Sushi is not every person’s favorite delicacy, but I love it on a good day. I have buddies who can’t even stand to look at the raw fish, while I have others who wouldn’t mind having the fishy dish for 10 lifetimes. Why I’m I talking about this dish anyway? Well, that’s because the folks from Sugoi, a popular Japanese eatery in Dubai that serves up everything from freshly made sashimi to delicious meat and seafood Robatayaki, have decided to start off the day by letting us in on some fascinating facts about everyone’s favorite rolled rice-based snack.

Sushi Facts You Should Know

Itamae Training: It takes 10 years of intense training to become a sushi chef or ‘Itamae’

Hand-Eating: Traditionally, the dish is eaten with the hands and not chopsticks. Although nowadays it is fine to eat it either way; just remember that when it comes to sashimi, you should always use chopsticks to eat it.

The Food is not Originally Japanese: Who would have known that Sushi did not originate in Japan. Apparently, the original version of the dish came from the rice growing region of South East Asia over 2000 years ago.

Paid Taxes

In the 8^th century Japan, sushi was so highly prized that people were allowed to use it to pay taxes.

The meaning of the Word: The term ‘sushi’ actually refers to the fermented rice that was used to preserve fish in early versions.

International Sushi Day: June 18^th is International Sushi Day.

Women Were Not Allowed to Be Sushi Chefs: Women have only recently been allowed to become sushilicious chefs because women were thought to have a higher body temperature and their warm hands could spoil the fish. How sexist!

Next time you are indulging in this delicacy, just remember these facts. You never know, maybe they will make your meal more enjoyable… or maybe not.

xoxo