Recipe What to do at a sushi bar

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What to do at a sushi bar

Before you order


When you sit at the bar, a waitress will probably bring you a hot towel (oshibori) which you use to wipe your hands and face and ask you if you would like a drink.
The choices could be sake or green tea or maybe a soup or beer. Sashimi is best with sake, green tea with sushi. Ask for soup only from the waitress as the sushi chef (itamae) is best asked only for sushi and sashimi.
It always pays to inform the itamae that it is your first time out for sushi. They will love to help you out with also give you informative tidbits plus some freebies. Try and place small orders so that you are aware of the time that you are full up. It is considered rude to leave leftovers at the table.
You will be given a small dish with your sushi. You have a take a small amount of soy sauce in it for dipping. Small means scant. You can always add more. It is impolite to fill up the dish. Along with your sushi some pickled ginger (gari) will also be served. This is eaten with your chopsticks (hashi) to cleanse your palate between different kinds of sushi. There will also be a small amount of green wasabi that is strong horseradish. Do treat this as a separate condiment and it is not to be mixed into the soy sauce.
Sake could be served to you chilled or hot. Generally, higher quality sake is served cold.
You can ask about seasonal offerings that may not be listed on the menu. This is acceptable. In fact the itamae will appreciate your interest.
How to eat sushi


To eat sushi, use your fingers (use your chopsticks for sashimi). Pick up the sushi from the backside by reaching over the piece, and turning your hand upside down. Grasp the sushi between your thumb and middle finger, laying your middle finger along side of the sushi and not pinching too hard. Pick up the sushi so that the fish is now on the underside. Your thumb, middle finger, and fourth finger can be used to hold it together. Your index finger lays atop the rice. Dip the end of the sushi into the soy sauce - but only the fish part. Try not to get soy sauce on the rice, it will fall apart. Then bring the sushi to your mouth, placing the fish side on your tongue and then bite it in half. Do not keep the bit on the plate but hold it and then finish it off.

Social dos & don’ts

The middle level in a sushi bar (the shelf where itamae sets your food) is considered an interface between you and the chef. It is considered bad manners to remove the wooden tray the chef sets the sushi on from this level. Take the sushi, but not the tray.
It is considered improper to rub the chopsticks together. When not in use they should be placed parallel to yourself on the holder (if there is one) or on the dish. They should also be placed there when finished with your meal. Also, at any stage of the meal, do not leave your chopsticks sticking up in your rice. This resembles incense sticks and brings to mind the symbolism of the Japanese funeral and prayers to one’s ancestors.
If you have ordered alcoholic beverages, it is considered customary to serve each other (if not alone) instead of pouring one’s own drink. Be attentive of your fellow diner’s glasses and refill them. If you need a refill, drink the remainder of the beverage and hold the glass slightly and politely towards a dining partner.
 
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