From festive countdowns to champagne cheers, New Year’s is a global holiday that is full of many unique traditions. But what many are surprised to learn is that sushi is a dish commonly served dish to welcome in the New Year. If you’re looking to add a fun and delicious twist to your holiday celebration, here are a few cool facts to know about the tradition, where it comes from, and what popular catering options you may want to consider.

Where Does the Tradition Come From & Why?

Considered one of the most important holidays within Japanese culture, New Year’s is a time when members of the Japanese culture put the past year’s events behind them and begin the calendar again with a positive outlook.

To honor these values, celebrants have made it a practice to consume “osechi ryori,” or “Japanese New Year Food.” Served in a bento box style, osechi ryori dishes are varied and carry a unique meaning. For example, herring roe is consumed to symbolize fertility, while mochi — rice cake — is prepared with tangerine to welcome in many generations of future success.  Many participants now eat sushi rolls and sashimi — or strips of raw fish — as a token of good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

What Brought the Tradition to Hawaii?

The tradition arrived along with the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii at around 1885. As Japanese newcomers helped develop the islands, the practice of eating sushi and sashimi grew throughout local communities and across cultural lines. As a strong player in the global fish market, Hawaii offers access to incredible sushi and sashimi options to easily meet holiday catering demands.

What Sushi Should I Order for New Year’s?

If you’re looking for high-quality cuts of fish for your New Year’s catering, ahi tuna is one of the most popular options. Thick and delectable, this seafood delicacy jump-starts the palate to enjoy a year full of flavor. ebi, or shrimp, is also a popular option, as it symbolizes the promise of a long life. Apart from raw fish, there are also several other dishes that can be included in your meal to bring good fortune—including namasu — a pickled daikon and carrot salad — mochi, and zouni — a revitalizing rice cake soup.

Whether you’re hosting a small family gathering or throwing a big New Year’s bash, Natsuya Tea House can supply you with a diverse assortment of traditional sushi options, as well as namasu and mochi. With deep roots tied to Hawaiian history, this respected sushi bar and banquet hall has long been recognized as a leading catering company in the Honolulu, HI region. Known for supplying high-quality fish at affordable rates, you can count on this team to deliver an exceptional range of dishes to help you enter 2019 with a happy and healthy stomach. To learn more about their catering options, visit this historic tea house online. For order placement, call (808) 595-4488 to speak with a friendly staff member.