3 min read

How To Start Eating Sushi

Sushi can be a scary experience if you’ve never tried it before. What does nigiri mean? Will you like the taste of raw fish? Do you have to use chopsticks, or can you use your hands? Don’t stress – we are here to answer all of your questions and reassure you!

If you are a history guru and want to make sure you know the cultural significance of sushi, we have a short history of sushi which you can read here. Read this to get you started and then come back for our top tips for sushi beginners.

First of all, there is no wrong way to eat sushi, especially at Blowfish. We don’t judge and we’re not snobs – eat whatever you like and however you like. In the Western world most people use chopsticks and if you are confident using them, chopsticks are the most sanitary option when eating sushi. You can read about chopstick etiquette here, but don’t sweat about it too much. Use your chopsticks in whatever way is most comfortable for you. If you’d prefer, feel free to use your hands to eat your sushi. With more traditional sushi it is often customary to eat with your hands. And if you would like to use a fork, don’t let anyone stop you! We want you to enjoy your meal and if that’s the most comfortable for you, eat away.

Next, you will usually find three components besides the actual sushi on your table. In order of how you should eat it, there is wasabi, soy sauce, and ginger. Wasabi can either be mixed in with the soy sauce or you can add a small layer over your sushi with your chopstick. Then, pick up your sushi and dip it in the soy sauce, which you can pour into the little bowl on your table. Smaller pieces of sushi, like sashimi and nigiri, are usually eaten in one bite, while bigger rolls and pieces can be eaten in two or more bites. After you’ve eaten the sushi, eat a bit of the pink pickled ginger. This clears your palate and ensures that you are ready for the next dish.

As for what to order, start with cooked fish, like prawn and crab, or vegetarian sushi if you are uncertain about what you would like and don’t want to start in the deep end. Next, try the more common raw fish, like salmon and tuna. Once you have gotten used to these, why not try some of the more exotic fish, like swordfish and eel? If you want to become better acquainted with different types of sushi, read our Know Your Sushi article, where you find out about the ingredients, the three main types of sushi, and the accoutrements.

At Blowfish we want to make sure that you are comfortable and confident in your choices – so if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask our team any questions. The servers are very friendly and knowledgeable, and you can speak directly to the sushi chef at the sushi bar if you have specific questions or concerns. Or perhaps you would like to learn how to make your own sushi? Try our sushi workshop, which you can learn more about here. We can’t wait to welcome you for your first sushi experience – you’ll experience a whole new world!