Ordering

BASICS
Usually when you visit a restaurant to order sushi you will get a handy little order sheet and a pencil. The server is expecting you to mark your selections on that sheet. The four basic types of dishes are:


 * Sushi is raw fish over seasoned rice.
 * Sashimi is just slices of raw fish without the rice.
 * Tempura means deep fried.
 * Rolls are generally made with seaweed or a thin omelet.
 * Nigiri is fish pressed onto rice mounds.
 * Maki are sushi rolls wrapped in nori seaweed, and sliced.
 * Temaki are hand-rolled seaweed cones containing rice and fish.

How to Order

 * 1. Start with an order of Edamame, (steamed and salted soybeans served in the shell), seaweed salad, or miso soup.
 * 2. Ask about the catch of the day, since sushi-grade fish is especially sensitive to seasonal changes.
 * 3. Keep in mind that an average person eats 10 to 12 pieces in one sitting. Nigiri usually comes two pieces to the order; maki is sliced into six pieces. Begin with a few dishes and order more if people are still hungry.
 * 4. Sushi is served with wasabi (a green, sinus-clearing horseradish paste) and soy sauce. Experiment to see which condiments you prefer.
 * 5. Cleanse your palate between bites with a sip of Green tea or sake.

With these basic tips you can order like an expert.