Sushi began as a method of preserving fish. In the 18th Century, a chef named Yohei eliminated the fermentation process and served something which resembles the sushi eaten today.

What Is Sushi?

Fresh, clean raw fish was pressed between layers of salt and rice, with a stone placed on top for weight. The stone was eventually replaced with a cover.  After storing for a few months, the fish was ready to eat.

Sushi is NOT raw fish, but today refers to vinegared rice used in making sushi.  This should not be confused with Sashimi, which is the raw fish.

Nigiri sushi is fresh, delicate pieces of sashimi pressed on top of vinegared rice.  Nigiri sushi means squeezed sushi and was originally a specialty from Tokyo.  It was actually called Edo-mae, meaning in front of Tokyo (Edo is the old name for Tokyo) because the fresh fish came directly from the fish market at Tokyo Bay. 

How To Order

Most experienced sushi lovers, referred to as sushi-tsu (tsu in Japanese means an expert at something) will begin with a selection of sashimi.

Not only does this let the chef show off his best and freshest fish, but shows respect to the chef when you let him present you with his choices.  

When sitting at the sushi bar, just tell the chef what you want. In the U.S. this can usually be done in English.  Most places will have little table tent cards with both the English and Japanese.  In the U.S. do not be surprised to find that some of the people behind the bar do not speak Japanese.

Etiquette

Sashimi is eaten with chopsticks, never fingers. Sashimi is dipped in a small dish with soy sauce and wasabi (Japanese horseradish), to taste.  Wasabi is powerful stuff, and is great when you have a cold or stuffy nose!

Sushi is a finger food, particularly nigiri sushi.  Don't try to       demonstrate your chopsticks skills here.  Pick up the sushi in your fingers, turn it over so that you lightly dip the fish, NOT the rice, in the soy sauce.  Do not bite off a piece and put the remainder back on the plate.  If, however, you are eating at a restaurant that does not understand sushi is supposed to be bite size, you may have no choice.

You will also receive a new small dish for soy sauce.  Do not add wasabi to the dish, as it has already been placed on the fish by the chef.  If you like it extremely hot, ask the chef for extra wasabi when ordering.