TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Five common mistakes Indonesians make when eating Japanese food
Despite Japanese cuisine’s popularity, only a few people are familiar with the Japanese dining etiquette.
Change Size
It is a common view to see the local diners put wasabi and shichimi (Japanese spice mixture) into soy sauce and mix it together. (Shutterstock/File)
J
apanese food is among the most popular international cuisines in Indonesia. Finding Japanese restaurant in Indonesia's major cities is as easy as counting 1-2-3.
However, despite Japanese cuisine’s popularity, only a few people are familiar with the Japanese dining etiquette.
Here are the five common mistakes local food enthusiasts usually do when eating Japanese food.
Putting wasabi into soy sauce
Local food enthusiasts are guilty of this. It is a common view to see local diners put wasabi and shichimi (Japanese spice mixture) into soy sauce and mix it together.
Reader’s Digest reports that this habit is considered incorrect way of eating wasabi. One should dip the sushi or nigiri into soy sauce and smear the wasabi directly onto the sushi.
Read also: Words you have to know before enjoying Japanese cuisine
Rubbing chopsticks together
For some people, rubbing chopsticks together is a way to remove splinter in the wood.
Unfortunately, this is not recommended when eating Japanese food. Sushisamba regional corporate chef John Um said the habit could be considered as an insult, implying that the restaurant’s chopsticks come with poor quality. Hence, if there is a splinter in the wood, simply ask for a new pair of chopsticks.
Passing food with chopsticks
Sharing is caring, but, when it comes to Japanese dining rules, it should not involve your chopstick.
Passing food with chopsticks bear a resemblance to the Japanese ritual of passing cremated bones between chopsticks at a funeral. Those wanting to share the food are suggested to place it on a small plate and pass the plate.
Read also: Japanese-Peruvian fusion takes Jakarta fine dining to new heights
Putting pickled ginger on sushi
Indonesians love pickles. In a local tradition, it is acceptable to eat pickle with the meal.
However, pickled ginger is not meant to be eaten together with sushi as it designs to cleanse the palate. Instead of putting pickled ginger on sushi, it is suggested to eat it between bites as it helps to prepare your palates for the upcoming dish.
Eating food based on preferences
There is a tendency to eat the food based on what you like. Though it is acceptable for some people, it does not apply to sushi.
To enjoy the Japanese staple, one should eat in order, starting from the light-colored and progressing to the dark-colored fish. This eating method is said to help you to appreciate the flavors of each type of fish. (kes)
