How to eat sushi – most complete guide

How to eat sushi

How to eat sushi – Make your sushi even more delicious with the recommended order and etiquette for each type of sushi!

Sushi is one of the world-famous food cultures that Japan is proud of.

The exquisite harmony of fresh seafood and vinegared rice never ceases to fascinate many people.

However, if you’re going to eat sushi, you don’t just want to eat it, you want to savor it as best you can, right?

In fact, there is a certain order in which to eat sushi to make it taste better.

By understanding the types and characteristics of the ingredients and eating them in the right order, you can enjoy the changes in taste to the fullest.

For example, you can start with delicate-tasting white fish, gradually move on to rich red fish and shiny fish, and finally flavorful shellfish and sea urchin, allowing the individuality of each ingredient to stand out.

The order in which you eat and the manners you follow will also differ depending on the type of restaurant, such as a sushi restaurant or a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant.

When eating sushi made by a chef at a counter seat, it is recommended that you enjoy the sushi in the order it is served, taking into account the freshness and temperature of the ingredients and the chef’s spirit.

On the other hand, the appeal of conveyor-belt sushi is that you can choose your favorite ingredients and enjoy them at your own pace.

In this article, we will explain in detail the order in which to eat sushi deliciously, etiquette at sushi restaurants and conveyor belt sushi restaurants, and frequently asked questions.

By acquiring this knowledge, you will gain a deeper understanding of the world of sushi and be able to enjoy it even more.

So, let’s explore the world of sushi together and have a blissful moment!

Table of Contents

The basic order in which to eat sushi: Learn about the types and characteristics of each ingredient

The taste and texture of sushi varies greatly depending on the type of topping.

By understanding the characteristics of the toppings and eating them in the appropriate order, you can enjoy sushi more deliciously.

The order in which you eat sushi is an important element in bringing out the individuality of each topping to the fullest, while enjoying the changing tastes, just like a course meal.

Types of sushi toppings: white fish, red fish, shiny fish, shellfish, etc.

Sushi ingredients can be broadly divided into the following seven categories.

Let’s take a closer look at the representative ingredients in each category and their characteristics.

  • White fish : Sea bream, flounder, pufferfish, etc. These have a light and elegant taste.
    • Sea bream : It has a good texture and a refined sweetness. It is a high-class fish also known as the “king of white meat.”
    • Flounder : It has a light yet moderate fat content and a refined taste. The part called “engawa” is especially fatty and popular.
    • Fugu : Fugu is known for its unique texture and mild flavor. It is also known as a luxury fish that requires a license to cook.
  • Red fish : tuna, bonito, etc. These have a strong umami flavor and a rich taste.
    • Tuna : Depending on the cut, such as lean, medium fatty, or otoro, the fat content varies, allowing you to enjoy a variety of flavors. It can be said to be one of Japan’s most representative sushi ingredients.
    • Bonito : The first bonito and the returning bonito have different flavors, so it’s best to try them when they’re in season. They have a unique flavor and firm texture.
  • Shiny fish : Horse mackerel, mackerel, sardines, etc. These are fatty and have a unique flavor.
    • Horse mackerel : Fresh horse mackerel is shiny, fatty and rich in flavour.
    • Mackerel : It is fatty and has a unique flavor. It is enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as as “jime-saba”.
    • Sardines : fatty, tender and with a unique flavour. They are especially delicious when fresh.
  • Shellfish : Scallops, abalone, ark shell, etc. They have a crunchy texture and the scent of the seashore.
    • Scallops : Sweet in taste, soft and chewy in texture. They are sometimes served seared.
    • Abalone : ​​Known as a luxury shellfish, it has a crunchy texture and a seashore scent.
    • Ark shell : It has a unique flavor and a crunchy texture. It loses its freshness quickly, so choose a fresh one.
  • Squid and Octopus : Squid, octopus, etc. They have a unique chewy texture and sweet taste.
    • Squid : Different types have different textures and flavors. Sweet, sticky squid is the most popular.
    • Octopus : It has a chewy texture and a sweet flavor that spreads the more you chew it.
  • Shrimp and crab : Shrimp, crab, etc. They are characterized by their plump texture and rich flavor.
    • Shrimp : There are many kinds, including sweet shrimp, botan shrimp, kuruma shrimp, etc. They are characterized by their sweet taste and firm texture.
    • Crab : Snow crab, red king crab, and other types of crab are popular luxury ingredients, characterized by their rich flavor and delicate texture.
  • Others : Sea urchin, salmon roe, tamagoyaki, kappa rolls, etc. Enjoy a variety of flavors and textures.
    • Sea Urchin : It has a rich flavor and creamy texture. It is often served in gunkanmaki.
    • Salmon roe : It has a crunchy texture and a rich, umami, and salty taste.
    • Tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette ): A sweet and spicy dish that has a comforting taste.
    • Kappamaki : A simple roll of cucumber with a refreshing taste.

