One of the most well-known and popular Japanese foods is sushi. In Japan, you’re more than likely never to be hard pressed to find a place where you can enjoy sushi. In my opinion, many of the sushi places in Japan are great, even the affordable ones. There are many places where you can get the standard sushi that you were know and love, the kind that tastes just how you’d expect it to. But are all sushi created equal? I mean sushi is sushi right? Just raw fish on some rice?

In Japan, sushi is taken very seriously. Almost like pizza in Italy, sushi is considered an art form. You’re not as likely to come across the Westernized style of sushi, filled with cream cheese and the like. Sushi connoisseurs, if you will, can taste the difference between good sushi and great sushi, not just the low-end and the high-end. So all sushi is not necessary the same, and even between the same nigiri, there can be many differences in preparation that makes it taste completely different.

So what makes “great sushi” so great? One of the more obvious differences between sushi is the quality of the fish. The freshness is one of the major factors that makes a difference in how sushi tastes. Some of the most famed sushi chefs in Japan are said to go everyday to the local fish market like Tsukiji Fish Market to pick up the days seafood.

There are also small details with the fish and seafood that are said to make a big difference in taste. One of the details is where the fish is cut from. Different parts of the same fish can be fattier and hold different flavor than others. The thickness of the slice, the temperature of the fish, and the way in its eaten can all contribute into how your sushi will taste.

Another major component of sushi is the rice. And you’d be surprised by just how much rice can make a difference in sushi. The way that the rice is molded and shaped is said to be of utmost importance. Food critics look for the perfect consistency when biting into their sushi nigiri, and the rice is said to need to be firm but not dense. The seasoning of the rice including its acidity makes a difference as well. It has also been said that the sushi pieces that are meant to be eaten with wasabi will be served with wasabi between the rice and the fish, but this also depends on the establishment and the chef.

So what can you do to really ensure you’re tasting the best sushi? We’re all for enjoying your food the way you want to enjoy it. But sushi chefs do claim eating sushi a certain way, the “correct way” if you will, enhances the sushi eating experience all the more. For one, sushi chefs have said that eating sushi the way they serve it is the best way.

Some places will even sauce or season the fish/sushi before serving it to you, and it’s meant to be eaten just as it’s served. Some chefs even take great offense to you adding additional soy sauce, and will let you know beforehand if they would like you to eat it a certain way. Sushi is also said to be eaten in one bite, and if you are to add soy sauce, you’re only supposed to dip the fish and not the rice.

Another important factor is choosing where to sit at your sushi establishment. Choosing between sitting at the bar counter and sitting at a table can affect the way your sushi tastes. This is because the temperature changes in that short amount of time it takes to serve sushi to a table from the counter. It’s said that sushi should be eaten as soon as the chef places the sushi in front of you, approximately 15 seconds, or the temperature will affect the rice and the bite of the fish. If you order omakase, this means that you leave it up to the chef to decide what to serve you. With omakase, generally you must sit at the counter because the chef serves you sushi in courses, one after the other. This way tends to be the priciest option, but you’re also relying on the expert to choose your meal and the order of the sushi you eat. This ensures that you’ll get the best sushi experience, so long as you’re open-minded about what you are served.

For those interested in trying the best sushi, there are many high-end sushi restaurants all over Japan. In fact, Japan might arguably be the best spot for sushi. Some places are better known than other, but that is not to discount the lesser known sushi spots that are true hidden gems. Let JapanCierge help you to reserve the perfect sushi spot for you and experience great sushi.