(Sushi Etiquette)
DO's....
- greets or acknowledge the host or hostess in return :)
- create a small conversation regarding sushi is always a pleasant thing to do, don;t worry to ask :) a costumer's interest in sushi-making is a compliment to the chef
- it's best to leave your plate, clean, practically "a tidy way of eating" :D
- it's okay to eat nigiri-zushi & roll sushi with your hands - but don't forget to use the hot towel first ;p
- do try to eat nigiri-zushi in ONE bite ^o^
- Green tea is best preferred in eating sushi (it's a great option actually)
- eat all you need = eat all you take
- and do give tips when you pay your bill :D
DONT's...
- respect the itamae, by not saying... "is this fresh?"
- in a high class sushi resto, it's best to not ask for more Wasabi (since the wasabi is an antiseptic), this may regarded as an offend to the chef
- use the hot towel (oshibori) for your hands, and try to fold it back neatly again.
- do not rub your chopsticks together (when not in use they should be placed parallel to yourself on the holder (if there is one) or on the shoyu dish. They should also be placed there when finished with your meal
- do not put wasabi directly in the shoyu dish, instead sneak the wasabi inside the "layer" between the Nigiri-zushi topping and the rice
- do not eat sashimi with your hands! use your chopsticks!
- do not soak the rice with the shoyu, instead dip the fish in it (use enough amount). Since the rice is like a sponge, and too much shoyu will overpower the taste of the food and could also lead to the rice falling into your shoyu dish and making soup, which is not a good thing. But as for the sashimi, you may mixed it into the shoyu ;)
- do not pick up a piece of food from another person’s plate with the end of the chopsticks you put in your mouth. Instead use the end you hold, which is considered the polite way
- Gari (ginger) is considered a palate cleanser and eaten between bites or different types of sushi. It is not meant to be eaten in the same bite as a piece of sushi.
- never pass food to another person using chopsticks (as this is too close symbolically to the passing of a deceased relative’s bones at a traditional Japanese funeral). Pass a plate instead allowing an individual to take food themselves.
- also, never stick your chopsticks in your rice and leave them sticking up. This resembles incense sticks and again brings to mind the symbolism of the Japanese funeral and prayers to one's ancestors.
- technically one doesn’t drink sake with sushi (or rice in general) only with sashimi or before or after the meal. It is felt that since they are both rice based, they do not complement each other and therefore should not be consumed together.
- it's best that you don't smoke in a sushi restaurant ;>. Heavy smells, including perfume and aftershave will cover up any subtleties in the food and will disturb any other people sitting next to you at the sushi bar
article & information collected from Sushi FAQ , Sushinow , and Luxaholics
Other Questions:
Where should I rest my chopsticks? Is it rude to leave chopsticks upright in food?
You should rest your chopsticks at the edge of your plate. It is very rude to leave chopsticks upright in your food
