Sushi is more than just food; it’s an art form, a tradition, and a cultural experience. Whether you’re a long-time sushi lover or a curious newbie, dining at a sushi restaurant comes with its own unique etiquette. Missteps can be easy to make, from how you order to how you eat your sushi. The good news is these mistakes are simple to avoid once you know the rules.
This guide dives into 12 common mistakes people make at sushi restaurants and how to avoid them, ensuring your next sushi outing is not only delicious but also respectful of this revered culinary tradition.
1. Ordering Everything at Once
One of the joys of eating sushi is savoring it piece by piece. Ordering your entire meal at once can mean you miss out on the chef’s recommendations or the opportunity to try something fresh you’ve never had before. Instead, order a few items at a time and enjoy the process at a slower pace.
2. Overdipping Sushi in Soy Sauce
It’s a classic mistake that both newbies and veterans sometimes make. Dunking your sushi in soy sauce not only overpowers its delicate flavors but can also be considered disrespectful to the chef’s work. With nigiri (fish on top of rice), gently dip only the fish side—not the rice—into the soy sauce. If your sushi already has sauce or garnish, skip the soy sauce altogether.
3. Mixing Wasabi with Soy Sauce
While it might feel intuitive, mixing wasabi directly into your soy sauce is a no-no at traditional sushi restaurants. The chef typically adds the perfect amount of wasabi to each piece of sushi. Adding more can throw off the balance they intended.
4. Eating Too Quickly
Sushi is not a race; it’s an experience meant to be savored. From the texture of the rice to the umami of the fish, take the time to appreciate each element. Rushing through your meal can diminish the dining experience and the effort the chef has meticulously put in.
5. Ignoring the Chef’s Recommendations
Many sushi chefs are passionate artisans who take pride in their craft. Ignoring their recommendations or requests can be seen as dismissive. If a chef suggests an Omakase menu (chef’s selection), consider giving it a try—it’s an opportunity to experience their signature skills and freshest offerings.
6. Mistreating Chopsticks
Chopstick etiquette is essential. Never use them to point at someone, rub them together (a sign they’re low-quality), or stick them upright into a bowl of rice—this is considered disrespectful and even bad luck in Japanese culture. Instead, when you’re not using them, place them neatly on the chopstick holder.
7. Using Chopsticks When Fingers Are Appropriate
When it comes to certain sushi, such as nigiri, you’re perfectly welcome to use your fingers. Sushi is often crafted as finger food, and picking it up with your hands is not only acceptable but recommended, as it reduces the risk of accidentally breaking apart the rice.
8. Forgetting to Eat in the Correct Order
There’s an unspoken sequence of eating sushi, and it often starts with lighter flavors like white fish and progresses to richer items like tuna belly or eel. Diving straight into a heavy piece can overpower your palette and diminish your appreciation for lighter options later.
9. Overordering
It can be tempting to go all out when you’re greeted with an extensive sushi menu, but ordering more than you can eat is wasteful and frowned upon. Always remember that sushi is best enjoyed fresh and shouldn’t be left unfinished. Start with a few pieces, then order more if needed.
10. Drenching Rice with Soy Sauce
We’ve mentioned the trouble with soy sauce, but it’s worth highlighting that drowning your rice in it can be disastrous. Not only does it ruin the balance of flavors, but it also breaks apart the rice, making it messy to eat. Sushi rice is already seasoned with vinegar, sugar, and salt to complement the fish—additional soy sauce is rarely necessary.
11. Ignoring the Ginger’s Purpose
That heap of thinly sliced ginger on your plate isn’t a garnish—it’s a palate cleanser. Its purpose is to refresh your taste buds between bites, especially when transitioning between different types of sushi. Avoid piling it directly onto your sushi unless explicitly suggested by the chef.
12. Talking Loudly or Distracting the Chef
Sushi restaurants, particularly those with a sushi bar, are quiet and intimate spaces where diners can focus on the food. Loud chatter or distracting the chef with unrelated questions can be considered rude. If you have questions or compliments for the chef, wait for an appropriate moment or stick to concise, respectful exchanges.
How to Elevate Your Sushi Dining Experience
Dining at a sushi restaurant like En Sushi isn’t just about satisfying hunger—it’s a chance to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll not only enjoy the flavors more fully but also respect the traditions that make sushi such a beloved culinary art.
If you’re eager to elevate your sushi knowledge further, consider seeking out more etiquette tips or even participating in a sushi-making workshop.
Next time you sit down to enjoy sushi, you’ll be ready to have a more delicious, refined experience. Remember, it’s not just about how the sushi tastes—it’s about appreciating the story and skill that goes into each piece.
