Like most culturally significant dishes, eating sushi or sashimi comes with its own set of etiquette rules. While it’s perfectly fine to deviate from these rules according to your tastes and preferences, give them a chance the next time you have fresh sushi.

Do:

Use chopsticks.

You may eat sushi with your hands, but sashimi should be eaten with chopsticks. Grip the top stick like you would a pencil, but hold it about two-thirds from the bottom instead of at the base. Slip the lower stick against your ring finger. Keeping this one stationary, use your pointer, middle finger, and thumb to maneuver the upper chopstick as you eat.

Apply soy sauce to the fish.

Traditionally, rice and soy sauce should never touch. Instead, apply the sauce directly to the fish. If you’re eating nigiri, which is comprised of both rice and fish, tilt it upside down before dipping it in soy so that the neta, or fish topping, is the only part that touches the liquid.

Don’t:

Eat ginger with every bite.

The thin ginger slices that are served with your meal are meant to be a palate cleanser. Eating some with every bite may offend the chef, as it sends the message that your fish wasn't perfectly prepared. Instead, enjoy the ginger between dishes, especially before switching from one type of fish to another.

Take big bites.

Nigiri-style sushi is meant to be enjoyed in a single bite. If each morsel is too large to fit in your mouth, it’s OK to take multiple bites. Don’t be shy about taking big mouthfuls, as it’s the best way to enjoy the symphony of flavors and textures that the chef delicately prepared.

When you’re ready to put your sushi skills to the test, head to Tante’s Fishmarket Restaurant & Bar in Wailuku, HI. Located on the upper level of the Maalaea Harbor Shops, this eatery serves fresh seafood and Hawaiian cuisine. View their sushi menu online, or call (808) 868-2148 to make a reservation. Connect with the team on Facebook for the latest news and updates.