Sushi Etiquette 101: No Need to Stress, Just Enjoy!

Hi, I’m Tomono, the owner of Tomono Sushi Party, and I’m here to demystify sushi etiquette! Coming from Kochi, Japan—a place known for fresh seafood and incredible tataki—I’ve seen all sorts of ways people enjoy sushi. While there are some traditions, sushi is meant to be enjoyed, not overcomplicated. So, let’s break down some common questions in a friendly way.

A typical serving of sushi with nigiri and maki

Sushi Etiquette: Your Questions Answered!

1. Should I use chopsticks or my hands?

Traditionally, nigiri (sushi with toppings on rice) is eaten with your hands, while sashimi (just slices of fish) is best with chopsticks. But honestly? If you're more comfortable using chopsticks for everything, that's totally fine!

2. Is it rude to mix wasabi into soy sauce?

In Japan, we usually don’t do this because it can dull the flavour of the fish. The chef already puts wasabi between the fish and rice if needed. But hey, if you like mixing wasabi in your soy sauce, go for it—no sushi police are coming for you!

3. How should I dip sushi into soy sauce?

Dip your sushi fish-side down, not rice-side! Rice absorbs soy sauce too quickly, and it can fall apart.

4. Should I eat sushi in a specific order?

A good rule of thumb: start with lighter flavours, then work your way to the richer, fattier fish. So, maybe start with white fish like snapper, then move to tuna, and end with something bold like eel or salmon roe. But if you like to jump straight to your favourites, do your thing!

5. Can I take leftovers home from a sushi restaurant?

In Japan, this is uncommon since sushi is best eaten fresh. The rice can get hard, and the fish texture changes. If you're dining at a high-end sushi bar, it's best to finish what’s served to respect the chef’s work.

6. What’s the best way to thank the sushi chef?

A simple "Arigato gozaimasu" (thank you very much) goes a long way! If you're at the counter, expressing appreciation for their craftsmanship makes them happy.

7. Should I dunk my sushi in loads of soy sauce?

Resist the urge! A little dip is enough to enhance the flavor—not drown it. The chef has already balanced everything perfectly.

8. Can I eat sushi in one bite, or is it okay to take multiple bites?

Sushi is designed to be eaten in one bite, especially nigiri. Taking multiple bites can make it fall apart, and you might miss out on the balanced flavors. But if the piece is too big, taking two bites is perfectly fine—just try to keep it neat!

9. Is it okay to ask for extra wasabi or soy sauce?

Yes! Some places serve sushi without extra wasabi, and if you like a bit more heat, it’s totally fine to ask. Just be mindful that some high-end sushi chefs might have already balanced the flavors for you.

10. Can I talk loudly or use my phone at a sushi counter?

If you're at a casual sushi place, no problem. But in a traditional sushi bar, keeping your voice at a respectful level and avoiding phone calls at the counter is considered polite. It helps maintain the calm atmosphere and lets you fully enjoy the experience.

Final Thoughts: It’s All About Enjoying Sushi

Rules? Guidelines? Suggestions? Sure. But at the end of the day, the most important thing is that you enjoy your sushi experience. If you want to mix wasabi into your soy sauce or use chopsticks for everything, go ahead. Sushi is meant to be a fun, delicious journey.

Want to learn more hands-on sushi techniques? Join me at Tomono Sushi Party, where we make sushi, share stories, and have a great time together!