TopThe Basics

How to Eat Sushi

Eat Sushi like a Pro!

Each piece of sushi is a work of art. Learn how to have the best eating experience by embracing the local customs!

洗練された寿司の食べ方

  • An illustration depicting a hand reaching for a wooden sushi geta tray. Pieces of salmon, tuna, and another salmon nigiri sushi are arranged on it.
    01

    If the sushi is served on a "geta" (a wooden tray), do not move the geta; just enjoy the sushi itself.

  • An illustration depicting a sushi geta tray being presented. Pieces of kohada, shrimp, and tamagoyaki nigiri sushi are arranged on it.
    02

    Eat nigiri sushi as it is served. It tastes best when it is freshly made.

  • An illustration of nigiri sushi with the topping and rice separated. A cross mark next to it indicates that separating them is not appropriate.
    03

    Eat the topping and rice together without separating them.

  • An illustration depicting a hand and chopsticks each holding a piece of nigiri sushi.
    04

    You can eat sushi with chopsticks or with your fingers. As the chef shapes the sushi with their hands, the sushi is slightly warmed and made even more delicious. Using your hands is a great way to experience sushi with all your senses!

  • An illustration of chopsticks placed on a chopstick rest.
    05

    Place your chopsticks on the chopstick rest when you're not using them.

  • An illustration showing sushi being turned upside down to dip the topping side into soy sauce.
    06

    You should only dip the topping side of the sushi in the soy sauce! The rice absorbs soy sauce easily, so if you dip it, your sushi will end up too salty. To be extra classy, you can dip a piece of ginger in soy sauce and lightly brush it onto the topping like a paintbrush.

  • An illustration showing wasabi being mixed into soy sauce. A cross mark beside it indicates that this action is considered inappropriate.
    07

    Don't stir the wasabi into your soy sauce.

  • An illustration showing someone about to eat a piece of sushi in one bite.
    08

    Sushi should be eaten in one bite. Put it in your mouth rice side down and it will almost seem to melt in your mouth. In that moment, you will be able to truly appreciate the delicate flavours of the sushi and the skill and craftsmanship of the sushi chef.

  • An illustration showing the use of pickled ginger (gari) and tea as palate cleansers while eating sushi.
    09

    You can reset your palate between pieces of sushi with gari (pickled ginger) or tea. Be careful not to eat too much gari though, as the ginger’s flavour may overpower the next bite.

  • An illustration showing the process of requesting a reduction in the amount of sushi rice (shari).
    10

    If the sushi is too big for you, you can ask the chef to prepare it with less rice. This is also a great for those looking to eat fewer carbs.