Sushi Etiquette: Essential Do's and Don'ts
Using Chopsticks Correctly
Chopsticks (hashi) are the traditional utensil for eating sushi, though using your hands for nigiri is also acceptable. Never stick chopsticks vertically into rice - this resembles incense at funerals. Don't pass food chopstick-to-chopstick, as this mimics a funeral ritual. Rest chopsticks on the provided hashioki (chopstick rest) between bites.
Soy Sauce Guidelines
Pour a small amount of soy sauce into the dish - you can always add more. For nigiri, dip the fish side, not the rice, to prevent the rice from falling apart and oversaturating with sauce. The chef has already seasoned some pieces perfectly - taste first before adding soy sauce. Traditionally, you don't mix wasabi into soy sauce at a sushi bar - the chef has usually already added the right amount to each piece. (In casual restaurants, plenty of people do.)
Eating Order
Start with lighter, more delicate fish (white fish, squid) and progress to richer, fattier options (salmon, tuna). This prevents stronger flavors from overwhelming subtle ones. Eat sashimi before sushi, as rice can dull your palate. Sweet tamago (egg) is often eaten at the end, though some diners start with it to judge the restaurant.
Ginger Usage
Pickled ginger (gari) is a palate cleanser between different types of sushi, not a topping. Eat a small piece between different fish to refresh your taste buds. Never place ginger on top of sushi.
One Bite Rule
Sushi pieces are designed to be eaten in one bite. The chef has carefully balanced the ratio of fish to rice. Taking multiple bites disrupts this balance and can cause the piece to fall apart.
Respecting the Chef
At a sushi bar, it's polite to order sushi directly from the sushi chef and other items from servers. Thank the chef with "domo arigato" or "gochisousama deshita" (thank you for the meal) when leaving. Trust the chef's recommendations, especially for omakase (chef's choice).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rubbing chopsticks together (implies they're cheap)
- Drowning sushi in soy sauce
- Removing fish from rice to eat separately
- Adding wasabi to sushi that's already seasoned
- Using chopsticks to point or gesture
- Leaving rice on your plate (considered wasteful)
Modern Adaptations
While traditional etiquette is important, many Western sushi restaurants are more relaxed. Specialty rolls can be eaten with hands or chopsticks. Sharing plates is common in casual settings. The key is being respectful and enjoying the experience.