Sushi is more than just a meal—it's a culinary art form with centuries of tradition. Whether you're dining at a high-end omakase counter in Amsterdam or enjoying a casual night out, knowing how to eat sushi properly enhances both your enjoyment and respect for the craft. This step-by-step guide covers everything from chopstick etiquette to the correct way to dip nigiri in soy sauce. For more context on Japanese dining culture, read our complete guide to Japanese dining in Amsterdam.
1. Choose Your Setting: Omakase vs. À La Carte
The proper way to eat sushi can depend on the setting. In a traditional omakase experience, the chef selects and serves each piece, guiding you through the meal. For a detailed explanation of this format, see our article on omakase vs. kaiseki. In contrast, à la carte dining allows you to order individual pieces. In Amsterdam, many top restaurants offer both options.
2. Prepare Your Hands and Chopsticks
Hands vs. Chopsticks
It is perfectly acceptable to eat sushi with your hands, especially nigiri. In fact, many sushi purists prefer this method as it allows you to feel the texture and temperature of the fish. However, if you choose chopsticks, use them correctly. Hold them near the top, not the middle, and avoid crossing them. Never stick chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice—this resembles a funeral ritual.
Chopstick Etiquette
- Do not rub chopsticks together—this implies they are cheap and splintery.
- Do not pass food from chopstick to chopstick—this is associated with funeral rites.
- Use the opposite end of your chopsticks to take food from shared plates.
3. Dipping in Soy Sauce: The Correct Technique
One of the most common mistakes is drowning sushi in soy sauce. For nigiri, dip the fish side—not the rice—into the soy sauce. The rice is porous and will absorb too much sauce, making the sushi overly salty and causing it to fall apart. A light dip is sufficient. For maki (rolls), dip the nori (seaweed) side briefly. If you are using a sushi plate with a built-in soy sauce well, pour a small amount—never more than you need. In Amsterdam, many restaurants offer low-sodium soy sauce upon request.
4. The Role of Wasabi and Ginger
Wasabi is meant to enhance the flavor of the fish, not overpower it. Traditionally, the chef applies a small amount between the fish and rice. If you want extra wasabi, use your chopsticks to place a tiny bit on top of the fish—do not mix it into the soy sauce. Pickled ginger (gari) is a palate cleanser, not a topping. Eat a slice between different types of sushi to refresh your taste buds. Avoid eating ginger with the sushi itself.
5. The Proper Order of Eating Sushi
Chefs design omakase menus to follow a specific progression, usually starting with light, white fish and moving toward richer, fattier fish. If ordering à la carte, a general rule is to eat in this order:
- White fish (e.g., sea bass, flounder) — delicate flavor.
- Silver-skinned fish (e.g., mackerel, sardine) — stronger flavor.
- Red fish (e.g., tuna, salmon) — moderate richness.
- Fatty fish (e.g., otoro, salmon belly) — rich and buttery.
- Eel or tamago (egg omelette) — sweet finish.
For more on omakase etiquette, check out our omakase etiquette tips.
6. Eating Different Types of Sushi
Nigiri
Nigiri is a hand-formed mound of rice topped with fish. Pick it up with your fingers or chopsticks, dip the fish side lightly in soy sauce, and eat it in one bite. Do not bite it in half—this is considered messy and disrespectful to the chef's craftsmanship.
Maki (Rolls)
Maki are cylindrical rolls wrapped in nori. Dip the nori side into soy sauce. If the roll is large, it's acceptable to eat it in two bites, but try to finish it quickly to maintain the crispness of the seaweed. In Amsterdam, many restaurants serve maki with a variety of fillings—from classic cucumber to spicy tuna.
Sashimi
Sashimi is raw fish served without rice. Dip it lightly in soy sauce, and optionally add a touch of wasabi. Eat sashimi with chopsticks—using hands is uncommon. The slices should be eaten in one bite if possible.
Temaki (Hand Rolls)
Temaki are cone-shaped hand rolls. Eat them immediately after they are served, as the nori will quickly become soggy. Hold the cone with your hand and bite from the top. Do not dip the cone into soy sauce—instead, dip the fish side if needed.
7. Drinking and Sushi
Green tea (ocha) is the traditional beverage, but sake or beer are common pairings. If drinking sake, it is polite to pour for others and let them pour for you. In Amsterdam, many sushi restaurants also offer a selection of Japanese whiskies. Avoid drinking heavy red wines, as they can overpower the delicate flavors of the fish.
8. Paying the Bill and Tipping
In Japan, tipping is not customary, but in Amsterdam, a service charge is usually included. If you receive exceptional service, leaving a small tip (5-10%) is appreciated but not expected. At omakase counters, you may offer to buy the chef a drink as a gesture of gratitude, but check the restaurant's policy first.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing wasabi into soy sauce — this is considered unsophisticated.
- Eating sushi with a fork — unless you have difficulty with chopsticks.
- Leaving rice in the soy sauce dish — it can make the sauce cloudy.
- Ordering too much at once — sushi is best eaten fresh.
For those looking to try making sushi at home, our guide on where to buy sushi-grade fish in Amsterdam can help you source quality ingredients.
Conclusion
Eating sushi properly is about respect—for the ingredients, the chef, and the tradition. By following these steps, you'll enhance your dining experience and show appreciation for one of Japan's most iconic cuisines. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned enthusiast, practicing proper etiquette ensures you get the most out of every bite.
Related Articles
- The Complete Guide to Japanese Dining in Amsterdam
- Best Omakase in Amsterdam
- Omakase Etiquette Tips
- Where to Buy Sushi-Grade Fish in Amsterdam
- Best Sushi Restaurants in Amsterdam