Sushi Etiquette 101: How to Enjoy Your Meal Like a True Japanese Foodie at En Sushi
Master the Art of Sushi Dining at En Sushi
Sushi is more than just food—it’s a refined Japanese culinary art form deeply rooted in tradition and culture. When you visit a top-tier sushi restaurant like En Sushi Singapore, knowing a bit about proper sushi etiquette not only enhances your dining experience but also shows respect to the chef and the cuisine itself.
Whether you’re new to sushi or a regular customer at En Sushi, this guide will walk you through the essential etiquette tips to help you enjoy your meal like a true Japanese foodie.
1. Respect the Chef and Their Craft
Sushi chefs—especially those who prepare omakase—have undergone years of training to master their craft. At En Sushi, each piece of sushi is made with precision, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of balance and presentation.
Etiquette Tip: If you’re seated at the sushi counter, it’s polite to acknowledge the chef with a nod or smile. Avoid reaching across the counter, and never criticize the preparation—if you have dietary concerns, mention them before your meal begins.
2. Use Chopsticks or Your Hands—Both Are Correct
Sushi can be eaten using either chopsticks or bare hands. In fact, eating nigiri (fish over rice) with your hands is traditional and completely acceptable.
Etiquette Tip: When using chopsticks, never stick them upright into your rice bowl (a practice associated with funerals in Japan). Instead, rest them on the provided holder when not in use.
3. Eat Nigiri in One Bite
Nigiri sushi is crafted to be enjoyed as a single bite. Taking multiple bites may cause the sushi to fall apart and disrupt the harmony intended by the chef.
Etiquette Tip: Pick up the nigiri and turn it slightly so the fish side—not the rice—is dipped in soy sauce. This prevents the rice from soaking up too much soy sauce and overpowering the flavor.
4. Avoid Overusing Soy Sauce and Wasabi
Soy sauce is meant to enhance the sushi, not drown it. Likewise, most sushi at En Sushi already has the perfect amount of wasabi between the fish and rice.
Etiquette Tip: Use soy sauce sparingly. If you must add wasabi, place a small amount on the fish—not in the soy sauce bowl. Mixing wasabi into soy sauce is considered improper in traditional sushi culture.
5. Eat Sushi in the Order Served
If you’re ordering omakase or a multi-course sushi set, dishes are presented in a specific order—from lightest to richest in flavor—to guide your palate.
Etiquette Tip: Trust the sequence. Start with lighter white fish (like snapper), then move to fattier cuts (like toro), and end with richer items like eel or tamago. Avoid requesting items out of order.
6. Gari (Pickled Ginger) is a Palate Cleanser
The pickled ginger served alongside sushi isn’t meant to be eaten with your sushi. It serves as a palate cleanser between different pieces, helping you fully appreciate each new flavor.
Etiquette Tip: Eat a slice of gari between sushi types, not on top of your sushi or dipped in soy sauce.
7. Don’t Rub Disposable Chopsticks Together
While this might be a habit from casual eateries, rubbing disposable chopsticks together implies that you think the restaurant provides cheap or splintered utensils. At En Sushi, you’re provided with quality chopsticks—no rubbing needed.
Etiquette Tip: Simply break the chopsticks apart gently and begin your meal.
8. Finish What You Take
Leaving food—especially sushi—uneaten can be considered disrespectful, particularly in omakase dining, where the chef tailors each dish for you.
Etiquette Tip: Only order what you can eat. At En Sushi, staff are happy to assist with portion sizes and recommendations based on your appetite.
9. Use Both Hands When Receiving Items
If the chef hands you a dish directly (often seen in high-end omakase), it’s polite to accept with both hands and offer a slight bow or “thank you.”
Etiquette Tip: A polite “Arigato gozaimasu” (thank you very much) goes a long way in expressing appreciation for the chef’s work.
10. Be Mindful of Phone Use
Dining out is a social experience. While snapping a few photos of your beautifully plated sushi is common, constant phone use at the table—especially at the sushi bar—is considered rude.
Etiquette Tip: Capture your photos quickly and silently, then put your phone away and enjoy the moment.
Bonus: Ordering Omakase at En Sushi
Ordering omakase is a sign of trust in the chef’s expertise. When you choose omakase at En Sushi, you’re embarking on a dining journey where every piece is curated for you.
Etiquette Tip: Don’t request substitutions during the course unless you have dietary restrictions. Let the chef work their magic—it’s part of the omakase experience.
Dining at En Sushi: A Harmonious Experience
At En Sushi, every detail—from the cut of the fish to the placement of the rice—is done with intention. By following proper etiquette, you show respect for the cuisine, the chefs, and the culture behind this remarkable dining tradition.
Whether you’re enjoying:
-
A date night at the sushi counter
-
A group celebration at a private table
-
Or a solo omakase adventure,
knowing how to eat sushi the right way enhances your appreciation and deepens your enjoyment.
Why En Sushi is Ideal for Authentic Sushi Dining
-
Skilled Chefs: With years of experience, En Sushi’s team brings you authentic sushi served with care.
-
Fresh Ingredients: Ingredients are flown in regularly and handled with precision.
-
Warm Ambience: The calm, elegant setting encourages mindfulness and presence.
-
Impeccable Service: Staff are knowledgeable and respectful of Japanese customs.
With such dedication to tradition and excellence, it’s no wonder that sushi lovers in Singapore choose En Sushi time and time again.
Final Thoughts
Eating sushi is a blend of art, ritual, and pleasure. By embracing the etiquette behind it, you unlock a deeper connection to your food and the culture it comes from. At En Sushi Singapore, your dining experience is not just about what’s on the plate—it’s about honoring a time-honored tradition in every bite.
Ready to enjoy sushi like a true Japanese foodie?
Reserve your table now at 👉 https://www.ensushisg.com/