A Beginner’s Guide to Sushi: Mastering the Etiquette of Japanese Sushi Restaurants

Hello everyone! “Sushi” is one of Japan’s most representative food cultures. You can enjoy it in various styles, from high-end establishments to conveyor belt sushi, but if you are going to a traditional sushi restaurant for the first time, you might feel anxious about, “I don’t know the manners…”?

In this article, we will thoroughly explain everything from basic how-to guides for eating sushi to essential etiquette tips for visiting a sushi restaurant, so that even absolute beginners can enjoy themselves without worry.

By reading this article, you too will become knowledgeable about sushi! Let’s savor delicious sushi to your heart’s content!

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The Basics of Sushi: Understanding the Components
First, let’s learn about the basic components of sushi.

Shari (Sushi Rice): The seasoned rice base of sushi. It is the foundation and varies in flavor and firmness depending on the restaurant.
Neta (Topping/Ingredient): The ingredient placed on top of the shari. Seafood is common, but there are also options using vegetables or meat.
Wasabi: A condiment often spread between the neta and shari, characterized by a sharp, pungent heat.
Gari: Sweet pickled ginger. It is eaten between bites of sushi to cleanse the palate.
Soy Sauce (Shoyu): The seasoning used for dipping sushi.
Tea: Tea served with sushi. Usually, warm green tea (agari) is provided.

How to Eat Sushi: The Fundamentals

There are several ways to eat sushi. While you don’t have to follow all of them, knowing these tips will help you enjoy the meal more deliciously and smoothly.

With Hands or With Chopsticks?

Either way is fine.
Using hands: Gently pick up the sushi with three fingers (thumb, index, and middle finger) without breaking the rice base.
Using chopsticks: Pick up the piece by holding both the neta and shari together so that it doesn’t fall apart.

Dipping Sushi in Soy Sauce

Dipping the topping (neta) in soy sauce: Dipping the rice base (shari) into the soy sauce can make the shari crumble easily, or it might overpower the delicate flavor of the soy sauce.
Dipping sparingly: Too much soy sauce will mask the true flavor of the topping.
Adding soy sauce to a small dish: It is smart to add soy sauce gradually only after you have used up most of what’s in the dish.

Eating in One Bite

The basic way to eat sushi is in one bite.
This allows you to savor the perfect balance between the shari and neta together in your mouth.

Order of Eating

Generally, you can start with whatever you like.
If you are unsure, we recommend starting with mild white fish, progressing to richer red fish, fatty tuna (toro), and finishing with shellfish or rolls/egg.

If it’s a set course: It is best to let the restaurant staff guide you.

The Role of Gari (Pickled Ginger)

Refreshing your palate: It cleanses your mouth, helping you enjoy the next piece of sushi.
Preventing over-dipping: Eating gari helps reset the flavor of soy sauce in your mouth.

Handling Wasabi

Do not put it directly on the topping: Generally, wasabi is placed between the shari and neta. If you want to add extra wasabi, use a small amount with your chopsticks and mix it into the soy sauce, rather than placing it directly on the topping.
Don’t dissolve too much in the soy sauce: Dissolve it little by little so that the unique flavor of the wasabi is not lost.

Sushi Restaurant Manners: Key Things to Know
To make your dining experience at a sushi restaurant more enjoyable, here are some manners you should know.

Reservations:

For popular or high-end restaurants, making a reservation may be mandatory.
Especially for counter seating, as the number of seats is limited, so book early.

Attire:

There are no strict rules, but try to wear clean and neat clothing.
Strong perfumes or heavily scented hair products can distract from the delicate aroma of the sushi, so use them sparingly.

Upon Arrival:

Greet the staff with phrases like “Hello” or “Please.”
Leave coats and large luggage with the staff.

Manners at the Counter:

Conversation with the Chef (Master):
Feel free to enjoy moderate conversation when it is appropriate.
It’s also good to ask about sushi knowledge or recommended toppings.
However, be mindful of the time if the restaurant is crowded or if the chef is focused on cooking.
Using Mobile Phones:
Set it to silent mode or turn it off.
Only take photos after confirming with the staff.
Avoid long phone calls.

