Sushi is one of Japan’s most famous and beloved foods. But when you sit down at a sushi counter or restaurant, you might wonder: Should I use chopsticks? Is it okay to eat with my hands? How much soy sauce is too much?
Here’s a guide to help you enjoy sushi like a local.
🍣 You Can Eat Sushi with Your Hands
In Japan, it’s perfectly acceptable to eat nigiri sushi with your hands. This is not bad manners—it’s actually traditional. Even many Japanese people prefer using their hands, especially at sushi bars.
Using your hands helps keep the rice from falling apart and preserves the balance between the fish and the rice. It also lets you enjoy the sushi exactly as the chef prepared it.
🕰️ Sushi Was Once Fast Food
In the Edo period, sushi was a quick meal for busy workers. It was sold on the street and eaten on the go—like fast food. Back then, sushi pieces were about five times larger than today. Because of the size, chopsticks weren’t practical. People used their hands.
🥢 Chopsticks Can Be Tricky
Even for Japanese people, eating sushi with chopsticks can be difficult. The rice (called shari) is soft and can fall apart easily. If you’re not confident with chopsticks, don’t worry—hands are totally fine.
🧂 Use Soy Sauce Carefully
Soy sauce adds flavor, but too much can overpower the sushi. Here’s a tip: dip the fish side, not the rice side, into the soy sauce. This keeps the rice from soaking up too much and falling apart. Just a light touch is enough to bring out the flavor.
🍽️ Eat from Light to Rich Flavors
To enjoy sushi fully, start with lighter-tasting pieces like white fish or squid. Then move on to richer items like tuna, salmon, and fatty cuts. This way, your palate can appreciate each flavor without being overwhelmed.
🧠 Try Eating Like a Local
Next time you’re in Japan, try eating sushi with your hands. Dip gently into soy sauce. Start with mild flavors and finish with the rich ones. It’s a simple way to enjoy sushi the way it was meant to be.
