Japanese table manners: do’s and don’ts

Posted by: Roberta

July 27th, 2009 >> Japanese Food

Japanese have very peculiar customs, for this reason, before going to Japan, it is woth having some Japanese table manners notion.

When giving ore receiving food, it is polite to use both hands to lift the bowl.

If using new disposable wooden or bamboo chopsticks (hashi), split them apart and scape one against the other to remove any splinters.

Never stick hashi into food. The tips of hashi should not touch the table, so always use chopstick rests or the side of the plate. Rests can be as simple as a folder napkin or even the folded paper sleeve from chopstick.

Use your onwn hashi to take food from communal dish if no serving implements are provided, but turn them around and use the clean handle end. Turn right way around again to use them for picking up your own food.

paper hashioki

Japanese plates rarely match like a Western dinner service. Plates are chosen for colour, shape and texture to complement the food served. Plates, bowls, dipping bowls and even sake cups should never be filled to capacity; it is considered bad manners.

It is acceptable practice to slurp hot tea, soup and noodles both as sign of enjoyment and to cool the liquid.

Bowls of rice can be lifted to your mouth, to help you eat it more efficiently using choopsticks.

It is quite acceptable to eat sushi with your fingers. In Japan, sushisushi is sometimes served without hashi since it is assumed that only the fingers will be used.If eaten with the fingers, nigiri-sushi is eaten upside down so the sauce-dipped fish comes into contact with your tastebuds first, followed by the seasoned rice.
Sake is to Japanese as wine is to Italians. There are different sakes, sweet or dry, of different grades, that can be drunk warmed or chilled.

You should never pour your own drinks. Offer to serve others and wait for someone to offer to fill your cup; if someone fills your cup, reciprocate. Don’t overfill the cup or glass. An empty glass or cup means you would like a refill. If you don’t want any more, leave it full.