Sushi is not a meal; rather, it is an art governed by etiquette, respect, and the appreciation of cultures. In Japan, dining is considered an art form, and sushi ranks as the highest in that art’s expressions. To enjoy sushi as a real local, one has to learn the unspoken rules surrounding the practice, which raises it from merely dinner to an event-rich ritual, along with the taste.
The Fine Art of Ordering
The first rule of entering a sushi bar is to be aware. Many diners in Japan say, “Omakase,” meaning, “I leave it up to you.” In short, what it really means is to let the chef select and prepare what he or she believes to be the best pieces of the day, resulting in a finely curated meal viscerally celebrating freshness and seasonality. It’s a mark of trust and respect toward the chef, knowing that he or she does his or her job well.
If you’re ordering a la carte, then you should start with light and mild fish like whitefish or squid before moving towards more powerful flavors such as tuna or eel. This is how you come to appreciate the subtle transitions in taste and texture — a sequence that sushi chefs purposely design — for which a palate could fully enjoy the gradual transition of taste and texture regarding selection by how rich or how heavy the taste is.
Discipline and Art Are Involved in Sushi Preparation
Actually, when you get your sushi, eat it. Temperature and texture matter: warm rice, cool fish, and perfectly balanced flavors. Too long a wait can spoil that harmony. Use the soy sauce sparingly. Dip the fish side, not the rice, to avoid overpowering the flavor or causing the rice to fall apart. The soy is meant to enhance, not dominate. And if your sushi already has sauce or seasoning applied by the chef, there’s no need to add more.
Hands or Chopsticks? Both Are Correct
Despite the popular opinion, it is perfectly acceptable to eat nigiri sushi with your hands. Indeed, many locals would prefer this style because they can control the sushi better and therefore avoid the delicate rice from crumbling. Normally, with chopsticks, one enjoys sashimi, side dishes, or rolls.
Even a simple phrase such as “Arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you) or a dignified nod would suffice. Complimenting the chef, finishing every bite of what he prepared for you, and treating each piece with mindfulness shows that you value the artistry behind your sushi.
The Nature of Sushi Dining
Eating sushi like a local is not exactly following strict rules, but understanding the respect, balance, and harmony that are all part of Japanese culture. Each bite gets to be a conversation between a chef and a guest, even among traditions and tastes. When eaten in gratitude and mindfulness, sushi becomes more than food, but rather a shared expression of art and appreciation.
https://sushiincorporated.com/ is a vibrant restaurant that offers what is considered the best sushi in St Pete. Opening its doors in 2013 and becoming a local staple by offering live music, traditional hand-rolled sushi, and a friendly atmosphere, our guests always have a top-notch experience. Customers love our award-winning, fresh, and creative Sushi rolls, Nigiri, and Sashimi. With a larger selection of tempura, non-Sushi, and teriyaki options, we can accommodate every taste.
