Differences, variety, and diversity is what makes us, -human beings- unique. What one may find disturbing another can find it the most common thing. This principle can be applied to cultures and countries. Manners and customs change from one country to another and they represent one’s country culture in a very precise manner.
Table manners are paramount no matter where you are. However, in countries such as Japan, where they have a long history of rich traditions, customs and culture, it is imperative, to know how to behave yourself. Knowing how to show respect, especially to the “itamae” or the sushi chef, will make a difference in future visits. Therefore, today we would like to share some basic Japanese dining etiquette.
At your arrival
As soon as you step in the Sushi restaurant you will be greeted by the host or hostess with the traditional “irasshaimase” which means “please come in”. Be polite and greet them back, but keep your conversation to the minimum focused on your dining preference and seating. The term “itamae” is translated as “in front of the board” a clear reference to the cutting board used by chefs. Therefore, if you are interested in chattering or interacting with the itamae, and enjoy the preparation of your food, ask to be seated at the sushi bar.
Once seated, you can ask the itamae for sushi, but all other manners of food such as sashimi and drinks are handled by the waiters. You can ask the itamae what he would recommend, but avoid asking if it is fresh. This is extremely rude since it clearly implies it may not be.
Dinning Japanese etiquette
If you are interested in an item or dish that isn’t on the menu you can go ahead and ask for it. Most probably, the itamae will appreciate your interest.
When choosing your drink, you might find useful to know that drinking Sake is not a custom while eating sushi due to the fact that both of them are rice based. Try some green tea with your rolls instead.
If you wish to offer the itamae a beer or sake, it could be well appreciated by the chef, even scoring some extra points for your next visit, although, this is not required.
Other useful Sushi table manners
- Nigiri-sushi (fingers of rice topped with fish or another topping) can be eaten directly with your hand but on the other hand, sashimi should always be eaten with chopsticks.
- Wasabi should never be put in directly in the shoyu dish as it is often done.
- The ginger served with sushi is called gari and it is a palate cleanser. It is not meant to be eaten at the same time as the rolls.
- It is considered very rude to stab the sushi (or any food for that matter) with the chopstick. Don’t do it!
- After finishing your meal, it is a traditional manner to return all your dishes to how they were at the start of the meal, including the chopsticks.
If you wish to enjoy the best Sushi in Colorado and put in practice your table manners, visit us today!