Fingers vs. Chopsticks: The Great Sushi Debate

The star of the show: A piece of otoro (fatty tuna belly) nigiri resting in the palm, showcasing the loose packing of the rice ideal for eating with your fingers. Photo by Auther

Ever wondered if there’s a “right” way to eat sushi? Well, you’re not alone. In the bustling heart of Tokyo, there’s a friendly debate simmering among sushi lovers and chefs. It’s not about the fish quality or the chef’s skills — it’s all about how you, the diner, should eat your sushi. Chopsticks or fingers? Turns out, this seemingly simple choice is splitting opinions in Tokyo’s sushi scene, and the answer might just surprise you.

Diving into the World of Edomae Sushi

Before we jump into the chopsticks vs. fingers showdown, let’s talk about Edomae sushi. Born in Tokyo (or Edo, as it was once called), this style of sushi is all about simplicity, top-notch ingredients, and mind-blowing preparation techniques.

I recently found myself in a cozy standing sushi bar in Tokyo, chatting with a sushi chef. Little did I know, this conversation was about to change everything I thought I knew about eating sushi.

The Great Dilemma: Chopsticks or Hands?

Feeling a bit unsure about the “proper” way to eat, I asked the chef if it’s better to use chopsticks or hands. His answer? It knocked my socks off.

“Either way is fine,” he said with a warm smile, “but how you eat it changes how I prepare it.”