If you’ve never eaten sushi before, you may worry that your first visit to the sushi bar will be a bit intimidating. Yet, there’s nothing at all to fear about sushi, and in fact, trying new foods can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. To prepare for your first time, discover how to eat sushi in a way that’s both enjoyable and within proper etiquette, below.

5 Tips for Eating at a Sushi Bar for the First Time

1. Ask for Recommendations

If you’re a newbie, don’t hesitate to ask the staff or the people you’re dining with for recommendations. This allows will help to ensure your order aligns with your tastes, and you’ll also get to learn a bit about the different types of sushi in the process. Daily specials are also worth trying, as they may encompass limited-time offerings with unique flavor pairings.

2. Try a Beginner-Friendly Option

If you’re still unsure about the most beginner-friendly way to approach sushi, consider ordering maki, which is rice and finely sliced fish in seaweed. Other options preferred among first-timers include the tuna roll, the California roll, and the vegetarian cucumber roll. These all contain ingredients which are usually considered less exotic than some other menu options.

3. Don’t Distract the Chef

While it’s perfectly acceptable to ask the chef for suggestions, avoid distracting him completely from doing his job. The sushi chef will be happy to answer questions, but also has many orders to fulfill and is working with tools like sharp knives. If you have any specific requests that need to be fulfilled, reach out to another restaurant employee instead.

4. Eat With Your Hands

Traditionally, diners enjoy sushi rolls with their fingers. You’ll also be provided with towels to clean your fingers before and after eating sushi. Chopsticks, on the other hand, are commonly reserved for sashimi, which is a piece of seafood served without rice. If you do use chopsticks, keep them on the holder next to your plate when not in use.

5. Don’t Dip Wasabi in Soy Sauce

Soy sauce has a very strong flavor and is best enjoyed in moderation. One tip first-time sushi diners learn quickly is that wasabi shouldn’t be dipped directly into soy sauce. This can alter the wasabi’s flavor profile, and wasteful use of soy sauce is considered taboo. As an alternative, put wasabi on top of the fish. Then, dip just the fish into the soy sauce, if you choose. This will also prevent the soy sauce dish from collecting too much wasabi.

Whether you’re visiting Lahaina, HI or you’re a long-time resident, be sure to visit Kobe Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar for fresh, delicious sushi and Japanese food. Having served Maui for more than 20 years, this eatery features a sunken sushi bar where 95% of the menu items feature fish sourced from local anglers. Browse through their sushi menu online or call (808) 667-5555 to make a reservation.