How To Eat Sushi The Right Way

Coming to you straight from the sushi chef's mouth, MUNCHIES presents the dos and don'ts of eating sushi, as taught by Tokyo's Naomichi Yasuda. Be warned: You've been doing it wrong. Just remember: It's okay to use your fingers to eat cut sushi rolls. Don't combine ginger and sushi, or ginger and soy sauce. Ginger is a palate cleanser in between bites. When dipping sushi into soy sauce, dip fish-side down. Never shake soy sauce off of sushi. That's like shaking your wanker in public.

[heisenburger]

"yes that's enough"
*"ENOUGH"*

[jackzhang]

This man has the courage to make a restroom joke and say hi hello. He is a true legend.

[JS-bbbg]

As a Japanese person, I just wanted to point out that these manners are only for these very authentic restaurants where the food is so well executed that they want you to enjoy it just as is, so that it tastes exactly how they intend it to taste. They are the pros, they know the best way to eat them, and you're supposedly there, paying expensive money, to experience their way of prep/service. It's not just religious/cultural manners. There's actually a logical reason behind them, for customers to taste it the best way possible.

If that feels too controlling or you have a certain preference on how you want to eat your food, different from their suggestion, then it defeats the whole purpose of even going to these restaurants. Just don't go. It's obviously not for you, and there's nothing wrong with that. It not only disrupts the flow of the restaurant, which affects other guests' food and experience, but also causes stress on both ends because you too are paying too much money to be forced to eat a certain way. 

If you go to a more casual sushi joint, Japan or US, you can drench your California rolls with sriracha and spicy mayo all you want. You'll actually need these sauces because the fish/rice/technique won't be good enough to taste good on its own. It's very difficult to make good enough sushi to even be worth all these bothersome manners. That is why it's so meticulous and expensive.

Besides, most people's palates, who are used to flavoring food with strong spices and sauces, won't even be able to differentiate and enjoy these kinds of food because it's too subtle. Most will find it too bland. I know from experience because I've taken many of my American friends to try dining at these places. People have different sensitivities and palates, depending on what they ate growing up, and there's no right or wrong. Like art, it's not for everybody.



If you read this long-ass comment all the way to the end, I appreciate your precious time, you are a true legend, but also bored as f**k lol

[chronostiari]

I will forever remember the restroom joke when dipping my Sushi now, but I will never do it wrong ever again. Thanks for the explanation Mr Chef.

[jotarokujo]

"Don't shake it"
*shakes*
*"D O N T S H A K E I T"*

[bigguschungus]

I don't know him, but i feel like i disappointed him already.

[brendanhb]

Chef Yasuda served me and a friend omakase at his restaurant in Tokyo in 2016 and it was one of the best meals of my life. What made it one of the best wasn't just the food (which was incredible), but also Chef telling us stories of his time living in New York City, his visits to the fish market in Tokyo, and the funny jokes along the way. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

[greenkostia]

I could listen to this master all day. Serious about his food but such a gentle manner. I love him

[LucresntBlade]

"Don't Shake... That's only for the Men's room..."

"Hi, Hello"

I loved that

[Sweeny]

"Don't shake it. That's for the men's room" 10/10

[Cobaltblueprism]

I feel so weirdly validated by hearing the sushi chef emphatically say to just eat the ginger by itself. No soy sauce dunkin'. Nothing. It tastes delicious on its own.

[takeshiasahi]

That joke was so lethal, i had to pause and laugh for like 2 min

[yyy]

"no shaking"
"oh so no shaking"
*proceeds to continue shake*

[fakazama]

The fact that they put him there as an "amateur fish eater" is hilarious

[ji]

This guys serious but also a great sense of humor, that always goes so much further when connecting with people and getting them to follow your instructions. I could listen to him for hours...

[iziahebinger]

As a sushi chef of 9 months so far I’ve been learning so much and it always excites me seeing pros give new pieces of information gives me so many ideas to try.

[GotAnyGrapes_]

- Guy: ... It's sweet
- Sushi Chef: Yes, Like you



- Guy: ...
- Sushi Chef: ...
- Cameraman: ...
- Sushi: ...
- Wasabi: ...

[Madrigal]

I’ve been to his restaurant in Tokyo. He’s as funny and charming in person. His sushi was by far the best I’ve ever had. He made this grass sushi that was unreal. Seriously the guy is such a master he can make high level sushi from grass.

[shae]

I love seeing people so passionate and informing of the things and experiences they hold dearly. Chef was amazing! Wish I could sit in front of him. 🙌🏼

[robertstimac]

The gentleman from the kitchen explained the most important things that we must remember well. The quality, temperature and amount of spices in the food... every gold medal for the chef!!