Sushi Etiquette 101: Don’ts at a Sushi Restaurant

Sushi is more than just a meal; it’s an art form steeped in tradition and culture. Visiting a sushi restaurant is a special experience, but if you’re unfamiliar with the customs surrounding it, it’s easy to step on culinary toes. For first-timers and sushi aficionados alike, knowing the proper etiquette can enhance your dining experience and ensure you show respect to the chef and their craft.

This guide will walk you through the key don’ts of dining at a sushi restaurant to help you savor your visit while navigating the unspoken rules like a pro.

Avoid Overusing Soy Sauce

Soy sauce often complements sushi, but drowning your sushi in it is one of the biggest faux pas. Why? For starters, the chef has already carefully seasoned the sushi to highlight its flavors. By adding too much soy sauce, you’ll overpower those delicate tastes.

Instead, lightly dip the fish side of the sushi into the soy sauce (not the rice, as it absorbs too much and falls apart). If you’re eating sashimi (raw fish without rice), feel free to dip it slightly—but remember, less is more.

Don’t Rub Your Chopsticks Together

Snapping apart disposable wooden chopsticks is common practice, but rubbing them together to remove splinters is considered rude. This action implies that the restaurant provides cheap, low-quality utensils, which can offend the chef and staff.

Instead, confidently snap them apart and use them as they are. If you notice actual splinters, discreetly remove them with your fingers, not by rubbing the chopsticks together.

Don’t Overdo the Wasabi

A dollop of wasabi adds a pleasant kick to sushi, but piling it on can offend the sushi chef’s craftsmanship. Many sushi pieces already have wasabi added between the fish and rice for balance. Adding excessive amounts not only alters the intended flavor profile but also shows a disregard for the chef’s expertise.

If you absolutely love wasabi, mix a pinch of it into your soy sauce—but be sure to taste the piece first before deciding if more heat is necessary.

Never Pass Food with Chopsticks

Passing food from one person’s chopsticks to another is a serious cultural misstep. This act mimics a Japanese funeral ritual where bones are passed with chopsticks, making it an offensive gesture in a sushi restaurant.

If you’d like to share food, use the reverse end of your chopsticks (the end you don’t eat with) to pick up the item and place it on your companion’s plate instead. This keeps the sharing hygienic and respectful.

Don’t Bite Into Sushi

Sushi, especially nigiri and maki, is designed to be eaten in one bite. Taking multiple bites to finish a piece often results in it falling apart and losing the integrity of the flavor balance. Chefs prepare sushi with the expectation that it will be consumed whole, ensuring you taste all the ingredients simultaneously.

If the pieces seem particularly large, you can politely ask the chef to adjust the portion size to something more manageable before ordering.

Avoid Mixing Pickled Ginger With Sushi

Pickled ginger, or “gari,” is often served on the side of your sushi plate, but it has a specific purpose. Its role is to cleanse your palate between different types of sushi, not to be combined with the sushi itself.

While the tangy sweetness of pickled ginger might be tempting to pile onto your sushi, using it as a topping disrupts the carefully balanced flavors. Instead, enjoy a slice of ginger between sushi pieces to reset your taste buds.

Don’t Order All Your Food at Once

Most sushi restaurants encourage diners to order a few pieces at a time, rather than everything at once. Unlike other dining experiences where you order your entire meal upfront, sushi is best enjoyed fresh and at the perfect temperature. Ordering piece by piece allows you to savor each item while reducing waste. It also gives you the opportunity to converse with the chef and perhaps even receive recommendations based on what’s freshest that day.

Avoid Playing With or Rearranging Food

Sushi chefs take great pride in the presentation of their creations, often perceiving it as an extension of their artistry. Rearranging, poking at, or playing with your food can come across as disrespectful. Once your plate arrives, it’s best to eat the sushi as it’s served without altering its arrangement.

Additionally, avoid dissecting the sushi to eat the fish and rice separately. Sushi is crafted to be enjoyed as a single harmonious bite.

Skip the Perfume

Believe it or not, wearing heavy perfume or cologne to a sushi restaurant is a big don’t. Sushi dining is an aromatic experience, with subtle scents being part of the enjoyment. Overpowering fragrances can interfere with not only your ability to appreciate the delicate aromas, but also the experience of diners around you.

If you’re dining out for sushi, keep fragrances to a minimum so that everyone can fully enjoy the meal’s sensory experience.

Don’t Forget to Say “Thank You”

Lastly, showing appreciation for the chef’s labor and skill is paramount in sushi culture. Whether it’s a nod, a smile, or a heartfelt “thank you” (or “arigato gozaimasu”), acknowledging the effort behind each plate is always a welcomed gesture. If you order directly from the sushi bar, thanking the chef personally makes the experience more rewarding for both of you.

Gratitude goes a long way in enhancing your dining experience and fostering respect for the traditions behind sushi-making.

Elevate Your Sushi Experience with Confidence

Dining at a sushi restaurant is as much about respecting the culture and traditions as it is about enjoying the meal itself. By avoiding these common don’ts, you’ll not only enhance your own experience but also show appreciation for the artistry and effort behind each piece of sushi.

Whether you’re a sushi newbie or a seasoned diner, keeping these etiquette tips in mind will make your visit memorable, enjoyable, and respectful. Get ready to savor every bite like a true sushi connoisseur!