The Adult Way of Eating Sushi😆 - Save Sushi for Last!

Kei Narujima tweets about "The adult way of eating sushi."

Do you know the "adult" way of eating sushi at non-kaiten (i.e., non-conveyor belt) sushi restaurants?

In Japan, younger people often say that someday, they want to eat sushi in the "adult" way, meaning going to a traditional (again non-kaiten) sushi restaurant and eating sushi LAST...

You may not understand why you can't eat sushi until last at sushi restaurants, but this is because at traditional sushi restaurants, adults are supposed to enjoy otsumami* first with cold or hot sake (or wine these days) before eating the main course, i.e., sushi. Because of the increasing popularity of kaiten or conveyor-belt sushi restaurants, now, people don't care much about this "ADULT" way or "save the best part for last" rule when eating sushi, but the rule still holds in Japan, especially among middle-aged and elderly men.

* Otsumami are appetizers and small plates, e.g., pickles, salad, and any dishes in a small portion.

A guy went to a traditional sushi restaurant in Tokyo. He was seated at the counter, greeted by a chef, and asked what he would have. Counter seats at sushi restaurants are special. They're for adults. You can see chefs making sushi and ask them about seasonal fish. Counter seats are the place for adults who can enjoy not only eating but also seeing the process of sushi making and conversation with chefs. And that's why, usually, at such sushi restaurants, a chef is in charge of a couple of customers in front of him across the counter to take care of them, i.e., taking orders from, making sushi for, and having chats with, them.

The guy, however, ordered beer and a sushi set (i.e., a dozen pieces of nigiri sushi and miso soup). The chef made sushi, served them to him, and was gone leaving him alone. Obviously the chef assumed that he'd done his job because the guy had already ordered sushi...    

The chef was wrong, however, because that was just the beginning for the guy. After finishing the beer and sushi, he asked for another round, i.e., this time highball, sake, sashimi, tempura, and another sushi set, and then another and another.... until the chef realized that the customer didn't know or care the "eat sushi last" rule and that he had a big appetite!!!   

So, if you have a chance to come to Japan and eat at a non-kaiten sushi restaurant, and you want to be thought a real ADULT, why not try the "save sushi for last" rule! Of course, if you want to eat sushi from the beginning, do as you like😆! 

By the way, the guy, who's not an adult when eating sushi (and also at other times), is my husband....😂😅 He's now one of the chef's most valued customers.

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