Categories
Drinking Etiquette

When You’re Drinking…

Drinking alcohol with others is common, whether it be amongst friends, family, or colleagues.

There aren’t many rules to follow. Just remember to always pour for each other, and never pour for yourself. Keep an eye on others’ glasses to make sure their drinks are always topped up. And before you drink your first drop, make sure you raise your glass for a salute at the same time as the others, saying “kampai”. Normally, you should wait until others of higher status, such as your boss or an elder, drink their first drop. Then, you can drink yours.

Categories
Dining Etiquette

When You’re Eating…

Traditionally, the Japanese eat at a low table and sit on the floor. It is good etiquette to sit with your legs folded under you, but it is hard on the knees! You can also sit cross legged, but in either case, always keep your back straight in good posture! One should never crouch over the table.

Before eating, you say “itadakimasu”, which means “I gratefully receive”.

You will notice that Japanese style chopsticks are made from bamboo, and are tapered to a point at the end. They can be lacquered or not, smooth or slightly textured.

Categories
General Glossary of Terms Glossary of Terms for Cooking Implements

Japanese Cooking Implements

Asian food ingredients and cutting board top view

Here is a glossary of terms for cooking implements in the Japanese kitchen.

Categories
Sushi Bar Etiquette

Sushi Bar Etiquette

cafe restaurant japanese style and sushi bar interior with chef and customers blur background

As you enter the sushi bar, or any restaurant for that matter, the employees will greet you with “irrashaimase”, meaning welcome.

When you’re seated, you will receive a moistened towel, normally hot, to wipe your hands with.

From the server, you may order everything except sushi and sashimi. That’s reserved for the chef at the sushi bar.

Categories
Glossary of Terms for Seafood General Glossary of Terms

Glossary of Terms For Seafood

Here are all the terms you need for seafood!

Categories
Glossary of Terms For Sushi Types

Glossary of Terms For Sushi Types

many tasty fresh japanese sushi with white rise red tuna caviar orange shrimp

You can also check out the Glossary of terms for Seafood to say the type of sushi or sashimi you’d like. For example, you can say “ebi nigiri”, and you’ll get a ball of rice with shrimp. Or say “hamachi maki” and you’ll get a sushi roll with yellowtail in the centre. Or simply say “toro sashimi” for pieces of fatty tuna belly, on their own (with no rice).

Categories
General Glossary of Terms

General Glossary of Terms

Here is a list of all the terms you need to know for Japanese food! Please look at the bottom for Japanese cutting technique terms, and how to do them!