Whether eating with your new Japanese friends at home or exploring a new Japanese restaurant in Brisbane, it is important to follow a few simple eating and drinking rules.
There is no denying that Japanese cuisine is a sensory experience as it emphasis more on fresh ingredients, sticky rice and broth-based curry and hot soups . If you are in love with sushi, ramen noodles or tempura, make sure you understand the basic dining etiquette to enjoy the food in public domain and restaurants.
Here is some basic etiquette list to help you eat food with chopsticks in the most comfortable manner:
Before you Dig in: Basic Dining Manners
Here are the basic dining manners to consider when visiting any Japanese Restaurant in Brisbane.
1. Greet and Sit
It is good to acknowledge the staff when you enter the restaurant. Also greet them politely. In Japan, please say “Konnichiwa” (Hello) and wait to be seated. In many traditional restaurants, you may even need to remove shoes and wear slippers.
2. Oshibori or Hot Towel
A hot towel will be placed on a small plate. You can use it to wipe your hands before starting your meal.
3. Sharing is in Their Culture
Believe it or not! Sharing dishes like Ramen noodles and other dishes is a common in Japanese dining setup. Thus, restaurants offer set meals for sharing purposes.
Use Chopsticks Properly
If you are not from Japan, you might not know the correct way to use chopsticks. Do not hesitate to learn new things. Since eating with chopsticks is their main dining etiquette, make sure you do not get clumsy with it.
Make sure you lift chopsticks with both hands. The top of it rests between the thumb and the base of your index finger, while the bottom side is balanced by the middle finger. You need to move it forward to pick up your food.
Remember that chopsticks are the main utensil so do not point them at others. This is not considered a good eating habit. Here are some other important chospsticks etiquette aspects to consider:
- Do not wave your chopsticks over food on the table
- Never point them to indicate dishes you think are delicious
- Do not suck broth or sauces off your chopsticks
- Never rub them together
- Do not stab food with them. Gently pick.
- Never ever pass food with chopsticks.
Other Important Table Manners
1. Saying Itadaki-Masu
Before you take the first bite, say Itadaki-Masu which means let’s eat. This is a traditional way of expressing gratitude for the food presented in front of you.
2. Slurping Noodles
This may be considered as the bad habit in Western side. However, slurping noodles is considered a sign of fulfillment and enjoyment in Japanese culture. The process also cools down the noodles and boosts the flavours.
3. Be Polite When Eating
Do not rush the eating process. Instead eat your meal at a moderate pace to enjoy each bite. This is also an important etiquette to consider when visiting the Japanese Restaurant in Brisbane for the first time.
Wrapping up
These are the most important things to consider when learning Japanese dining etiquette and make the most of your eating experience. This will help you enjoy delicious and fresh sushi, ramen noodles and other steamy hot dishes in the right manner.
