The increasing popularity of sushi in North America has given the birth to the creation of New generation sushi, normally known as gen sushi. Gen sushi is a sushi created to suit the Western palate, and is rarely found in Japan, as it appeals to the western tastes. People who fear to eat the standard raw fish sushi, can experience this type with a variety of vegetables, scallops and tuna. However, a few things are necessary to be kept in mind before you try gen sushi.
Gen sushi offers a way for people willing to try Japanese dishes without tasting the raw fish. However, these dishes are a spin off of traditional styles of sushi. For instance there are maki rolls in California and Boston which are Americanized. This style becomes acceptable to try before venturing into the raw fish domain which contains dishes like sashimi and nigiri.
The traditional Japanese reverence for good quality food in small portions has dissipated in America, with sushi bars deferring to the American-sized appetite and attraction to colorful food in big portions.There is a specific way in which sushi should be eaten, whatever form it may be in. There are methods to eat sushi in a polite manner in the Japanese culture, and it is also observed in the western restaurants as well.
For instance while sharing a common sushi platter, never pass sushi from one chopsticks to another. This activity is marked only at funerals and while eating, this looks very rude.
Also, you should be careful to place your chopsticks on your plate’s edge or on the chopstick holders. Do not place your chopsticks with their base touching the table, and the rest on the plate.
You should also be careful as to the amount of soy sauce you take, as it should be not more than you need, so it does not get wasted.
It is considered bad to waste food in Japanese culture, so you should not leave any sushi or food behind on your plate. Otherwise, it will be considered as an insult to the chef.
You can generally find gen sushi at a specialty sushi store, but many grocery stores and Asian markets do have it in stock as there is a growing demand for it now. You can also try gen sushi at a restaurant, as many chain restaurants are now open that are special only for their style of sushi. Also, some American sushi options will also be found at a traditional sushi restaurant, though that variety would be less than at a gen sushi restaurant.
Ingrid Preube
Find more news concerning sushi classes and gen sushi.
