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Watch For These Clues When Looking For Authentic Sushi

Americans enjoy sampling cuisine from every part of the world. As a result, many of the restaurants that can be found throughout the country serve dishes that might not reflect the authentic ingredients or preparation of these dishes in their country of origin.

Sushi is one menu item that has become Americanized over the years. If you are hoping to eat in an authentic Japanese restaurant, look for these clues on the sushi menu to help you identify whether or not the establishment holds true to traditional Japanese sushi making.

1. Each piece of sushi contains a minimal amount of rice.

Authentic Japanese restaurants serve sushi that mirrors the sushi which can be found throughout Japan. This means incorporating a minimal amount of rice in each piece of sushi.

Americanized sushi rolls tend to be large in size and contain ample amounts of rice intended to make the sushi more filling. If your sushi contains just the right balance of rice and fish, it's probable that you are eating in an authentic Japanese restaurant.

2. Only seasonal fish is served.

Raw fish serves as one of the identifying characteristics of authentic sushi. To ensure that the restaurant you are eating in follows sushi traditions, only fish that is in season should be available on the sushi menu. A sushi chef prides himself or herself on the freshness of the ingredients used to produce each piece of sushi served to customers.

Fish that isn't in season must be frozen and shipped in order to reach a restaurant safely. This freezing process alters the taste of the fish, detracting from the flavor of the sushi. Authentic Japanese restaurants will limit their sushi menu to items made from seasonal fish only.

3. No condiments are served alongside each sushi order.

Restaurants that serve an Americanized version of sushi rolls often include a dab of wasabi and some soy sauce alongside each roll. Authentic restaurants employ sushi chefs that know the exact ratio of condiments required to maximize flavor.

The sushi rolls prepared and served in an authentic Japanese eating establishment will come with wasabi and soy sauce already applied by the expert hands of the sushi chef. If you receive a side of condiments with your sushi roll, this is a good indication that you are not eating in a truly authentic Japanese restaurant.

Find a traditional Japanese restaurant by looking for sushi that reflects the authentic flavors and preparation used to prepare sushi in Japan. 


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