Characteristics of sushi toppings: taste, texture, and fat content

Sushi ingredients vary greatly in taste, texture, and fat content depending on the type.

These factors are important points to consider when choosing sushi and thinking about the order in which to eat it.

  • Taste : Depending on the topping, there are a variety of flavors, including light, rich, sweet, and sea-scented.
  • Texture : Depending on the ingredients, there are a variety of textures, including soft, chewy, sticky, and bouncy.
  • Fat content : Fatty ingredients are characterized by their rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Less fatty ingredients are characterized by their light flavor and refined taste.

By understanding these characteristics, you can choose the topping that suits your taste and enjoy sushi even more.

The order in which you should eat your food: from light to rich

The general order in which sushi should be eaten is from light to rich.

  • Reason 1: Enjoy the delicate flavors first : Eating the mild white fish first allows you to fully enjoy the delicate flavors.
  • Reason 2: Enjoy the change in taste : By gradually moving on to stronger tasting ingredients, you can enjoy the change in taste without getting bored until the end.
  • Reason 3: Reduce greasiness : By saving the fatty ingredients for later, you can prevent your mouth from becoming too oily.

In this way, being mindful of the order in which you eat will help you enjoy your sushi more.

The best order to eat sushi: A strategy for enjoying the changes in taste

By being conscious of the order in which you eat sushi, you can bring out the best flavors of the ingredients and enjoy the sushi more deliciously.

Try eating sushi in the optimal order to fully appreciate the harmony that each ingredient creates, just like an orchestra.

What to eat first: Mild white fish

A great way to start off your sushi meal is with a mild-tasting white fish.

White fish is characterized by its delicate flavor and elegant aroma.

By eating white fish first, your tongue will be refreshed and you will be able to taste the subsequent ingredients more clearly.

Recommended white fish :

  • Thailand : Enjoy the refined sweetness and chewy texture.
  • Flounder : It has just the right amount of fat and a refined flavor.
  • Fugu : It has a unique texture and a mild flavor.

It is recommended to dip these white fish in a little soy sauce to enjoy the original flavor of the ingredients.

Toppings to eat in the middle stage: Delicious red fish and shiny fish

After preparing your palate with white fish, move on to tasty red or shiny fish.

Red fish, such as tuna and bonito, are characterized by their strong flavor and richness.

Shiny fish, such as horse mackerel and mackerel, are fatty and have a unique flavor.

Recommended red fish :

  • Tuna : Depending on the fat content, you can enjoy a variety of cuts, including lean, medium fatty, and otoro.
  • Bonito : The first bonito and the returning bonito have different flavors, so it’s a great sushi ingredient to try when in season.

Recommended lights :

  • Horse mackerel : Fresh horse mackerel is shiny, fatty and rich in flavour.
  • Mackerel : It is fatty and has a unique flavor.
  • Sardines : Fatty and tender, with a distinctive flavour.

Enjoy the unique characteristics of these ingredients by adjusting the flavor with soy sauce and wasabi.

Toppings to eat later: Rich shellfish, sea urchin, conger eel

As you approach the end of your sushi meal, enjoy rich-tasting shellfish, sea urchin, conger eel, and more.

Shellfish such as scallops and abalone are characterized by their crunchy texture and the aroma of the sea.
Sea urchins have a rich flavor and creamy texture.

Conger eel is softly simmered and goes perfectly with the sweet and spicy sauce.

Recommended shellfish :

  • Scallops : They are sweet and have a soft, chewy texture.
  • Abalone : ​​Known as a luxury shellfish, it has a crunchy texture and a seashore scent.

others :

  • Sea Urchin : It has a rich flavor and creamy texture.
  • Conger eel : Braised until tender, it pairs perfectly with the sweet and spicy sauce.

It is recommended to eat these ingredients towards the end in order to fully enjoy their rich flavor.

A palate cleanser to have between meals: pickled ginger, tea

When eating sushi, it is recommended to have some pickled ginger or tea as a palate cleanser.