Smoking:

It is generally non-smoking. If there is a designated smoking area, please use that.

How to Order:

Set Course (Omakase): A predetermined sequence of recommended toppings will be served.
Custom Selection: You can order your favorite toppings in any order you wish.
“I’d like…” (Specific Request): State the name of the topping you want, e.g., “Please give me [topping].”
“Chef’s Choice” (Omakase): Ask the chef to prepare recommended toppings or a course for you.
“Do you have…?” (Checking Availability): Feel free to ask if they have a specific topping you would like to try.
Allergies or Dislikes: Be sure to inform them in advance.

Payment:

Cash is often preferred: Some high-end restaurants may not accept credit cards.
Expressing Gratitude: Say “Thank you for the meal” (Gochisousama) to show your appreciation.

Other Tips

Do not speak loudly: Keep conversations quiet so as not to disturb other guests.
Avoid strong scents: Perfumes or strongly scented hair products can interfere with the delicate aroma of sushi.
Don’t linger too long: Especially during busy times, please vacate your seat promptly after finishing your meal for the next customer.
If bringing children: Confirm in advance if the restaurant is child-friendly. Some establishments may provide kid-specific menus or seating.

Types of Sushi: Knowing the Representatives
There are various types of sushi. Here are a few representative examples.

Nigiri Sushi:

The most common type, consisting of a topping placed on top of shari.

Gunkan Maki (Battleship Roll):

Shari wrapped in nori seaweed, topped with ingredients like salmon roe or sea urchin.

Maki Sushi (Rolls):

Shari and fillings rolled inside nori. There are thick rolls (futomaki), thin rolls (komamaki), and hand rolls (temakimaki).

Chirashi Sushi:

Various ingredients scattered over a bed of shari in a serving dish.

Oshi Sushi:

Shari and fillings packed into a wooden mold and pressed together.

Inari Sushi:

Sushi rice stuffed inside sweet, simmered fried tofu pouches (aburaage).

Sushi Restaurant Terminology: Useful to Know

Agari (上がり): Tea.
Gari: Sweet pickled ginger.
Shari: Seasoned sushi rice.
Neta: The topping ingredient placed on the shari.
Tsume (煮詰め): A sweet, savory sauce. Used for items like anago or simmered clams.
Murasaki: Soy sauce.
Oaiso (おあいそ): Payment/The bill.
Jika (時価): Price not fixed per piece; often used for high-end toppings.
Omakase (おまかせ): Allowing the chef to select recommended toppings or a course.
Tsukeba (つけ場): The counter area where the chef prepares and serves sushi.

Q&A: Enjoying Sushi Even More

Q. What is the best pace for eating sushi?

A. There are no strict rules, but since freshly prepared nigiri is the most delicious, it is recommended to eat it as soon as it is served.

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Q. What kind of alcohol should I drink at a sushi restaurant?

A. Japanese sake (sake) is classic, but some restaurants also offer beer, shochu, or wine. Feel free to ask the staff for their recommendations.

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Q. What should I do if I have toppings that I dislike?

A. Inform the staff when you place your order. They can substitute it with a different topping.

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Q. Can the amount of shari be adjusted?

A. Most restaurants allow adjustments to the rice base. You can request “less shari” or “smaller shari.”

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Q. How much does sushi cost?

A. It varies greatly depending on the restaurant. Conveyor belt sushi can start from around 100 yen per plate, while high-end establishments may charge several thousand yen per piece.

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Q. Can I take it home?

A. Most restaurants allow takeout. However, since the ingredients are fresh, try to eat them as soon as possible.

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Summary: Enjoy Delicious Sushi by Following Etiquette
In this article, we covered how to eat sushi and the manners expected in a sushi restaurant.

Sushi is a traditional Japanese culinary culture with deep history. Please enjoy delicious sushi to your heart’s content while respecting proper etiquette.

We hope this article helps support your first sushi dining experience!

See you in our next article!