Sushi bars are fun places to eat because they give you a taste of Japan’s rich food history. Whether you’ve been to a sushi restaurant before or it’s your first time, knowing what to expect and how to order can make your meal more enjoyable. In this complete guide to sushi bars, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to feel comfortable at these places.
How to get started with sushi
Before going into the details of sushi places, it is important to know what sushi is and how it is made.
- What is Sushi?
Sushi is a classic Japanese dish made from vinegared rice and other ingredients such as seafood, vegetables and sometimes tropical fruits. It is often served with wasabi, soy sauce and pickled ginger.
- Types of Sushi
The most common types of sushi are nigiri, which is hand-pressed sushi, sashimi, which is thinly sliced raw fish, maki, which is a sushi roll, and temaki, which is hand-wrapped sushi. Each type has its own taste and way of serving.
Sushi Bars: What to Expect
When you walk into a sushi bar, you’ll find a unique setting and set of rules that you need to know in order to make the most of your time there.
- Sitting at the counter
Most sushi places have bar-style seating at the counter, so you can watch the skilled sushi chefs prepare your meal. The normal way to eat sushi is in a small place like this.
- A la Carte vs. Omakase
There are usually two ways to eat: omakase and à la carte. Omakase means “chef’s choice,” and it is a way of eating where the chef creates a tasting menu just for you.
A la carte lets you order pieces of sushi from the menu at one go. Choose based on what you like and how much money you have.
- How to eat sushi
It is very important to respect the person cooking the sushi. People usually say “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you) to the cook and eat the sushi with their fingers or chopsticks. Do not dip the edge of the rice in soy sauce; Instead, dip the fish portion lightly.
- Freshness is important
One of the things that makes a great sushi bar great is that the products are fresh. The sushi chefs take pride in selecting the finest fish, so you can expect a great meal.
How to order
It may seem difficult to understand how to order sushi, but it’s actually very easy.
- Start with what you know.
If you’re new to sushi, try the California rolls or nigiri for starters, along with cooked fish like eel or shrimp. As you get more comfortable, try more exciting options.
- Ask people for suggestions
Don’t be afraid to ask the cook or server what they think you should eat. They can tell you what’s new and popular on the menu.
- Having omakase
Choose omakase for a journey through cuisine you’ll never forget. Let the chefs surprise you with their choices to show you how skilled and creative they are.
- Freshness is important
Think about what time of year it is when you order sushi. Fresh fish and seasonal vegetables often taste best.
Read More: 18 Red Flags You’ll Spot at a Fake Sushi Restaurant
- Limit what you can eat
Let the staff know ahead of time if you have dietary restrictions or allergies, and they will do their best to accommodate your needs.
How to Work at a Sushi Bar
Ultimately, knowing how to behave at a sushi bar will ensure that you’ll have a good time.
- Don’t delay.
If you have a reservation, arrive on time to take care of the chef and other diners.
- Don’t talk too much.
Keep things quiet enough so the sushi maker can concentrate and work with precision.
- Money
At the end of your meal, you can ask for the bill by saying “okake onegaishimasu”. Tipping is not commonly done in Japan.
Ultimately,
Sushi bars are a unique way to try new foods as they blend art, tradition and taste. With this complete guide in hand, you’re ready to start your sushi journey with confidence. Remember it’s not just about the food; It’s all about experiencing and appreciating Japanese cuisine that is hundreds of years old. Enjoy with your sushi!
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