Buzz
Originating as a simple street food, sushi has evolved into a delicacy, a symbol of Japanese cuisine.
Here are some misconceptions that people often have about sushi, as collected by Dave Lowry, author of the book 'The Sushi Aficionado's Guide.'
Sushi is Very Expensive
In the past, sushi was a street food, much like hot dogs in New York City, USA. In Japan, there were also food carts where vendors prepared sushi on the spot.
Today, sushi has become widely known, akin to a type of snack. However, sushi is not fast food. To enjoy a sushi meal at restaurants in Japan, you could spend up to $500.
Sushi, a delicacy served raw
Many believe that sushi fish are still alive when placed on the table. In Japan, these live dishes are called ikizukuri. It's another specialty of the Land of the Rising Sun, unrelated to sushi. Ikizukuri means 'prepared fresh,' where chefs slice the fish while it's still alive. The slices are arranged on a plate, ready for consumption.
Sushi chefs can't be women because their hands are too hot
In the past, women were not allowed to cook in public places, so kitchens were typically manned by men. However, nowadays, you can find many female chefs all over Japan.
Salmon is a traditional sushi ingredient
Salmon isn't commonly used in sushi because it spoils quickly. In Japan, salmon meat stands out with its vibrant pink color, preserved through chilling.
Enjoying sushi with a glass of sake is a common practice
In Japan, it's rare to find someone enjoying sushi without a glass of sake. You should indulge in this combination while sipping on beer or green tea.
When we talk about sushi, we're talking about fish
The true essence of this dish doesn't lie solely in the fish topping but in the rice underneath. True sushi aficionados understand this well. Without good rice, no matter how fresh and exquisite the fish is, the dish fails.
Opt for sushi only on certain days
Previously, dining out for sushi could be restricted due to the irregular availability of fresh seafood. If Sunday's catch hasn't arrived in time, you'd be stuck with sushi made from previously caught ingredients. However, with sushi now being a global phenomenon, many restaurants ensure daily fresh fish supplies.
