Finding Differences in Sushi, Japan versus America.
While international cuisines in the U.S. continues to become increasingly authentic because of immigrants and travel, there are still differences in cuisines from the homeland and restaurants in the states. That is certainly true for Japanese cuisine which is one of the most popular cuisines in America. And, sushi is the most sought-after within Japanese cuisine. So here are the differences when it comes to sushi in Japan versus America:
Sushi in Japan
As opposed to other international cuisines, Japanese cuisine is single-theme focused which means each eating establishment only offers that one theme, such as sushi bars, tempura bars, ramen shops, yakitori joints, and so on.
There is a range of sushi establishments in the country from fine dining sushi bars to budget conveyor belt shops. For the most part, sushi in Japan means going to the sushi bar where you sit at the counter and interactive with the sushi chef.
While there may be a list of fish, there is typically no menu as customers ask the chef what is fresh and recommended for that particular day. At sushi bars, expect to eat sashimi, nigiri, or handrolls – and never multi-ingredient sushi rolls. In Japan, sushi means tasting the subtle, well-balanced flavors and enjoying the freshness and purity of that one particular raw fish or seafood.
Sushi in America
In the U.S., Japanese cuisine has become as mainstream as going out for pizza and burgers. For most, Japanese food is synonymous with sushi.
Like in Japan, the U.S. has a range of sushi budgets from expensive omakase experiences to cheap sushi neighborhood restaurants. While the more expensive experiences at sushi bars are more like the sushi experience in Japan, sushi in America has evolved to become its own Japanese-American cuisine because of the creation of sushi rolls.
Universal Sushi Etiquette
While Japan may seemingly have more “sushi rules” than in the U.S., there is a universal sushi etiquette for a tastier experience.
– Do not mix the wasabi into the soy sauce. That will actually weaken the strength of wasabi which makes you add more and more. Place a tiny dab of wasabi on each bite of sushi and then dip that bite into the soy sauce.
– Don’t dunk the whole bite into the soy sauce. Gently dab a corner of the sushi into the soy sauce so the sauce does not overpower the flavor of the sushi.
– The pickled ginger is a palate cleanser. Don’t place the ginger on top of the piece of sushi. Instead, have a slice on its own after each bite of sushi to refresh your palate for the next bite.
– If you are cutting carbs, order sashimi so you don’t waste the sushi rice.
Breaking Down the Differences Between Sushi, Japan versus America
Restaurant vs Bar
In Japan, sushi is served at a sushi bar where you still in front of the sushi chef. Some places will have tables for bigger groups – these typically serve families and tourists who want to sit at tables.
In the U.S., sushi is usually a restaurant full of tables rather than an intimate sushi bar. In major cities and food-focused cities, you may find proper sushi bars with Japanese chefs who immigrated to the U.S.
There are exceptions in which budget-friendly sushi in Japan and in the U.S. can also be found in conveyor belt restaurants and found in supermarkets in ready-to-eat packaging.
Sushi Chef
In Japan, sushi chefs are masters of their profession. They apprentice when they are young and make it their lifelong profession. The role of a sushi chef is not only to make delicious sushi, but also to interact with their guests. They are much like a bartender in which they converse and get to know what their customers want. Don’t be intimidated as the better sushi chefs are friendly so long as you are also friendly and respectful.
In the U.S., sushi chefs are merely there for the job and not for a lifelong mastery of the profession. You will likely see them busy behind the sushi counter, but most customers will usually opt for a table than to dine at the sushi bar.
Menu & Ordering
In Japan, sushi bars will typically not have a menu. If they do, they are in English with the sushi available to order. Rather than using a menu, you will have a conversation with the sushi chef in which you can order what’s fresh for the day.
And, when you do order, choose one to a few pieces at a time rather than a whole platter of sushi all at once. This is not only for a more leisurely way of eating but also because the rice dries out and the fish oxidizes once it is placed in front. By enjoying one piece at a time, you have each bite as its optimal moment.
In the U.S., the menus are overwhelmingly extensive. It’s more about what’s on the menu than what is fresh for the day. And as opposed to ordering a few pieces at a time, you will likely order everything at once for a feast on the table.
Sushi Rolls
Sushi rolls as we know them today are an American creation from the 1960s. This is also around the time when rice was rolled on the outside to appeal to customers who did not like the taste of nori.
In Japan, sushi rolls are always only made with the nori on the outside. These are typically known as hosomaki or temaki with only one ingredient rolled in, such as a raw fish or pickled vegetable. Rolls, such as futomaki, are typically not made in restaurants and rather they are sold in supermarkets and train stations for bento boxes.
In the U.S., sushi rolls are packed in with a variety of fish, veggies, fruits, and strong bold sauces that are sweet or spicy or both. In Japan, you will never find sushi rolls that are fried, spicy, or filled with avocado.
The size of the bites is another cultural difference. For the Japanese, the bites are smaller whereas, in the states, the bites are massive. There has even been a trend in the U.S. for sushi in the form of a burrito, the sushiritto.
Side Dishes/Cooked Food
In Japan, sushi bars offer miso soup if you want something hot. If you want more than that, plan to go to another place after you satisfy your sushi craving. For instance, you can hop to a nearby ramen shop or izakaya joint.
In the U.S., sushi restaurants offer a whole range of Japanese cuisine in one extensive menu. You can have tempura, teriyaki, rice bowls, and way too much more.
Wasabi
In Japan, wasabi is already added onto your sushi so you do not need to add more. In fact, the amount of wasabi is added according to the type of fish.
In the U.S., wasabi is often mixed into the soy sauce to form a spicy paste. Wasabi and soy sauce mixed together actually weakens the strength of the zesty spice. So do not mix it together. Place a dab of wasabi onto your bite, pick up the bite of sushi, and dab it gently into the soy sauce.
Read more about Sushi:
A Timeline and Brief History of Sushi
Sushi: Japan versus America – What’s the Difference
Sushi Roll History: The Evolution of the Sushi Roll in America
Sushi Rice Bowls – What’s the Difference?
Breakfast Sushi: Best Way to Start the Day
How to Create a Sushi Night at Home
Easiest Spicy Sushi Roll Recipe
Comparing Tokyo Station’s 2 Standing Sushi Locations
Best Affordable Sushi in Tokyo: Standing Sushi Bar
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