In recent years, sushi has quietly moved from a niche Japanese delicacy into a growing part of Kenya’s urban food culture, especially here in Nairobi.
Restaurants and food delivery menus are introducing sushi platters to a young, curious, and increasingly global audience, tourists and nomads. What was once seen as “foreign fine dining” is now a weekend treat, a date-night order, or a social media-worthy food experience.
But while sushi is becoming more popular in Kenya, how it is eaten is still often influenced by guesswork, trends, and trial-and-error.
Many first-time diners enjoy the taste but unknowingly miss key etiquette rules that shape the authentic sushi experience.
On International Sushi Day, here are 11 sushi etiquette mistakes you are probably making without realising it:
1. Drowning sushi in soy sauce
Too much soy sauce overwhelms the delicate flavour of the fish and rice. Sushi is meant to be lightly dipped, not soaked. Try it and see the difference.
2. Mixing wasabi into soy sauce
In traditional Japanese dining, wasabi, the green one, is already balanced. Mixing it into soy sauce is incorrect etiquette. According to Japanese culture, the chef has already made it to complement the sushi.
3. Biting sushi into multiple pieces
Sushi is designed to be eaten in one bite to maintain the balance of texture and flavour.
4. Eating sushi too slowly
Sushi is best enjoyed immediately after it is served. Delays can affect texture and freshness.
5. Using chopsticks incorrectly
Struggling with chopsticks is fine, but rubbing them together is seen as disrespectful in Japanese dining culture.
6. Ignoring the order of eating
Lighter-flavoured sushi should come first, followed by richer or stronger flavours.
7. Pouring too much soy sauce into the small dish
This creates waste and encourages over-dipping, which can ruin the balance of taste.
8. Overloading on ginger
Pickled ginger is meant to cleanse the palate between bites, not to be eaten with every piece.
9. Thinking all sushi contains raw fish
Not all sushi is raw; many options include cooked fish, vegetables, or fried ingredients.
10. Not asking for guidance
Many first-time sushi eaters in Kenya order randomly without asking chefs or staff for recommendations, often missing better pairings that enhance the overall dining experience. Sushi is best enjoyed thoughtfully, with light, balanced accompaniments that do not overpower its delicate flavours.
Instead of cocktails or heavy drinks, sushi pairs best with plain water or sparkling water, which helps cleanse the palate between bites. Light green tea is also a traditional choice, offering a subtle warmth without interfering with taste.
The goal is simplicity, drinks that refresh the palate rather than compete with the food, allowing each piece of sushi to be fully appreciated as intended.
11. Treating sushi like fast food
Sushi is a crafted culinary experience, not a rushed meal. Eating it slowly enhances flavour and appreciation.
Happy International Sushi Day!
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