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Sushi University seeks to educate patrons on Japanese food
Omakase -- the Japanese equivalent of a Western tasting menu, in which diners are served whatever the chefs create -- are often considered a daunting experience by English speaking visitors to Japan.
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If you’ve always been squeamish about the idea of eating eel, squid or anything else, or you have a food allergy, special requests can be made in advance. (Shutterstock/File)
O
makase -- the Japanese equivalent of a Western tasting menu, in which diners are served whatever the chefs create -- are often considered a daunting experience by English speaking visitors to Japan. Japanese sushi chefs rarely speak English, which creates confusion between chef and guest.
Thanks to “Sushi University”, a newly launched program in Tokyo headed by English-speaking guides, this will no longer be an issue.
According to AFP, these guides serve as the bridge between the diners and the chefs and are there to help teach guests about the dos and don'ts of omakase dining. Guests are picked up from their hotel in a shuttle and then are taken to the restaurant by their guides.
Read also: A sushi master’s five simple rules for not embarrassing yourself
Once at the restaurant, guides translate a quick lecture delivered by the chef regarding the history and philosophy of the cuisine, as well as the menu of the day. The chef can also answer guest’s questions, provided that the chef is not currently slicing the fish or molding the sushi rice as this is considered to be in bad taste – something else taught while on the tour.
If you’ve always been squeamish about the idea of eating eel, squid or anything else, or you have a food allergy, special requests can be made in advance.
Prices range between US$88 to $265, depending on the type of tour chosen.
Tours in other languages will be available soon, including German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, simplified Chinese, Korean and Thai. (sul/kes)
