Sushi etiquette made simple

A few small habits show respect for the chef. Nigiri can be eaten with your fingers or with chopsticks.

Hands or chopsticks

Nigiri can be eaten with your fingers or with chopsticks. Both are fine, and many regulars prefer their hands at the sushi counter.

Try to eat each piece in one bite, which is how the chef has balanced it.

Mind the soy sauce

Pour only a little soy sauce into your dish. Dip the fish, not the rice, so the piece does not fall apart or become too salty.

Mixing a large amount of wasabi into the soy sauce is common, but it hides the flavor of the fish.

Talk with the chef

At the counter, it is polite to order your fish from the chef and drinks from the server. Asking for a recommendation is a compliment.

If you choose omakase, the chef selects each course for you. Simply enjoy each piece as it is served.