Sushi Confidential: Some practical sushi etiquette

Depends on how old school you are really. Some sushi chefs throw people out for having too strong perfume or cologne. That’s a bit much for me but I’m no owner.

The same can be said of people having their phones out during the meal. Taking a picture of the sushi? In a very tangible way, you’re diminishing your experience. The fish is to be cold and the rice to be warm. I literally and very consciously try to touch as little of the fish as possible when making sushi because I don’t want my body hand temperature to warm the fish. You take a pic, fish gets warm rice gets cold.

Regardless, I’m a big fan of everyone enjoying the company they are with.

Here’s one I feel for:

“I’m embarrassed. May I have a fork?”

Fuck yes you can! First of all, sushi is traditionally eaten with your hands. Secondly, people are different! Some never learned how to use chopsticks or hashi. You should feel 0% embarrassed to eat your food in opposition to a stereotype. I roll my eyes at anyone using hashi to eat a rice dish. Worse when the white dad explains to his 7 year old that you have to use hashi. Just make sure you properly educate how the US treated Japan post WWII while you’re at it Doug.

Also adjacently, maybe it’s because I’m hapa…you slurp that soup. Loudly. Say it loud, i slurp I’m proud.

Here’s one just because it’s funny…don’t do this 🙏

That’s called the Wai. My understanding is that it originally comes from India where you greet someone putting your hands together showing that you are not holding a weapon. However, the Wai is specifically and culturally significantly a Thai thing with its own customs. Japanese people don’t do that.

Now…bowing.

You don’t need to stop your stride, especially not full square up facing us. 15 degree bow will do! 45 is unnecessary. Maybe you just had the best meal of your life? Put it this way, you bow 45 then you better fucking tip sushi bar Doug.

Lastly, you know what maybe I hate the most?

A young couple, on their phones, not talking to each other. Know what I love? An old couple still laughing with each other. Call me a romantic.

Regardless….🙏

Until next time,
E