Sushi Etiquette 101: How to Use Chopsticks and the DOs and DON’Ts at the Sushi Table
For many people, their first time eating sushi in Miami feels exciting—but also a little…
daunting? Let’s talk about that mini panic attack we get when the chopsticks arrive.
Suddenly, you’re not sure whether you’re handling them correctly or if you should enroll
in some fine motor skills webinar.
But, fear not! At KONG Coral Gables, we love welcoming both sushi experts and
beginners alike. That’s why we’ve put together this quick little guide to sushi etiquette,
so you can focus on what matters, devouring—I mean—enjoying your meal.
All things Chopsticks
Behold the fine art of using chopsticks:
- Do: Hold the top stick like a pencil and move only that one. The bottom stick
should remain still. - Don’t: Rub disposable chopsticks together. Yeah, I know we do that for safety
reasons, but it can be seen as rude, as if you’re suggesting they’re poorly made.
So, we can go for it discreetly. - Pro tip: Start out with larger bites, like tempura or a sushi roll, and then move to
more delicate pieces like nigiri.
If you can’t get the hang of it, no biggie. At KONG, we’ll gladly bring you a fork—hey, life
is hard as it is, what matters is devouring—I’m sorry, my cat keeps doing that—enjoying
sushi in Miami stress-free.
The DOs and DON’Ts at a Sushi Table
So, you’ve already mastered chopsticks, it’s time to focus on the DO’s and DON’Ts.
Believe it or not, there are some common mistakes we all make at the sushi table:
- DO: Eat nigiri in one bite, sushi is designed for balance.
- DO: Use pickled ginger (gari) between bites to cleanse your palate.
- DON’T: Overload rolls with soy sauce. A light dip, fish-side down, is all you need.
- DON’T: Mix wasabi into soy sauce as it masks the flavor. Instead, dab a little on
top if you like spice.
Sushi Culture in Miami
Sushi culture in Miami has taken on a life of its own. Keep in mind Miami is one of the
most diverse cities. So here, sushi is ordered for both casual, or smart occasions:
business lunch in Downtown Miami or Brickell, date nights in Miami Beach or
Wynwood, or family dinners in Coral Gables.
At KONG, we’ve seen tourists discover sushi for the first time and locals teaching
friends how to hold chopsticks. It’s not just food, it’s an experience that brings people
together.
Why Etiquette Matters
It’s always fun to learn the basics of sushi etiquette, especially if it means stuffing your
face—sorry, it happened again—enjoying sushi as part of the practice. You can start out
with playful fusion rolls like the Sushi Pizza or PataKONG and move onto delicate nigiri
whe you feel more confident.
So whether you’re searching for “sushi lunch near me”, looking for the best
Japanese restaurants Miami, or just curious about how to use chopsticks, remember:
at KONG Coral Gables, sushi is for everyone and for all occasions.
