Do you know how to eat sushi? It may sound like a simple question, but if you’ve never done it before you might be surprised by the particular demands of this unique dish. Even if you deem yourself a sushi expert, there may very well be a few small ways for you to improve your sushi dining experience. So the next time you come to Sushi Hana’s Japanese restaurant in Bothell, try to keep the following in mind:
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Sushi is Generally Finger Food: Though many Americans will eat sushi with chopsticks, or even a fork, it is perfectly acceptable in Japan to use your hands. This is a particularly good choice when eating nigiri sushi, which can fall apart more easily under the pressure of a utensil. Of course, there are many fusion-style rolls that may be covered in sauces or sticky roe that you might want to use sticks for, so don’t be afraid to keep a pair on hand.
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Eat Sushi in One Bite: Not only is eating a single piece of sushi whole the best way to enjoy the full range of its flavors, but it’s also more practical than piecemeal bites. You may quickly discover that sushi falls apart unless you get it all into your mouth in one go.
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Ginger is Not a Condiment: Most sushi places will provide you with thin pieces of ginger with your meal, which many people mistakenly use to garnish their sushi. The ginger is actually there to eat between pieces of sushi. It acts to cleanse the palate between different sushi, so that the rich tastes of the different kinds of fish can be enjoyed separately.
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Use Your Soy Sauce Correctly: Soy sauce should generally be used sparingly, as too much soy sauce can traditionally be seen as an insult to the chef. When you do use it, remember that it should be flavoring the fish, and not the rice. Dipping the rice in sauce can dissolve it quickly before it gets to your mouth, and the flavor of the sauce complements the fish better.