Tips For Enjoying Meals Like Japanese

Always saying "Itadakimasu" and "Gochisou-sama" is something a tourist should do to initiate and end a Japanese meal.
Tips for enjoying meals like Japanese
The cuisine of cherry blossom country has many special dishes that need to be eaten separately. Put some rules on the Japanese table in your pocket.
Say "Itadakimasu"
The Japanese always say "itadakimasu" before eating. You should also do the same when dining with locals or in a Japanese restaurant

. Literally, this phrase can be understood as "humble reception" or "good luck to enjoy this meal". You can understand that this is simply a delicious wish.
Rice
When eating, you should hold the bowl with one hand, use three to four fingers to support the bottom, while your thumb should be comfortably next to the bowl Avoid bringing the bowl close to your mouth and keep a reasonable distance to catch any spills.



The Japanese consider it impolite to touch the bowl or put food into the mouth. They will use chopsticks to get a small portion of rice to taste. Japanese people often eat white rice with dried spices (furikake), dried seaweed (ajitsuke nori), spices from rice or vegetables (tsukudani). They do not pour soy sauce, mayonnaise, or chili sauce directly on the rice.
Miso soup
Many people will be surprised to discover Japanese people eat miso soup (miso shiru) with chopsticks. The way to hold the bowl of soup is the same as how to eat white rice. Since there is no spoon, the Japanese often drink soup from a bowl They can use one or both hands to lift the bowl, then use the chopsticks to pick up the piece.




The Japanese also raise the bowl of miso near their mouths to avoid spillage. Photo: SoraNews24.
Food accompanying
A typical Japanese meal usually consists of a few different side dishes (jikabashi). These dishes are divided into small sections and presented on separate plates for each person. People will use their own chopsticks to pick up themselves. If the piece of food is too large, the eater can use the chopsticks to taste.
In some cases, side dishes are served family style. They are presented in large dishes.



People can use the tools to separate each bowl and plate.
In the absence of common pick-ups, the eater can turn the chopsticks to get the food politely. They can ignore this rule with loved ones. Photo: All About Japan.
Sashimi
The correct way to serve sashimi is fresh seafood on a separate plate, along with a small empty plate of soy sauce. The eaters will dab the sashimi on wasabi and soy sauce. They don't need to lift the dish of soy sauce off the table or pour it directly on the sashimi.
Nigiri sushi
In Japan, diners are always served with a warm towel before a meal so that they can wipe their hands.



Traditionally, nigiri sushi is eaten by hand. People will take a slice, dab in soy sauce and eat whole pieces. This dish is usually served on a separate plate, with a small bowl of wasabi mixed.
Tempura
Tempura or deep fried seafood vegetables are often served with salt or a sauce called "tsuyu". There is also a plate of radish and crushed fresh ginger. The Japanese will add radish and ginger to the sauce before dipping the tempura. If they have salt, they simply dab the tempura in or sprinkle them over the fried food. If you order a tempura plate with a variety of ingredients, you should eat it from front to back as the chef will arrange the dishes from lighter to darker flavors.




Noodles
It is considered normal to eat noodles in Japan. In Japanese culture, each type of noodle is eaten differently. Hot noodles are usually served in the broth and eaten directly with chopsticks. One can use a large spoon to pick up the noodles while lifting the bowl with their bare hands.
Cold noodles can be served on a thin plate or bamboo tray, served with a cup or bottle of sauce. People will dip noodles in a bowl of sauce, eat each piece. They can add sliced radish, wasabi or scallion to the dipping sauce for flavor.
There are cold noodles served in a shallow bowl with plenty of side dishes and a bottle of tsuyu.



People will mix the broth into a bowl of noodles and eat with chopsticks.
Chopsticks
During Japanese meals, there is always a tray with chopsticks on the table. If you stop eating mid-meal, put them back on the tray. If you don't have a tray, you should place two chopsticks next to your plate or bowl.
Finishing the meal
After placing the chopsticks in the right place, you should say "Gochisou-sama" to announce that you are full and enjoy the meal. This sentence should be addressed directly to the owner, the person who cooks the rice, the chef or simply to myself.
According to Van Pham / Vnexpress
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