The Gari (pickled ginger) leaves your mouth feeling refreshed, and the tea washes away the greasiness and allows the flavor of the next dish to be more clearly perceived.

By making good use of pickled ginger and tea, you can enjoy sushi to the very last bite.

Etiquette and order when eating at a sushi counter

The counter at a sushi restaurant is a special place where you can enjoy freshly made sushi while watching the sushi chef’s technique up close.

However, there are unique manners and rules at the counter seats.

By understanding these manners, you will be able to enjoy sushi more comfortably and smartly.

How to order at a sushi restaurant: Chef’s choice, telling us your favorite topping

There are two main ways to order at a sushi restaurant:

“omakase” and “tell us your favorite topping.”

  • Omakase : This is a method where you leave everything to the chef, from choosing the toppings to the chef. You will be served sushi in the most delicious condition according to the seasonal ingredients and the day’s stock. If it’s your first time at a restaurant or you’re not sure what ingredients to choose, we recommend the “Omakase” option.
  • Tell them what you like : This is a way to directly tell them what you want to eat. If you already know what you want to eat, or if there is something you don’t like, feel free to tell them.

When ordering, it is important to speak clearly and loudly. Also, make eye contact with the chef across the counter and use polite language.

Communication with the craftsman: timing of conversation, questions about the material

One of the joys of sitting at a sushi counter is the opportunity to enjoy conversation with the chef.

However, since the chef is concentrating on making the sushi, it’s important to be careful about the timing of conversation.

  • Timing of conversation : It is best to have a light conversation with the craftsman when he is free or when he speaks to you. Avoid long or loud conversations and be considerate of those around you so as not to disturb them.
  • Questions about the ingredients : If you have any questions about where the ingredients come from, when they’re in season, etc., feel free to ask. Most chefs take pride in their work and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. However, please refrain from asking questions that are too technical or prying.

Deepening your knowledge of sushi and ingredients through conversation is also a unique pleasure of sitting at the counter.

Eating etiquette: How to dip soy sauce in food, whether to eat with hands or chopsticks

Etiquette when eating sushi is important not only to ensure the food tastes good, but also to show respect to the chef.

  • How to dip the topping in soy sauce : The basic rule is to dip the topping in soy sauce just a little. If you dip too much in soy sauce, not only will it ruin the original flavor of the topping, but the soy sauce may drip and cause the rice to fall apart. For dishes where the topping and rice are wrapped in nori seaweed, such as gunkanmaki, dip the rice in soy sauce by dipping it in the soy sauce dish.
  • Eating with your hands or chopsticks : You can eat sushi with your hands or chopsticks. Generally, most people eat nigiri sushi with their hands and gunkanmaki with chopsticks. Whichever way you eat it, try to eat elegantly and comfortably.

Why eat the food in the order it is served: To respect the chef’s ideas

At a sushi counter, the order in which the chef serves the sushi also matters.

The chef prepares the sushi in the order that will give the most delicious taste, taking into consideration the taste, texture, and temperature of the ingredients.

By eating the sushi in the order that it is served, you can appreciate the skill and spirit of the chef.

It is also considered good manners to eat the sushi as soon as it is served.

If you leave the sushi for too long, the rice will dry out and the toppings will lose their freshness, making it no longer tasty.

Eating sushi at the counter is not just a meal, but a valuable experience of communicating with the chef and experiencing sushi culture.

By observing proper etiquette and respecting the skills and spirit of the chef, you can enjoy sushi even more.

The order in which to eat sushi at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant: Tips for enjoying it

Conveyor belt sushi restaurants are popular places where you can easily enjoy a wide variety of sushi.
Unlike counter seats, you can freely choose and eat sushi at your own pace.

Understand the unique ways to enjoy conveyor belt sushi and follow your own rules to have a delicious and fun time.

Choosing the toppings at a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant: seasonal toppings, restaurant recommendations

At a conveyor belt sushi restaurant, you can choose your favorite sushi from the sushi that flows down the conveyor belt.

In-season ingredients are ingredients that are at their most delicious at that time of year.

In-season ingredients are often highly nutritious and rich in flavor, so it’s something you’ll want to try.

At conveyor-belt sushi restaurants, seasonal ingredients are often displayed as the restaurant’s recommendations, so it’s a good idea to check this out.

Also, some restaurants offer unique ingredients that they source from their own sources, as well as original, creative sushi.

These are some of the ingredients you should definitely try.

