Nature's Fish Tank Toyama Bay Sushi

Nature's Fish Tank Toyama Bay Sushi

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Sushi Shop Fundamental Knowledge

What is this? Sushi Basics

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is derived primarily from soy beans which have been processed through brewing and fermentation, and has become a fundamental seasoning in Japanese cuisine.Containing a potent aroma and flavor, it rapidly improves the taste of sushi by eliminating the smell of the raw fish.
Soy sauce in sushi shops is sometimes referred to as “Murasaki”.

Gari (Pickled Ginger)

Gari is ginger which has been thinly sliced and soaked in sweet vinegar.With its crisp texture and refreshing salty, sweet, and sour flavor; it is an essential garnish to sushi.When tasting various types of sushi toppings, it functions to cleanse and refresh the pallet.

O-cha (Tea)

Hot tea is served in order to remove the remaining smell of the fish and fat, removing the taste after eating, and to better taste the following sushi topping.Tea which is served in Sushi shops is sometimes referred to as “Agari”.

What is this? Types of Sushi

Vinegared rice

Vinegar is a type of liquid seasoning made from fermented grains and fruits. Due to its exceeding compatibility with nigiri-zushi, vinegared rice which is a combination of cooked rice and sushi vinegar can be seen spread throughout the history of sushi within Japan.
Vinegared rice is occasionally referred to as “Shari” in sushi shops.

Wasabi

Wasabi is a type of plant originating from Japan which was once valued as a medicinal plant in ancient times.Its strong, pungent, and stimulating smell and taste which reach the nose are an essential flavoring to various Japanese dishes such as sushi, sashimi, and soba (buckwheat noodles).Sometimes the word “wasabi” in sushi shops is shortened to “sabi”. Nigiri-zushi which does not contain wasabi is called “sabinuki”.

Nori

Nori is a type of food derived from processed seaweed.Toasted seaweed is used for sushi rolls.There are various types of sushi such as Futomaki and Hosomaki rolls which are rolled using a bamboo mat, Temakizushi which is rolled by hand, Gunkanmaki which consist of fillings like salmon roe and small shrimp which can easily fall apart.

Types of Seating

  • Counter Seating

    When sitting at the counter, you can order while seeing the chef at work first-hand and viewing the day’s selection.
    Recommended for parties of 1 to 2, or 3 persons.

  • Raised Tatami-Floored Seating

    Raised Tatami-Floored Seating is table seating with tatami mats which are located near the counter.
    Recommended for parties of 2 or more people.

  • Tatami Room

    The Tatami Room allows you to relax while enjoying your meal in the privacy of your own room.
    Recommended for parties of 3 or more people.

How to Order

  • Ordering from the menu

    Normally, the shop’s menu is displayed inside the shop.

  • Ordering Sushi from the Display Case

    When sitting at the counter, it is possible to order sushi from the display case in front of you.

  • Ordering Recommendations

    You can entrust your order to the shopkeeper, and enjoy delicious seasonal sushi.

Proper Ways to Eat Sushi

Eating with your hands

  1. Place the sushi on its side and lightly hold the sushi with your thumb and index finger.
  2. Lightly dip the sushi into your soy sauce. Please be careful to not use too much soy sauce.
  3. With the sushi topping face down, place the sushi into your mouth.

Eating with chopsticks

  1. Carefully place the sushi on its side using your chopsticks.
  2. Using the chopsticks, grip the now sideways sushi.
  3. Lightly dip the sushi topping into your soy sauce, and put the sushi into your mouth. As there is a chance of the sushi falling apart, please be careful.

Quick Japanese Lesson

When you would lie to order Toyama Bay sushi.

"Toyama wan zushi wo onegai shimasu."

When you would like to ask about the toppings on your Toyama Bay sushi.

"Toyama wan zushi no sushi neta wa nan desuka."

When you would like to ask to switch a sushi topping you do not like for a different one.

"xx wo betsu no neta ni kaete kudasai."

When you would like to order one piece of sushi.

"xx wo ikkan kudasai."

When you would like to ask for no wasabi.

"Wasabi wo nuite kudasai."

When you would like to ask for the check.

"Okanjyo wo onegai shimasu."

Sushi Q&A

Q1. Do I have to eat sushi with chopsticks?

No,you can eat sushi with chopsticks or with your hands.

Q2. Is there a correct way to dip sushi in soy sauce?

You should generally put soy sauce on the topping side of the sushi.
However, this is not practical for some rolls such as salmon roe and sea urchin.Inthese cases, you should dip on the side or on the rice.
Also, sushi such as anago(eel) is already served with sauce, so you do not need to use soy sauce for these.

Q3. What is the gari(pickled ginger) for?

Gari is thinly sliced ginger flavored with sweet vinegar, and is able to freshen up your mouth.