How to eat sushi without overthinking it
If you’ve ever sat in front of a sushi plate wondering “Am I doing this right?”, you’re not alone.
In fact, many people ask themselves the same things:
Should you use chopsticks or your hands?
Is it okay to dip the rice in soy sauce?
Do you eat sushi in a specific order?
These questions are more common than people admit — especially for those who didn’t grow up eating Japanese food. But here’s the honest truth: Sushi was never meant to feel intimidating.
About those “rules” everyone talks about
Yes, sushi has traditions. However, they exist to highlight flavour, balance, and technique — not to make anyone feel uncomfortable.
For example:
Eating nigiri: Using your hands is traditional, but chopsticks are just as fine.
Soy sauce: Ideally, it is meant to touch the fish, not soak the rice — but taste always comes first.
Ginger: It serves as a palate cleanser, not a topping — unless you really like it that way.
Basically, none of these are strict rules. They’re simply guidelines passed down through culture and practice.
About Pairing
Traditionally, sushi is often paired with green tea, but not because it’s a strict rule. It’s simply a combination many people enjoy — the warmth of the tea, the clean finish, and the way it lets flavours breathe.
On the other hand, some prefer something lighter, while others prefer nothing at all. Ultimately, when it comes to pairing, there’s no right or wrong — only what feels good to you.
What truly matters
At its heart, Japanese food culture isn’t about perfection. It’s about attention, respect, and enjoyment.
Respect for ingredients;
Attention to the moment;
And enjoyment — always enjoyment.
At the table, there’s no exam to pass. No right way to prove. Just food meant to be appreciated at your own pace, in your own way.
So, whether you follow tradition closely or simply eat what feels good — you’re doing it right!
And if you ever feel unsure? Relax. Take a bite. Enjoy the moment.
That’s the spirit we believe in at Izakaya Midori.
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