That’s the right way — Japan’s Sushi Master shows you how to use chopsticks properly for sushi

Reported and photographed by Huang Shiyuan, Taipei correspondent

Not only do the Japanese love sushi, but Taiwanese do too. Although the best way to eat sushi is by hand — which prevents it from falling apart — most people still prefer using chopsticks. However, using them incorrectly can easily slice the sushi in half. Yasuhiro Konishi, known as the “Father of Sushi” in Japan, came to Taiwan for a guest appearance and demonstrated how to properly use chopsticks to pick up sushi.


▲The correct way of picking up sushi helps prevent it from falling apart.

First, lay the sushi sideways and then flip it to the side, with the fish (or other ingredients) facing you. Hold the chopsticks horizontally, parallel to the sushi, gripping both the fish and the rice at the same time. This not only prevents breaking the sushi but also makes it easy to dip the fish side into soy sauce (the correct way is to dip the fish side, not the rice side).

Yasuhiro Konishi also demonstrated how to properly hold sushi by hand. Again, start by laying the sushi sideways and flipping it to the side. Use your thumb (on the fish side) and middle finger (on the rice side) to gently lift the sushi. Once lifted, support it with your index and ring fingers, making it easy to dip in soy sauce.

Additionally, Yasuhiro Konishi noticed many people mixing wasabi and soy sauce when eating sashimi, which he strongly discourages. He explained that the proper method is to place a bit of wasabi on the middle of the sashimi, then roll the sashimi slightly before lightly dipping it in soy sauce.


▲Yasuhiro Konishi, known as the “Father of Sushi” in Japan, came to Taiwan for a guest appearance and demonstrated how to properly use chopsticks to pick up sushi.