When choosing your topic, keep the following points in mind:

  • Freshness : Choose ingredients that have a good color and are not dry.
  • Appearance : Choose ingredients that are neatly formed and not falling apart.
  • Price : Just because something is expensive doesn’t mean it’s delicious. Choose according to your taste and budget.

Freedom of eating order: Enjoy according to your preferences

At a conveyor belt sushi restaurant, you don’t have to eat in the order that the sushi is served, as you would at a counter seat.

You can freely choose the toppings you want to eat according to your tastes and mood.

For example, you can start by eating your favorite topping, or you can try a little bit of each of the different toppings.

However, no matter how much you can eat, you should still be careful not to overeat.

In particular, eating too much of fatty toppings or rice that is high in carbohydrates can cause stomach upset.

Be sure to enjoy it in moderation, taking into consideration your physical condition.

Tips to keep the food from getting boring: Side dishes and desserts

In addition to sushi, conveyor belt sushi restaurants also offer a variety of side dishes and desserts.

There are many different types of side dishes, from hot dishes such as miso soup and chawanmushi to fried foods such as fried chicken and potatoes, salads, etc.

By making good use of these side dishes, you can enjoy your meal to the very end without getting bored.

Desserts include ice cream, cake, and other sweet treats.

Having something sweet at the end of a meal can make you feel more satisfied.

At a conveyor belt sushi restaurant, you can enjoy not only sushi but also side dishes and desserts to create your own unique meal.

The wrong order for eating sushi: Tips for enjoying it to the fullest

If you’re going to eat delicious sushi, you want to make sure you follow the correct etiquette and order to enjoy it to the fullest.

Here, we’ll explain some common mistakes people make when eating sushi, the reasons for them, and the correct way to eat it.

By keeping these points in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy sushi even more deliciously.

Eating fatty ingredients first

Fatty ingredients (fatty tuna, salmon, etc.) certainly have a rich flavor and are a favorite of many people.

However, if you eat a fatty ingredient first, your mouth will feel oily and it will be difficult to taste the lighter ingredients that follow.

When eating sushi, you can enjoy the change in taste by gradually tasting the light ingredients and then the richer ingredients.

Try to eat the fatty ingredients from the middle of the meal onwards.

Using too much soy sauce

Soy sauce is a seasoning that enhances the flavor of sushi, but if you use too much, it will ruin the original taste and aroma of the ingredients.

The basic rule is to only put a little bit of soy sauce on the ingredients.

If you put too much soy sauce on ingredients with a light flavor, such as white fish, you will lose the delicate flavor.

Also, if you put too much soy sauce on it, it can cause the rice to crumble, which not only makes it difficult to eat, but also makes it look bad.

Add soy sauce in small amounts and keep an eye on it.

Eating a lot of pickled ginger

Gari (pickled ginger) is often served with sushi as a palate cleanser to refresh the palate.

Gari does have a refreshing taste and is a great palate cleanser, but eating too much of it is a no-no.

If you eat too much ginger, it will irritate your stomach and you won’t be able to enjoy the flavor of the sushi.

Pickled ginger should only be eaten as a palate cleanser, and should be eaten in small amounts.

Leaving rice behind

Not only the toppings but also the rice are important elements of sushi. Only when the toppings and rice are in balance can the sushi be called delicious.

It is considered bad manners to leave any sushi rice behind.

The flavor of sushi that the chef has lovingly prepared can be fully enjoyed by eating both the topping and the sushi rice together.

If you really want to leave some sushi rice, you can either ask the staff for less sushi rice, or order only the amount you can eat without leaving any leftovers.

Various ways to eat sushi: Gunkanmaki, Temaki, etc.

There are many different types of sushi, including not only nigiri sushi, but also gunkanmaki and temaki sushi.

By understanding the characteristics of each type of sushi and eating it properly, you can enjoy it even more deliciously.

Here, we will explain in detail the main types of sushi and how to eat each one.

How to eat gunkanmaki: Eat it before the seaweed gets moist

Gunkanmaki is a type of sushi made by wrapping rice in nori seaweed and then placing toppings on top. It is often used with toppings that don’t easily lose their shape, such as sea urchin or salmon roe.

It is recommended to eat gunkanmaki as soon as it is served, as the texture will deteriorate if the seaweed gets damp.

When eating, do not put soy sauce directly on the topping, but put a small amount on the rice.

If the seaweed absorbs the soy sauce, it will become soggy.

Also, gunkanmaki is generally eaten with your hands.

If you eat it with chopsticks, the seaweed may tear and the filling may spill out.

