10 Sushi Dining Tips

I was reading an article the other day that listed "10 Sushi Dining Tips" and since I love sushi I thought I might share them with ya'll! So enjoy :)

1. Sit at the bar—this is traditional, and lets you watch the preparation, which is part of the overall experience. It also enables you to interact with your chef.

2. Order omakase (literally “I leave it up to you”)—you can expect a unique experience, but also a higher bill (it’s OK to suggest a budget).

3. Don’t mix wasabi and soy sauce for dipping—the chef should have already seasoned the sushi for you. Dipping in a little soy is OK, and if you particularly like wasabi, you can ask the chef to use more.

4. Eat nigiri (the rice rectangles topped with fish) with your fingers: it’s customary, and lets the chef pack the rice more loosely—which is correct—instead of packing it to accommodate chopsticks.

5. Turn nigiri fish-side down in your hand to help prevent it from falling apart (especially important if you choose to dip).

6. Eat ginger only between courses, as a palate cleanser.

7. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Many people stick with firm, smooth-textured fish, and thereby miss out on other interesting flavors and textures.

8. Sushi rolls are an American invention that, ironically, has made its way back to Japan. Avoid rolls that contain nontraditional (and unhealthful) ingredients like mayonnaise and sweetened sauces.

9. Avoid fish that is unsustainable or improperly farmed.

10. It’s traditional to order miso soup at the end of the meal—it aids digestion.