Wondering which etiquette rules you should follow at sushi restaurants? Don’t stress! While it’s admirable to be aware of and try your best to follow cultural rules at sushi bars, most sushi places are welcome to all. According to WorldMetrics.org, American sushi bars add up to a $2 billion industry annually. With sushi being more popular than ever, let’s help you feel confident in sushi restaurants. This guide will help you feel ready to enter a sushi restaurant stress-free!
1. Chopstick Etiquette
When eating at a sushi restaurant, you’ll likely be provided with chopsticks. There are a few chopstick etiquette rules that you should be aware of before dining. First, always place your chopsticks together, with the eating end on the chopstick holder, when you’re not using them. Secondly, never cross your chopsticks. This symbolizes death in Japanese culture! Finally, when using chopsticks to pick up food from a shared plate, use the non-eating end of the chopsticks to pick up the food.
2. Ordering Sushi
Sushi bars have a menu of their offerings, just like most restaurants. If you’re unsure what to order, you can say “omakase” which translates to chef’s choice. They will offer you the freshest, best sushi they have available that day. Keep in mind, if you order this way, you won’t know the price until the end of the meal!
3. Eating Sushi
The way you eat your sushi is completely up to you. However, the customary way to eat sushi is to start with sashimi. Like an appetizer, sashimi is brought out first before the full meal. Nigri or maki sushi will be the main part of the meal. This type of sushi is eaten upside down, so the meat touches your tongue before the rice. If a piece is too big to eat all at once, eat half and hold the other half until you’re ready for it. Setting it back down on the plate is seen as a sign of disrespect to the chef.
All in all, eating sushi is a fun experience that allows you to taste new flavors and experience Japanese culture for a short time. By following these sushi bar etiquette rules, you’ll have a great experience. Come try our hand-rolled sushi at Seaweed today in Glendale, CA!