Sushi eaters...

[geno]

I was reading this page, since I just had sushi for the first time (well, actually eating it as a meal, I've tasted it before that though...). I was curious about the etiquette... and I wanted to know if what they say about nigiri is true, you're not supposed to eat it with chop sticks?

nigiri sushi should be eaten with the hands. Grip the sushi from the top, then flip it so that the rice is on top. Dip only the topping into the soy sauce, and always place the sushi in the mouth so that the topping meets the tongue first.

When I went to eat it, I was grabbing the big wad of fish/rice with my chopsticks, it was kinda awkward...but is it widely customary to eat nigiri with the hands? I don't want the restaurant staff to get offended when I treat the delacacy like a finger food

Also, does anyone have any suggestions for some good sushi? When I went to eat it, we (me and my gf) got a plate of Tuna, Salmon, and Yellowtail (all nigiri), all of which were pretty good, I think the Salmon was the best though Is maki sushi much better? Any other kinds of fish that are a "must try"?

 

[duke]

You're making me hungry...

 

[brxndxn]

In the US, we have our own culture and we seem to just do things however we want. The sushi staff will not be offended because they know they're in the US and they've already seen it before. Most people in the US eat all the sushi, including the nigiri, with chopsticks.

In Japan, it IS customary to eat nigiri with your fingers. I had a friend who insisted on it once and he got stares from the other customers.

EDIT: I forgot.. If you pretty much like trying everything - and especially weird tastes, try sea urchin. You'll love it or hate it. It's not always available (market conditions).

BTW, red snapper always tastes a little fishy - don't get it unless you like the fishy taste

Other stuff to try: (my favorites)

beef tataki - really rare sliced beef in ponzu sauce
dumplings - your choice of beef or shrimp - I like shrimp
MACKERAL (raw, marinated) - so good, my favorite
philly roll - a sushi roll that tastes like a bagel
shrimp (raw) - I love it
octopus (raw) - awesome - chew on the suction cups
squid (raw) - lots of soy sauce and wasabi
fatty tuna - not always available.. very very good

And if you're 21:

wine box (I forget what it's called.. but it is wine served in a box cup and lined with gold flakes.)
saki (duh)
kirin lager on tap (different tasting, but good beer)


ALSO: You can make your own beef tataki very easily. Just get a petite steak or nice piece of trimmed beef. Then, cook it just enough to turn the outsides light tan. Arrange it on a plate all cute (very thin slices to absorb the sauce). Now, make or buy ponzu sauce. (1/2 lemon juice, 1/2 soy sauce)

 

[geno]

I'd actually rather eat nigiri by hand, I just wanted to make sure it wasn't considered nasty

 

[Siddhartha]

When I first started eating sushi I used my fingers. I prefer using chopsticks.

 

[LordJezo]

You are supposed to eat it all in one bite too.

On a buisness trip to Japan my father was told that biting the sushi was considered rude.

 

[shiner]

Ummmm....sushi.....ok that's it....I'm going to my favorite sushi place here, Fuji, and loading up.....ummmmmmm deadhead roll......

 

[Ryan]

The only sushi I eat is the kind that comes from Publix

 

[geno]

Originally posted by: LordJezo
You are supposed to eat it all in one bite too.

On a buisness trip to Japan my father was told that biting the sushi was considered rude.

When I went to eat it, I took it all in one bite, except for one piece, which I bit in half. Every time I took the whole piece, it was a little much, I couldn't enjoy the flavor, instead I was just chomping the whole time...oh well

 

[JayPatel]

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

spider rolls and chirashi bowls...