Sushi is much-loved in Singapore, but how much do you really know about this iconic Japanese dish? At Standing Sushi Bar, we’re passionate about sharing not just great food, but also the fascinating stories and culture behind it. Here are 10 fun facts about sushi that might surprise you:
1. Sushi Didn’t Start With Raw Fish
Originally, sushi was a method of preserving fish. Fish was fermented with rice to extend its shelf life. The rice wasn’t eaten but served as a wrapper to keep the fish fresh, or at least edible.
2. The Word ‘Sushi’ Refers to the Rice, Not the Fish
‘Sushi’ translates to ‘sour-tasting’ in Japanese, referencing the vinegared rice, which is the foundation of all sushi dishes. You can put almost any fish or topping on vinegared rice and it would be sushi!
3. Modern Sushi Began in the Streets of Tokyo
The sushi we know today as ‘nigiri,’ was first served as street food in Tokyo during the early 19th century. It was a quick and convenient snack for busy workers. Nigiri is the sushi that is a small bed of rice with a topping on it. Maki is the term for a sushi roll.
4. There’s a ‘Proper’ Way to Dip Sushi in Soy Sauce
To avoid overpowering the delicate flavors, only the fish side should touch the soy sauce. Dunking rice directly into soy sauce is common but that can make the rice break apart easily and also means the soy sauce will be a strong part of the flavor. Of course ultimately please dip the sushi the way you want to! The most important thing is that you enjoy eating it.
5. The First Sushi Wasn’t Made in Japan
Sushi actually originated in Southeast Asia (likely what is now Thailand) before making its way to Japan. The original method of fermenting fish with rice for preservation started in regions around the Mekong River.
6. Sushi’s Colorful Evolution
Sushi isn’t just raw fish. It has evolved to include all kinds of creations like sushi rolls filled with fruits and vegetables, fusion sushi with crazy sauces, and even sushi cakes!
7. Chopsticks Aren’t Necessary
It’s perfectly acceptable to eat sushi with your hands, especially nigiri. In fact, this is the traditional way to enjoy it! Of course make sure your hands are clean…
8. Sushi Rice Has a Secret Ingredient
Sushi rice isn’t just cooked rice. It’s seasoned with a mixture of vinegar, sugar, salt, and mirin (cooking sake). Sushi chefs arguably prize their sushi rice recipe above all else!
9. There’s Sushi Made Without Fish
Sushi isn’t all about seafood. Vegetarian sushi uses ingredients like cucumber, avocado, and egg. On the flip side of vegetarian, there’s also delicious sushi made with raw and seared beef! At Standing Sushi Bar we offer both vegetarian and beef sushi.
10. Sushi Isn’t Just for Special Occasions
In the past sushi was often considered a luxurious treat. These days it’s become an everyday, healthy food choice, especially in Singapore. While we offer both premium donburi bowls and casual sushi rolls and nigiri, we want to make sure that sushi and Japanese food stays affordable and approachable for all.
