Thats it! Now you know how to eat sushi!

How To Order From The Sushi Bar

If you're like me, sitting at the sushi bar can be a scary experience. I prefer to stay hidden at my table. However, it is well worth the effort . Click here to learn how you can approach the sushi bar with confidence! Ordering From The Sushi Bar

Naked Sushi

If you're thinking about trying "naked sushi" you may want to read the following:

All About Naked Sushi

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