- 3 min read

Good Sushi Or Better Sushi?

Five things to pay attention to when eating sushi

My introduction to sushi was at my university canteen. Every week I would buy a small sushi lunch box filled with salmon, tuna, and other such exoticisms. I loved it. Soon after, I moved to Japan and things began to change. On my first trip back home, I once again bought one of those sushi lunch boxes. I hated it.

It sounds elitist, I'm sure, but there is a difference between that sushi and good sushi. Even now, after all these years, I'm discovering that the sushi I used to think was good was just a stepping stone to even better sushi.

Still, if you are enjoying eating it, then the sushi in front of you is good enough quality. Don't let snobs like me get in your way. In saying that, though, your appreciation of sushi is growing if you notice these five things:

1. The rice itself starts to take on more importance Sushi is vinegared rice. The toppings may be the showpiece but the rice is where it's at. If you notice any hardness, coldness or mushiness, take note. You may still enjoy it but probably not for much longer.

2. The size of your sushi starts to concern you less and less If you expect your meals to fill your belly until you are bloated, remember the old Japanese saying, 'hara hachi bun' - eat until you are 80% full. Quantity is different to quality.

3. You start to wonder why there are other foods being offered at the sushi restaurant Like most everything else, the better something is, the more attention it has probably been given. The more attention your sushi has required, the more likely it is that you will not be offered the choice of hamburgers, noodles, or tempura.

4. Mayonnaise starts to get on your nerves Japanese sushi relies on drawing out the flavours intrinsic to its ingredients. Non-Japanese sushi seems to be based on the combinations of added flavours for taste. That's fine but do remember that Japanese cuisine is listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage...

5. The distinction between topping and rice starts decreasing (or increasing...) If you don't like your al dente pasta mixed with canned sauce or your fresh tomato-based sauce covering soggy pasta, then you will understand. Harmony becomes more and more important to you.

Don’t be afraid of becoming a sushi snob. Consider it a badge of honour and it may not be long before you will start to enjoy and appreciate its many subtleties.

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Kim 3 years ago
I like that concept of eating until you're 80% full!
Sleiman Azizi Author 3 years ago
Everything in moderation, right?
Elizabeth S 5 years ago
Everything you say! Properly seasoned rice is essential to set off the flavors of the fish and shellfish. I go to sushi shops to enjoy the skill of the person who prepared the rice just right, and sliced the select cuts of fish. The novelties like tempura and hamburg are merely there to amuse kids and sushi rookies.
Sleiman Azizi Author 3 years ago
It becomes a natural progression. The more you learn, the more you notice and vice versa.

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