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Sushi Dictionary – Women’s Guide in Eating Sushi

Sushi Dictionary - Women’s Guide to Sushi!
Who of you have that certain LOVE for sushi?

Hmmm I could see your eyes having those excitement, huh!

And for those of you that are not keen to eat sushi, because you think it’s raw – either you skip this post and not read this at all…




OR… read it and learn even you don’t eat sushi, so that you won’t be left out in the cold (if you know what I mean).

Well, there is nothing worst than having that blank-face in the middle of the conversation with friends / colleagues and you don’t know anything about sushi just because you don’t eat them.


Sushi Dictionary - Women’s Guide to Sushi!


Yeah I’ve been in that situation… and I’m telling you, I’ve got those cringed-looking faces right in front of me. And here’s what I’ve LEARNED AND REALIZED that…

If you want to explore your horizon, better learn things that they do and know, even you don’t actually eat them. Remember, knowledge is POWER!




However, when I had my first taste of sushi about many light-years ago, I knew it was love at first taste.

I fell in-love with sushi that truly also helps me to widen my horizons.


Sushi Dictionary - Women’s Guide to Sushi!


Well, even my cat thinks it’s heavenly! LOL


Sushi Dictionary - Women’s Guide to Sushi!




I can’t called myself as a sushi expert, but I’ve learned a thing or two about sushi by actually eating sushi, plus a constant reading books written by the experts, and also by asking questions from sushi chefs. However, please bear in mind that not all sushi chefs are comfortable discussing about their works, so you must have a lot of patience about it. Or the best way is to established a good connection first, by having a middleman (like a common friend) to introduce you to the chef per se.


Sushi Dictionary - Women’s Guide to Sushi!


There are many kinds of sushi, and your usual maki doesn’t counts. So am sharing you some of the sushi that I know, grab your notes or better print this page for your guide. Am calling this as Sushi Dictionary - Women’s Guide to Sushi!


Kuromaguro (Bluefin tuna)
Kuromaguro (Bluefin tuna), considered as the best sushi item. Kuromaguro is in season in autumn and winter, while it is now available all through year thanks to advanced techniques of freezing and thawing. Maguro or tuna was considered as trash fish, not preferred during the Edo period and its fatty part was discarded. A maturing period of 4-10 days is set in order to bring out best in maguro such as a fine sourness and faint sweetness of fat. Its sleek, shiny looking deserves the title of “king of sushi”. The red flesh can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, either marinated in Nikiri (called zuke),or rolled with maguro (called Tekkamaki).





Kohada(Gizzard shad)
Kohada(Gizzard shad) is one of the popular sushi ingredients as well as maguro. First of all, sushi chef check the size and fat content of fish. After that, it is salted and set aside for a while and then put some vinegar. All the skilfulness of sushi chef lives on this process. With each bite on soft flesh, a flavor and tastiness of blue-skinned fish spread in the mouth.





Anago(Japanese conger)
Anago(Japanese conger) One of the popular ingredients of Edomae-style sushi. It becomes fattier from the rainy season through the summer. Just boiled anago has a soft texture and melts in mouth. High quality fat leaves a fine aftertaste. Best eaten with salt or nitsume (boiled sweet with soy sauce).





kuruma prawns
Quickly-boiled kuruma prawns change into stark contrast of red and white. Boling method greatly affects delicate rich flavor and faint sweetness of prawn, so it requires chef’s certain skill. While some restaurants serve live prawns, oboro is put in between shari and oboro in a conventional Edomae-style.





Ark shell (akagai),
If you order Ark shell (akagai), you will hear the pleasing sound of the shellfish striking the cutting board, which tightens the flesh. The shellfish is sliced to slowly open, as if a magnificent flower was blooming. Many ark shells used to be caught at Edomae, the bay of Tokyo before; the one from Kemigawa Chiba prefecture was highly valued. Sleek and vivid color of shell meat shows its freshness. Enjoy rich flavor of ocean and firm texture.




