Sushi Bar Etiquette

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Posted by Jim on Jan 14, 2008 295 views

The most often asked question when going to a sushi bar is “What is the right thing to do?” and “What is the proper etiquette for sitting and eating at a sushi bar?” The main thing to remember is you are there to have fun and enjoy your meal and the company with you!

This is what makes the sushi bar a great place to eat, drink and maybe meet some new people. After decades of experience, I want to share with you some of the guidelines I have learned.

In Japan, it is rude to embarass a guest. So if you make a mistake or breach of manners, it will not be pointed out to you. Do not expect someone to make a fuss over a slight lapse. This is not a fancy French wine tasting, it is a Japanese restaurant with centuries old culture and customs.

There is no smoking at the sushi bar

Do not waste food, so only order what you will it. It is bad manners to waste food.

Your waitress

When you get a hot towel from the waitress, use it to clean your hands before your eat or drink. Expect it to be taken away, and use a napkin. The napkin you place on your lap.

Your waitress will take orders for drinks and a bowl of soup or any other food items from the restaurant menu.

Hashi ( chopsticks)

Chopsticks can be wrapped in paper and connected at the top. Remove the paper, and seperate them at the top. No one has used these chopsticks before you. Do not make the common American mistake of rubbing the chopsticks together. The wood is unused, cleaned, and will not harm you.

Your setting will be a small saucer and your hashi, or chopsticks. Like in Europe with utensils, the position of your chopsticks tells people if you are done or not. When not using them, place them parallel to your saucer. When you are finished, place your chopsticks on the small saucer you use for soy sauce, parallel to the sushi bar. Do not put the tips leaning on the saucer, put them on the saucer.

Your sushi chef

Your sushi chef will take orders only for sushi or sashimi

You may offer the sushi chef a beer or sake, but he will not expect it. If you do have a drink with him, he will toast withthe traditional Kampai! (To your health).

Your meal

Soup is not meant to be eaten with chopsticks. You can use your chopsticks to pick out the larger pieces, or use a spoon if porvided. You can drink your soup just as you would a cup of tea, holding it with both hands. Slurping sounds (silently) is OK.

Sashimi is picked up with your chopsticks, not your fingers

Sushi is not picked up with your chopsticks, it is finger food. You could use them if you want, but you might drop your sushi. To eat sushi, pick the piece up, turn it over, and dip the fish side into the soy sauce. Do not dip the rice.

Put the entire potion in your mouth. Try to never bite the sushi and put the remainder back on your plate. Hold it in your hand and finish it when you can.

Soy sauce is poured into the small dipping bowl. If you want to spice up the taste, add a small portion of wasabi and stir it with the tip of your chopsticks. Do not make a huge serving of wasabi, or smother the fish in the mixture - this smothers the taste of the sushi. Sushi has subtle flavors, and you do not want to lose them.