How to eat hand-rolled sushi: Roll the ingredients evenly

Temaki sushi is sushi that you place rice and ingredients on top of nori seaweed and then roll it up yourself.

When making hand-rolled sushi, it is important to roll the ingredients evenly.

If the ingredients are unevenly distributed, not only will it be difficult to eat, but it will also look bad.

Also, it is best to eat temaki sushi while the seaweed is still crisp.

If the seaweed gets damp, the texture will deteriorate.

When eating temaki sushi, try to put a small amount of soy sauce on the rice, rather than putting it directly on the topping.

If the seaweed absorbs the soy sauce, it will become damp.

Other unusual sushi

In recent years, in addition to traditional sushi, many different kinds of sushi have appeared.

For example, Aburi-zushi is sushi that is made fragrant by searing the toppings, while Creative-zushi is original sushi that combines a variety of ingredients.

Each restaurant has a wide variety of unusual sushi, so why not try different types at different restaurants to find the one that suits your taste?

Sushi is a complex dish with a wide variety of ingredients and ways to eat it.

Understanding the characteristics of each type of sushi and the proper way to eat it will allow you to enjoy sushi even more.

Also read: How many pieces of sushi should you eat?

Frequently asked questions about sushi

Q1. What types of sushi toppings are available?

A1. Sushi ingredients can be broadly divided into white fish (sea bream, flounder, etc.), red fish (tuna, bonito, etc.), shiny fish (horse mackerel, mackerel, etc.), shellfish (scallops, abalone, etc.), squid/octopus, shrimp/crab, and others (sea urchin, salmon roe, tamagoyaki, etc.).

Q2. What sushi topping should you try first?

A2. We recommend starting with a light-tasting white fish. By starting with a white fish, your tongue will be refreshed and you will be able to taste the other ingredients more clearly. Sea bream or flounder are good choices.

Q3. How do I order at the counter at a sushi restaurant?

A3. There are two ways to choose: “Omakase” and “Tell us your favorite topping.” “Omakase” is a way to leave the selection of toppings up to the chef, so you can enjoy seasonal ingredients and the recommendations of the day. “Tell us your favorite topping” is a way to tell the chef directly if you already know what topping you want to eat.

Q4. How do I avoid getting bored at conveyor belt sushi restaurants?

A4. By making good use of the side dishes and desserts, you can enjoy your meal until the very end without getting bored. There are a variety of menus available, including miso soup, chawanmushi, fried chicken, salad, ice cream, and cake.

Q5. Why is it bad to put too much soy sauce on food?

A5. If you add too much soy sauce, the original flavor and aroma of the topping will be lost. It will also cause the rice to crumble easily. Add soy sauce to the topping in small amounts, keeping an eye on it.

Q6. What is the correct way to eat gunkanmaki?

A6. Gunkanmaki is best eaten as soon as it is served, as the texture deteriorates if the seaweed gets damp. Do not put soy sauce directly on the topping, but put a small amount on the rice. It is also common to eat it with your hands.

Summary: Order and etiquette for eating sushi deliciously

In this article, we’ve explained the order in which to eat sushi to make it taste better, etiquette at sushi restaurants and conveyor belt sushi restaurants, and answered some frequently asked questions.

The general order in which sushi should be eaten is from light to rich.

By starting with the mild white fish, you can fully appreciate the delicate flavors, then gradually move on to stronger tasting ingredients, so you can enjoy the meal right to the end without getting bored.

Also, by saving fatty ingredients for later, you can prevent your mouth from becoming too oily.

One of the joys of sitting at a sushi counter is the opportunity to communicate with the chef, but you need to be careful about the timing of the conversation. It’s best to only engage in light conversation when the chef is free or when he speaks to you.

As a rule of thumb when eating, you should only put a little bit of soy sauce on the topping.

If you put too much on, not only will it ruin the original flavor of the topping, but the soy sauce may drip and cause the rice to fall apart.

At a conveyor belt sushi restaurant, you don’t have to eat in the order that the sushi is served, as you would at a counter seat.

You can freely choose the toppings you want to eat according to your tastes and mood.

However, you should be careful not to eat too much.

Eating too much fatty toppings or sushi rice that is high in carbohydrates can cause stomach upset.

By making good use of side dishes and desserts, you can enjoy a delicious meal until the very end without getting bored. Sushi is a deep dish with a wide variety of toppings and ways to eat it.

Using the information introduced here as a reference, please try tasting a variety of sushi.

And find the best sushi experience for you.

Marunouchi

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