Spear squid(Yariika)
Spear squid(Yariika)is called as winter squid and its flesh gets really tasty right before its spawning season during the spring. Since it has firm flesh, the chef makes Kakushi-boucho(small cuts) along its fiber in order to make it easier to bite. The fine sweetness of flesh can be enjoyed. The squid is immersed in boiling water and then stuffed with shari rice. This method is called inro-zume and one of the old techniques of Edomae-style.





Madako
Madako is said that Akashi’s Octopus “walk on its feet” since its limbs are firm. The sushi chef makes small zigzag cuts so called Kazari boucho on the surface, and its flesh is pounded with the corner of knife and then rolled into sushi. The firm texture and faint sweetness spreads in the mouth. There is also a dish called “sakura-ni” which offers a tasty tender octopus flesh.




Chutoro
Lean red flesh and fatty parts are light yet delicious. The part below the back fin is especially good. The portion closer to the lean part has a bit sour taste and fine sweetness. Chutoro is widely accepted as delicious part of tuna.





Ohtoro
Among the other parts of tuna, the portion called “jabara” is the fattiest. Stored with ice and matured until it is tender enough. Although too long maturing process will change the color tone and texture; Ohtoro gets too tender to be rolled into sushi. The marbled part is very rare and expensive. Not stringy and every part is equally fatty with smooth texture.




Aji or Horse mackerels
Silvery shiny skin of horse mackerel. Enjoy sushi with firm texture and sweetness of fat. Aji or Horse mackerels are caught all through year at different locations although it becomes the tastiest during summer. A salt and vinegar marinade is quite simple, so it goes with wasabi, and when served raw, is paired with ginger because it brings out the flavor of fresh Aji.





saba or mackerel
Because of its good amount of fat, saba or mackerel won’t stay fresh for long; often eaten after vinegared and salted. Fatty mackerel sushi is a nice treat during cold winter. Tasty blue fish gives you a fine aftertaste in your mouth.




iwashi or Japanese sardines
The spot lined sardine are often used as sushi ingredients. Around the time of rainy season, the iwashi or Japanese sardines becomes fattier and tastier. Its flesh melts in the mouth and could be a good treat for sushi lovers. Tastes really good when eaten with refreshing grated ginger and minced green onions. The sardines called koba refers to the fish of 10 cm, chuba for 15 cm and oba for bigger than 20 cm. The chuba sardines caught during the rainy season are considered as the most exquisite.





Ezobafun uni
Ezobafun uni is valued as the highest quality of sea urchin. Every sack of sea urchin tastes sweet and melts in the mouth. Sushi ingredient with rich taste of ocean. Goes well with dry wine or champagne.




Ikura(Salmon roe)
Ikura(Salmon roe) is a Russian word meaning fish roe. When a skin of sack that holds eggs becomes thinner, eggs are removed and dipped in sweet soy sauce. A fine flavor and umami extract spread and melt in the mouth. It is soaked in a marinade, so it is not necessary to dip it in soy sauce when eaten.





tamagoyaki
It is often believed that the strength of restaurant kitchen is determined by the quality of tamagoyaki they serve. It is a sushi ingredient of which cooking method and flavoring require all sort of technique. Grated fish or prawn, and sometimes yamato yams are used as ingredients. Currently many sushi restaurants serve atsuyaki (thick tamagoyaki), but in conventional Edomae-style, egg dishes were kurakake-style or vinegared rice-lapping style using usuyaki(thin tamagoyaki).




tekkamaki
Norimaki sushi roll with red tuna and grated wasabi at the core. The name tekkamaki roll came from the bright red tuna looking like burning iron in cross-section.






Isn’t it nice that you’ve been learning something rather than just eating it?! You become more knowledgeable and more chic, and you could also share these learnings t your friends.
In addition, here are some quick etiquettes you need to observe when you are planning to dine at any sushi restaurants:

1). Some sushi restaurant have the sushi chef in front of your table, and demonstrated the sushi preparation. However the rule of the thumb is never ever distract the sushi chef while doing his work. Sushi chefs are using a special knives to cut various ingredients and it is very sharp AF.

2). There is no particular dress code required when visiting a sushi restaurant. But it is better to avoid wearing flip-flop sandals.

