A great number of westerners get a little nervous when exploring the culinary traditions of different cultures, but this worry can be eliminated with just a little bit of information. When it comes to the Japanese sushi bar, some of these traditions aren’t going to be that intuitive without understanding what they are and why they exist. My goal is to take you through some of these little courtesies that are paid to the restaurant staff. These considerations will be warmly received and make your experience all the richer, and you’ll be able to transfer the skills to your own sushi making set!
A Pre-Meal Warm Towel
I’ve seen many people with confused looks on their faces when presented with the customary towel before the meal. This is often presented to restaurant patrons as a courtesy. It’s meant to wipe off your hands, and nothing more.
The Large Menu
One amusing bit of culture-shock is the sheer size of the menu offerings at most sushi bars. You’ll likely be presented with page upon page of sushi roll options, and you should take this as a good thing. My best advice is not to worry about making the “perfect” choice, simply focusing on what sounds good at the time. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the wait staff or chef: No one expects you to know everything about a culture you weren’t originally born into, and they will most likely appreciate the fact that you are making an effort!
Be Sure to Show Appreciation to the Chef
There’s no better way to show your appreciation than to order a drink to share with the chef. If he accepts it, you should toast one another with the word “Kampai,” which means “To your health” in Japanese. This is a sign of great respect between the chef and patron, and can really add to the sushi bar experience.
Conclusion
Armed with the basic knowledge in this article, you can maximize the enjoyment you get from your sushi bar visit. While you’re there, be sure to observe the preparation and traditional serving of the food so you can take these skills back home and use them with your own sushi sets!
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