A Sushi Master Breaks Down the 10 Steps to Perfect Nigiri | Food Skills

Daisuke Nakazawa is one of the most important figures in New York sushi. But before he was making a name for himself in the West Village, the chef was studying as an apprentice at Sukiyabashi Jiro, the three Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by sushi master Jiro Ono. Today, chef Nakazawa has moved out of the shadow cast by Ono—as well as the cult-favorite documentary, Jiro Dreams of Sushi, which catapulted the pair to international fame—to create his own omakase experience in Manhattan. Combining his own creative ideas with the tradition of Edomae-style sushi in Japan, Nakazawa's New York-mae menu is an ode to the city's mounting influence on the beloved, centuries-old delicacy. Here, chef Nakazawa explains his unique approach to sourcing, butchering, and serving slivers of some of the world's finest fish. From the importance of using fresh wasabi and ginger, to his 10-step approach for crafting a flawless piece of nigiri, chef Nakazawa unlocks the keys behind his world-famous sushi like never before.

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First We Feast videos offer an iconoclastic view into the culinary world, taking you behind-the-scenes with some of the country's best chefs and finding the unexpected places where food and pop culture intersect.

[mypal]

Glad Nakazawa-san got more exposure since he left Sukiyabashi Jiro. Hard work really does pay off.

[Timmycoo]

Gotta love his smile and passion. Humble and yet so talented! Food looks amazing.

[dandiaz]

I love his energy and approachability! He seems like the kind of person you would want to spend time with.

[ThatTattooGuyOfficial]

Not only do I love sushi.. I love the culture and the passion that goes into making it. So awesome

[jwizzleshizzle]

Daisuke-san is truly accommodating and dedicated to making all of his guests feel special and satisfied. I went to the omakase and felt the $150 was more than justified.

[currn]

i remember watching jiro’s dreams of sushi and this guy was on it, good ass documentary i would recommend it.

[giotuber]

He grew in Saitama and he's bald. Coincidence? I don't think so!

[TuckerLeRat]

His passion bleeds into the food. It’s really mesmerizing

[draytonm.mayers]

Seeing him in "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" to now is remarkable. Took what he learned from the master and now is carving his own path.

[pepsiman]

You gotta respect the guy born in the city of one punch man

[awwwkitteh]

I had the pleasure of dining at Nakazawa's shortly after he opened his restaurant.. and I have to say it was the Best sushi I've ever had, going from all you can eat to a dining experience like this will change your life. I visited Japan two years later and while the sushi there was unbelievable but nothing will compare to my first omakase and I'm grateful to have had it at Nakazawa's

[phiL_]

Had the opportunity to be served by him a few years ago. While the price might be daunting to some, it’s definitely an experience if you absolutely love and respect sushi as a cuisine, culture, and art. The returns are well worth it.

I’m hoping to go again soon. The only con about eating here is that it literally killed all “every day” sushi establishments for me. From shitty all you can eat sushi places, to your favorite local “mid level” places like sugar fish, I’m a complete snob. The difference really is night and day. I guess the only way to having a fulfilling sushi meal once again is coughing up the dough for omakase from either him or another chef in his playing field! Much respect.

[MoxieBeast]

Oh god. Watching this before instant ramen was a bad idea.

[ashleyyuck]

he's such a sweet and talented man!

[_Aliens_]

Sushi is a very interesting art. This episode makes me very happy

[WhyteDemn]

If you've never watched the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi, I'd highly suggest getting on that ASAP. It's one of my favorite docs of all time

[Elc]

That stuff looks simply delicious. Glad to see that there are many people who are still very passionate about creating amazing food.

[damiee]

His guests are very happy!! Loved eating there!!

[lukajn]

I remember watching him in the "Jiro dreams of sushi" documentary. He was the true underdog, always taking shit from Jiro's son, who thought he was the best, and look at him now! getting more exposure and money than Jiro's own son. Im glad to see him again and that he blossomed. Im really happy for Nakazawa.

[ScottBuckets]

Nakazawa is the man. Great guy and the sushi is amazing.