3). Since we are in a selfie culture, it is truly tempting to take photos of all the foods in front of us. However, it is discourage in the sushi restaurant. Though you’ve ordered it, it is advisable not to take photos without the permission of the restaurant. Even photo-taking of other customers are considered rude.

4). Smoking is not allowed as it affects the smell of the ingredients in sushi preparation.

5). Refrain in wearing too strong perfume because it is considered inappropriate in a sushi restaurant.

6). Chatting away, leaving the food uneaten is unwelcome manner since it is best to eat just served sushi at desirable temperature. Sushi is best eaten when served with body temperature, so try to finish the food within 10 seconds.





Sushi Dictionary – A Women’s Guide in Eating Sushi


Hope you’ve learning a thing or two from my post and hope that when you visit a sushi restaurant, either for dine-in or takeout you’ve got something to share new information to your family, friends or your bae apart from those delicious sushi.

And the next time you are with the girls…

No more cringed-faces.



xoxo, Blair

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68 comments :

  1. Your blog post really wanted me to go and eat sushi right now. Do you have some recommendations in where should I get the beat sushi here in Metro.

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    1. You can refer my previous post, for OGAWA in The Fort, BGC they serve the best and affordable sushi :)

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  2. I am not passionate about sushi although I do indulge in it once in a while. Thanks for sharing this guide. It'll come in useful when I next eat sushi.

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    1. Hello Emily, thank you for visiting as always. Share this guide to your sushi lover friends!

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  3. Even though I'm not a number one sushi eater fan, the first picture makes me feel like eating it right now.

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  4. this is pretty amazing... i can't even remember what everything is.. and I had that uni sushi once.. it sure is freaking expensive... lol

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    1. There are lots of different sushi that I haven't listed here. And I would love to learn it more.

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  5. OMG!!! please end mu suffering. I need some sushi now lol :D

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    1. Hahaha let's suffer both! Call your nearest sushi restaurant and keep on reading my blog :)

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  6. I am sushi addict too! Many different sushi I need to learn. Hehe. Good info you write!

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  7. I don't eat sushi, but I do know there are TONS of different kinds. Now I know what's what :)

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    1. You better try it Mommy coz you are missing one of the best thing in the world :)

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  8. I love, love, love sushi! And your post has me craving it right this minute!

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    1. Thank you Helene, and if you love sushi, then learn its origin too!

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  9. I love sushi! There are so many sushi bars popping up all over London. I'd love to try a sushi making class!

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    1. That's good Ling! Try it because it might be your newest calling!

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  10. I am obsessed with sushi, so these terms are fairly common to me. However I have a few friends who don't even know where to start lol..

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    1. That's cool Jessica! Which sushi is your favorite?

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  11. You posted this in perfect timing... I'm so glad I read this! I want to eat healthier and adventure to try new things like sushi

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    1. You are always welcome here! Keep on reading my blog for more exciting stories :)

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  12. Sushi is definitely one of my favourite foods! This is a great guide for anyone who is just beginning to explore this kind of cuisine.

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  13. I personally don't like sushi, but my husband and daughter LOVE it. I'm sure they've eaten a lot of these.

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  14. I am a vegetarian but regardless I find it fascinating to learn about the different foods. As I don't know a lot about sushi it was interesting to learn about the different types x

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    1. Sushi are not made of poultry meat. They are mostly made of marine meat like fishes, so I guess you can eat them too!

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  15. I'm terribly irritated that I just read this. Lol. I'm pregnant so I can't eat the raw stuff right now, so of course it's all I want. I'm actually making vegetable nori rolls tonight though, and now I'm really looking forward to it! I'll come back to this guide in a couple of month and figure out what new things I need to try.

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    1. Hello Beth,

      Congratulations for your pregnancy! Don't worry you will have time to enjoy sushi when you give birth :) have patience!

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  16. I have to admit that I have never tried sushi in my life. It is something I have been afraid of but I would be willing to try the anago. Thanks for sharing the information about sushi.

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    1. Oh you should try it Rebecca. But if you know that you are allergic on seafood, then you must skip.

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  17. Looks great and so many great options. I wouldn't mind something other than sushi since I am not really a fan of sushi. Thanks for the other choices and suggestions to try out.

