Sushi, the sophisticated fusion of vinegared rice and fresh seafood, has evolved into a worldwide favorite.
However, for beginners, the concept of sushi platters can seem a bit overwhelming. Not all platters are the same. Just about any restaurant that serves sushi can say they offer great platters of sushi, but you might not always get your money’s worth. So how do you tell good sushi platters from not-so-great ones?
Have no fear, fellow sushi lovers! This guide will arm you with the ability to tell a great platter from an ordinary one, and even help you select a restaurant that has a wonderful sushi bar.
The Anatomy of a Magnificent Sushi Platter
A stunning sushi plate is a feast of flavors, textures, and visual poetry. Here’s what sets a good one apart from the rest:
1. Freshness is Paramount
The main feature of a perfect sushi platter is the freshness of the ingredients. The fish should really be shining, and have the vibrant, firm flesh that it is supposed to have. The color of salmon should be bright orange, tuna a deep red, and yellowtail a pale yellow with some marbling.
2. Variety is Key
A carefully crafted platter invites the guests for an entertaining and interesting journey of tastes and textures. You should expect a variety of nigiri (sliced fish on top of a rice ball), sushi (thinly sliced raw fish without rice), and perhaps uramaki (inside-out rolls) or temaki (hand rolls). The most popular types of nigiri are salmon, tuna, yellowtail, shrimp, and eel.
3. Precision Presentation
Sushi is more than a meal; it’s also a feast for the eyes. The sushi chef, or itamae, pays attention to every detail when he neatly places the sushi on a plate. Each nigiri should be adorned with an oval-shaped piece of glistening fish laid on top of a carefully shaped rice mound.
Also, sashimi slices should be gracefully fanned or tidily arranged, and garnishes such as pickled ginger (gari) and wasabi paste should be meticulously placed for both aesthetic value and flavor.
4. The Oomph Factor
While the core elements are crucial, a truly exceptional platter might boast a couple of additional elements:
- Seasonal specialties: A restaurant with a sushi bar that’s separate from the main kitchen could present seasonal catches, giving you the chance to try different kinds of fish that aren’t always readily available.
- Creative touches: Some chefs employ their artistry to produce visually impressive sushi that may be embellished with edible flowers, microgreens, or vegetable ribbons.
The Signs of a Subpar Platter
Now that you know what to look for, let’s explore some red flags that indicate a subpar platter:
1. Smell
Fresh fish should have a mild, pleasant ocean smell. If the sushi smells fishy or has a smell similar to ammonia, it would be better to avoid it.
2. Texture
The fish must not be soft or mushy. If it feels sticky or soft, it’s a sure sign that it’s gone bad. To check for freshness, touch the fish with your finger. If the meat bounces back slightly, it’s fresh.
3. Color
Vibrant colors are almost always a good sign. Sushi that has dull and grayish fish or wilted vegetables may not be fit for eating.
4. Temperature
Sushi rice should be ideally cool at room temperature, not warm. Rice can serve as a perfect breeding ground for bacteria when it’s warm.
5. Sloppy Presentation
Sushi has to be carefully put together. Messy rice mounds, out-of-place fish, or spilled wasabi paste are clear red flags.
6. Missing Accompaniments
A platter without gari, wasabi, and soy sauce is a clear sign of carelessness and won’t be worth our money.
7. Questionable Fillings
Make sure to keep an eye out for odd fillings, like cream cheese, mayonnaise, or other non-cheese fillings.
The Sushi Bar Experience
The best sushi experience is not just about the plate—it’s much more than that. A good sushi bar is a place where both the décor and the ambiance set the right mood for enjoying your food.
1. The Importance of Ambiance
An ideal sushi bar should have an atmosphere that’s tidy, meticulously maintained and emanates a calming ambiance. Sushi bars with a traditional style usually have a counter where the diners can watch the itamae as they show their skills, making the experience even more engaging.
2. Service with a Smile
Sushi servers who are knowledgeable and attentive can make your sushi experience exceptional. They can help you with things like showing you how to order and what to order, and also recommend sake or any other drinks that will complement your meal.
3. Respecting Tradition
Sushi is not just a type of meal; it is a cultural phenomenon. It’s vital to consider the norms of sushi bar etiquette. For example, soy sauce has a very powerful flavor and too much of it will drown the delicate taste of the fish, so use only very little of it. Also, take small bites and enjoy the combination of flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some commonly asked questions and answers about sushi platters:
1. Can I ask the chef to customize the sushi platter?
You can, but this depends on the restaurant. Some may allow you to make small changes but you may have to pay extra.
2. Can I skip wasabi if I don’t like it?
Yes, you can. Wasabi is supposed to enhance the flavor of sushi, but if you feel that it overpowers the flavor of sushi, you can just avoid it.
3. Is there vegetarian sushi?
Yes, there is. Many restaurants with sushi bars offer sushi made without any fish and only vegetables and other typical sushi ingredients.
A sushi platter is not just a meal but an experience!
A great sushi plate can be hard to find outside of Japan, but when you know what makes a good sushi plate, finding one in Pittsburgh should be a bit easier. There are many restaurants with sushi bars and great sushi bar menus, so treat yourself and your friends to a great Japanese food experience today!