How to Eat Sushi the Right Way: Your Complete Guide to Sushi Etiquette

Think sushi is intimidating? Think again. Sushi isn’t just for connoisseurs or special occasions — it’s comfort food, crafted with care, meant to be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re ordering your first California roll or you’re a regular at Sushimen Bangalore, this guide will help you eat sushi with confidence, respect, and pure enjoyment.

Why Sushi Etiquette Matters (And Why It’s Easier Than You Think)

Sushi etiquette isn’t about being stuffy or following rigid rules. It’s about honoring the craft behind each piece and maximizing your enjoyment. When you know the basics, you can relax, taste the nuances, and truly appreciate what’s on your plate.

At Sushimen, we’ve stripped away the pretense. This guide is designed to make sushi accessible, approachable, and absolutely delicious — whether you’re dining in, ordering delivery, or sharing a platter with friends.

1. What “Clean, Disciplined Sushi” Means at Sushimen

Every roll, nigiri, and sashimi cut at Sushimen is prepared with surgical precision and deep intention. Here’s what that means for you:

• Precision cuts: We respect the grain of each fish, ensuring optimal texture and flavor
• Fresh seasoned rice: Never refrigerated, always made fresh for the perfect temperature and stickiness
• Gentle handling: Each piece is treated with care to protect delicate textures
• Zero cross-contamination: Strict protocols keep every ingredient pure
• Cold-chain discipline: From ocean to plate, temperature control is non-negotiable

2. Hands or Chopsticks? Both Are Perfectly Correct

Here’s the breakdown:

• Nigiri and maki rolls: Use your hands or chopsticks — whatever feels comfortable
• Sashimi: Typically eaten with chopsticks
• The key: Clean, respectful handling that keeps the piece intact

Pro Tips for Perfect Pickup:

• Pick up nigiri gently from the sides so the rice stays intact
• If using chopsticks, lift cleanly without piercing or squeezing the fish
• When sharing, use the opposite (clean) ends of your chopsticks or serving tools
• Never rub disposable chopsticks together — it suggests the restaurant provides cheap utensils

3. Soy Sauce & Dipping — The Golden Rule

This is where most people get it wrong. Here’s the secret: dip the fish, not the rice.

For nigiri, turn the piece on its side and lightly dip the fish into soy sauce. This prevents the rice from falling apart and keeps your sushi from becoming oversalted. For rolls, a gentle dip on one edge is all you need.

The Soy Sauce Do’s and Don’ts:

• ✅ DO: Dip fish-side down for nigiri
• ✅ DO: Use a light touch — less is more
• ✅ DO: Skip the soy if the roll already has sauce or glaze
• ❌ DON’T: Dunk rice into soy sauce
• ❌ DON’T: Soak your sushi like a tea bag
• ❌ DON’T: Let leftover soy sauce go to waste — pour conservatively

4. Wasabi — Less Is Always More

Wasabi is meant to enhance the fish, not overpower it. At Sushimen, Chef Abhijeeth often applies a precise amount of wasabi between the fish and rice — so you usually don’t need to add more.

How to Use Wasabi Like a Pro:

• Use just a tiny dab — about the size of a small pea
• Place it directly on the fish if you’re adding your own
• Never mix it into soy sauce (it dilutes both flavors)
• If you’re sensitive to heat, skip it entirely — the sushi will still be delicious

5. Gari (Pickled Ginger) — Your Palate’s Best Friend

Those delicate pink slices on your plate aren’t just decoration. Gari is a palate cleanser designed to refresh your taste buds between different types of sushi.

How to Enjoy Gari:

• Eat a small slice between different pieces of sushi, not on top of them
• Think of it as a “reset button” for your mouth
• Particularly useful when switching from mild white fish to rich, fatty tuna
• Don’t pile it on your sushi — that’s what the wasabi is for

6. Sharing Sushi — The Art of Togetherness

Sushi is even better when shared with friends and family. But sharing comes with its own etiquette to keep things hygienic and enjoyable for everyone.

The Sharing Guidelines:

• Use serving utensils: Chopsticks, tongs, or the reverse end of your personal chopsticks
• Respect dietary preferences: Keep veg, vegan, and seafood separate when needed
• Pass plates properly: Never pass food directly from chopstick to chopstick (this resembles a funeral ritual)
• Order thoughtfully: When ordering from Sushimen, consider variety — get a mix of rolls, nigiri, and sashimi so everyone can explore

7. Freshness, Sustainability & Why It All Matters

Not all sushi is created equal. At Sushimen Bangalore, we’re obsessive about three things: freshness, sustainability, and discipline.

What Makes Sushimen Different:

• Sustainable sourcing: We partner with responsible suppliers who respect ocean ecosystems
• Strict temperature control: From the moment fish arrives to the second it reaches your plate
• Daily preparation: Everything is made fresh — no shortcuts, no compromises
• Transparent practices: We’re happy to share where our ingredients come from

When you choose Sushimen, you’re not just eating sushi — you’re supporting craft, sustainability, and a team that genuinely cares about every single piece that leaves the kitchen.

Bonus Tips: Elevate Your Sushi Experience

Eat in Order (If You Want):

Traditionally, sushi is enjoyed from lightest to richest flavors — start with white fish, move to salmon, and finish with tuna or eel. But honestly? Eat what you love, when you love it.

One Bite Is Best:

Sushi is designed to be eaten in one bite. This lets all the flavors combine perfectly in your mouth. If a piece is too large, it’s okay to take two bites — but try to keep the ratio of fish to rice intact.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask:

Whether you’re dining in or ordering delivery, the Sushimen team is here to help. Not sure what to order? Ask for recommendations. Have dietary restrictions? We’ll guide you to the perfect selections.

Drink Pairings:

Green tea is traditional, but sake, beer, or even wine can complement sushi beautifully. Whatever helps you enjoy the experience!

Enjoy sushi the clean, calm, intentional way. 🍣✨