Sushi is more than just food—it's a beautiful balance of flavor, texture, and tradition. For many people outside of Japan, eating sushi can feel a bit intimidating, especially when it comes to using chopsticks. But don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to eat sushi with chopsticks, from picking up your first roll to proper dipping technique, so you can enjoy your sushi like a pro.
🥢 Step 1: Know Your Chopsticks Basics
If you’re new to chopsticks, start by holding them correctly:
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Bottom Chopstick: Rest it in the space between your thumb and index finger. The back end can rest lightly against the side of your ring finger. This stick stays still.
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Top Chopstick: Hold it like a pencil using your thumb, index, and middle fingers. This one moves up and down to grip food.
It may take a few minutes of practice, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature.
🍣 Step 2: Identify the Type of Sushi
Sushi comes in different styles, and knowing what you're eating helps you handle it properly:
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Nigiri: A slice of fish over a small bed of rice
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Maki: Rolled sushi wrapped in seaweed and sliced into bite-sized pieces
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Sashimi: Just slices of raw fish—no rice
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Temaki: Hand rolls shaped like a cone (usually eaten with hands, not chopsticks)
For most types—especially nigiri and maki—chopsticks are perfectly appropriate.
🧂 Step 3: Dipping Sushi the Right Way
A common mistake is soaking sushi rice in soy sauce, which makes it fall apart. Here’s how to dip properly:
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For Nigiri: Gently turn it on its side and dip the fish, not the rice, into the soy sauce.
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For Maki Rolls: Lightly dip one end of the roll to avoid it becoming too salty or soggy.
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For Sashimi: Simply pick up the slice with your chopsticks and dip it directly.
Optional: Add a small dab of wasabi to your sushi (though in Japan, the chef often adds the perfect amount inside).
🍱 Step 4: Eat It in One Bite
Sushi pieces are designed to be eaten whole. Try to eat each piece in one bite to enjoy the full flavor combination of rice, fish, and seasoning.
If it’s too large, it’s okay to take two bites—just try not to let the sushi fall apart.
🌿 Step 5: Use Pickled Ginger as a Palate Cleanser
Those pink slices on the side of your plate? That’s gari, or pickled ginger. It’s meant to cleanse your palate between different types of sushi, not to be eaten on top of the sushi.
🧼 Sushi Etiquette Tips (Especially at a Japanese Restaurant)
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Don't rub disposable chopsticks together—it suggests they're cheap.
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Don’t stab sushi with chopsticks—always gently pick it up.
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Don’t mix wasabi into soy sauce—this is often frowned upon in traditional settings.
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Eat respectfully—thank the chef if you're seated at a sushi bar.
🧑🍳 Final Thoughts
Eating sushi with chopsticks isn’t just about technique—it’s about slowing down, savoring each bite, and appreciating the craftsmanship behind the food. Whether you’re at a high-end sushi bar or enjoying takeout with friends, using chopsticks adds to the experience.
So grab your sticks, take a deep breath, and enjoy the art of sushi—one delicious bite at a time.