Sushi is a great type of Asian cuisine that offers so many options, textures, and flavors. It has been an increasingly popular dining choice for people everywhere but can certainly seem daunting if you’ve never ordered or eaten it before. Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill is a great place for both seasoned sushi diners and newbies alike, and we’re here to help you have the best possible experience when it comes to trying what will likely be your new favorite type of food!
Looking at a sushi menu for the first time can be daunting, with lots of words you’ve probably never seen before and there aren’t always pictures to help you decipher what’s what. Rather than try to memorize all the extras, focus on learning the different categories to help you narrow down what you’ll get. Maki, also known as the rolls most of us imagine when we think of sushi, has lots of different ingredients. Starting here is a good place. There can be raw or cooked seafood and lots of different veggies, toppings, and sauces. There are also vegetarian options for those who don’t eat meat or fish at all. Once you’re feeling a little more adventurous, there’s nigiri. This is typically comprised of slices of fresh, raw fish over rice. The rice is sticky and flavored with rice vinegar, giving it a nice tang and making it hold its shape more easily. Sashimi is the third type – slices of thin raw fish without the rice.
Another thing that often confounds people the first time they try sushi is how to eat it. There are multiple ways to eat it, and no way is incorrect. When your plate arrives, you’ll also get chopsticks, a green ball of wasabi, pickled ginger, and soy sauce. Wasabi is spicy horseradish, so use it sparingly if you’re sensitive to heat. The ginger can be used as a palate cleanser between different rolls and types of fish, and the soy sauce adds saltiness that enhances the flavor of the fish and vegetables. Start by pouring soy sauce into the small dish on your table, and dip your roll or fish into it. It is customary to eat it in one bite to prevent it from falling apart. If you want to try the wasabi, dissolve a little at a time in your soy sauce dish!
When you’re ready to try your first plate of sushi, we will be eagerly awaiting you for the freshest sushi and unique hibachi grill experience! You can find Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill at 100 Central Avenue, Suite 1022, in Downtown Sarasota. If you’d like to call ahead for a reservation, please call us at 941-366-1033!