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  18. I absolutely love sushi. Although I didn't fall in love with it the first time. I had a harder time with it . I don't know why as I love seafood. I think I just needed to have someone show me what I needed to do. Now it's amazing. This is a great intro guide to all things sushi.

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    1. Thank you David! It is nice to know these foods that most are being talked about. Well at least knowing it just for the sake of your friends' conversation, right? :)

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  19. ME ME ME! Def me! I love sushi! Yes please! Love your pics. Clear guide! <3

    XOXO // Check out my latest post if you like ;)
    SINCERELY OPHELIA | SHOPAHOLIC?! Counter attack!

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    1. Thank you Ophelia! Yeah I could hear your sushi shout! Hahaha

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  20. My 9 year old son loves sushi but only a particular kind. He loves california maki and anything with crab and salmon but nothing with avocado. It took him a long time to take a liking to sushi, opting to eat tempura whenever we eat japanese food. But eventually he learned to love it. But funny thing is, he never knew the salmon was raw until we told him

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    1. Kids easily love the California Maki because of its sweet side brought by mango. Salmon is not hard to love and also crabs :) Yummy!

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  21. I am a huge sushi fan. To my disappointment England is not. We had to go a who9le 2 years without a delicious tropical mango roll. So good!

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    1. Ohh that's sucks. Well you must learn how to make it!

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  22. I must be one of the few people in the world who hasn't tried sushi. It just has never appealed before. That said - these pictures look lovely.

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    1. Ohh you've been missing that heavenly feeling that we sushi-lovers enjoy.

      No worries, you can always enjoy Japan without eating sushi.

      Delete
  23. I LOVE sushi, I just can't do the raw. It looks delicious, I just can't get it down!

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    1. Sushi is prepared raw. When its cooked then its not sushi.

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  24. The main reason I want to travel to Japan is to try genuine sushi. For now the ones in England are keeping me very satisfied ;)

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    1. That's great! In Japan, you will learn everything about sushi. Starting from its source of fishes, how they catch them properly to preserve the freshness, etc. Its a genuine knowledge.

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  25. Thanks so much for this very informative post! I'm very new to the wonderful world of sushi and find it very fascinating!

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    1. You are welcome Elizabeth. There are still make sushi-kind that will I share soon!

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  26. Nom nom! I have just started venturing into sushi, so this is really interesting to me. I am going to have to try out more.

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    1. Thanks awesome Michelle! Which kind of sushi is your favorite?

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  27. I've always enjoyed sushi, it's fresh and it tastes amazing! I think this is a good guide for people who would like to learn more about the different kinds of sushi.

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  28. Isn't sushi amazing! It's one of my favorites when it comes to Japanese cuisine. I love how they're prepared with so much finesse and grace. It's an artwork on a plate.

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    1. Yeah that's why it shouldn't be eaten in fast pace. You have to enjoy every bite and every chewing :)

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  29. I am not a big sushi fan. I have lived in Japan for 4.5 years and I just cannot do it. It's not the taste, it's the texture for me. However, this was a great read. <3

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    1. That's cool! So if you don't like sushi, how about their ramen?

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  30. I love sushi, Blair! Right now, I am trying to avoid eating it because I am on a special diet but I hope to be eating some soon!

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    1. LOL Dieting sometimes ruins the fun! Just enjoy the salmon, its good for the skin and tummy :)

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  31. Oh yummmmm!!! Looking at all those sushi pictures is making me hungry for sushi.

    Lennae xxx
    www.lennaesworld.com

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  32. Wow I love sushi. That all looks amazing.

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    1. Thank you dear! I love them too, and am eager to learn all about sushi :D

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  33. I just can't not even after reading this post bring myself to eat sushi :-/ however my fiance' loves it so now I can act like I know a thing or two :-)

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    1. Hahaha you are so funny Shauna! Share this post to your fiancé :)

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  34. Love Sushi especially from a good restaurant. Eat it a lot.

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    1. Same here Helen. And it gives me more excitement knowing it is prepared and served by their own Japanese sushi chef.

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