Dining at a sushi restaurant can feel like an art form in itself. For newcomers, the array of options and the rituals around eating sushi may seem daunting, but once you understand the basics, sushi becomes a culinary experience to savor. Knowing how to order like an expert and practicing proper sushi etiquette will enhance both your enjoyment and respect for this traditional Japanese cuisine.
In this blog, I’ll guide you through the essentials of ordering sushi like a pro and help you understand the key sushi dining etiquettes to make your experience even more memorable.
Ordering Sushi Like an Expert
- Know the Different Types of Sushi
Before you order, it’s helpful to understand the types of sushi available:
- Sashimi: Thinly sliced raw fish served without rice. It focuses purely on the taste and texture of the fish.
- Nigiri: Slices of raw or cooked fish placed on top of a small mound of vinegared rice. Nigiri is often topped with a dab of wasabi and sometimes includes a garnish.
- Maki: Classic sushi rolls wrapped in seaweed with rice and fillings like fish, vegetables, or even fruit. These rolls are typically cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Temaki: A hand-rolled cone of seaweed, rice, and fillings. Temaki is usually eaten by hand and offers a more casual style of sushi.
- Start Light, End Bold
When ordering sushi, begin with lighter options and gradually move to richer, more intense flavors. This allows your palate to fully appreciate the subtle flavors before getting into the heavier options.
Order example:
- Start with Sashimi: Choose lighter fish such as snapper (tai) or sea bream. These delicate flavors won’t overwhelm your taste buds.
- Move to Nigiri: Transition into nigiri with fish like tuna (maguro), yellowtail (hamachi), or shrimp (ebi).
- Finish with Bolder Options: Once your palate is ready, enjoy richer and fattier fish like salmon belly, toro (fatty tuna), or eel (unagi), which have more robust flavors.
Tip: If you’re unsure where to start, ask the sushi chef for recommendations, especially if you’re at an omakase-style restaurant (chef’s choice).
- Consider Seasonal Sushi
Sushi is often about the freshness and quality of the ingredients, so it’s a good idea to inquire about what’s in season. Fresh, seasonal fish can elevate your sushi experience and provide you with a more authentic taste.
Tip: Look for specials on the menu or ask the server about any seasonal offerings. Chefs often highlight fresh catches that are only available during certain months.
- Balance Rolls with Sashimi and Nigiri
While many people enjoy sushi rolls (maki), a well-rounded sushi meal should include a balance of sashimi, nigiri, and rolls. Rolls often contain additional ingredients like sauces, fried tempura, or cream cheese, which can mask the delicate flavors of the fish.
Expert order: Select a couple of rolls to enjoy but balance them with more traditional offerings like nigiri and sashimi for a full sushi experience.
Sushi Etiquette: What to Know Before Dining
Proper etiquette enhances your sushi dining experience, showing respect for the tradition and the chef. Here are the key rules to follow:
- Ginger and Wasabi: How to Use Them
- Pickled Ginger: Ginger is served as a palate cleanser. Eat a small slice between different types of sushi to refresh your taste buds, but avoid placing ginger on top of your sushi.
- Wasabi: Traditionally, the chef adds the right amount of wasabi between the fish and rice for nigiri, so there’s no need to mix it into your soy sauce. However, if you’d like a little extra kick, feel free to add a small amount yourself.
Tip: Avoid mixing wasabi into your soy sauce, as this is considered improper. Instead, dab a little on the fish if necessary.
- How to Eat Nigiri Sushi Properly
Nigiri sushi is best eaten in one bite, as it allows you to appreciate the balance of rice, fish, and seasoning. If you need to dip your sushi in soy sauce, do so lightly by turning the nigiri on its side and dipping the fish—not the rice—into the soy sauce. This prevents the rice from absorbing too much sauce and falling apart.
Tip: It’s perfectly fine to eat nigiri sushi with your hands, as it’s traditional and often easier than using chopsticks.
- Respect the Chef’s Creation
At sushi restaurants, especially high-end or omakase spots, the chef has carefully selected and prepared each piece of sushi for a reason. Avoid making unnecessary modifications to the sushi, such as adding too much soy sauce or drowning it in wasabi. These condiments should enhance, not overpower, the natural flavors.
Tip: If you’re seated at the sushi bar, feel free to compliment the chef after trying the sushi. A simple “arigato” (thank you) shows your appreciation for their skill and effort.
- Use Soy Sauce Sparingly
When it comes to soy sauce, less is more. Sushi should never be soaked in soy sauce, as it can overpower the subtle flavors of the fish. Use just a small dip for extra flavor, but avoid drenching your sushi in it.
Tip: If you’re eating a roll with sauce already on it, skip the soy sauce altogether. Rolls like eel (unagi) already come with eel sauce, and adding soy sauce would be redundant.
- Eat Sushi in the Right Order
At many sushi restaurants, the chef will serve sushi in a specific order, from lighter to heavier flavors. It’s best to follow this progression for the optimal experience. Starting with mild fish and working up to richer items like fatty tuna allows your palate to adjust and fully appreciate each piece.
Tip: When dining omakase-style, let the chef guide the order of the meal for the best experience.
Final Thoughts
Ordering sushi like an expert and practicing proper sushi etiquette can make your dining experience more enjoyable and respectful of the sushi tradition. By understanding the different types of sushi, following the order from light to bold, and knowing how to appreciate the chef’s creation, you’ll be able to savor each bite and enhance your meal.
Next time you visit a sushi restaurant, use these tips to order confidently and enjoy your meal like a true sushi connoisseur!
