Sushi is more than just a delicious meal—it’s a cultural phenomenon with a rich history and fascinating traditions. Whether you’re a sushi enthusiast or just enjoy the occasional California roll, these seven cool facts will give you some serious bragging rights at your next sushi night.
1. Sushi Was Originally a Preservation Method
Long before sushi became a gourmet delicacy, it was a practical way to preserve fish. In ancient Southeast Asia, fish was fermented with rice and salt to keep it edible for months. The rice was discarded, and only the fish was eaten. This method, called narezushi, dates back over a thousand years. The modern version of sushi—where rice is eaten with fish—didn’t emerge until the Edo period (1603–1868) in Japan.
2. The First Sushi Restaurant Opened in 1824
The world’s first sushi restaurant, Yohei Hanaya, opened in Edo (now Tokyo) in 1824. It popularized nigiri sushi—the hand-pressed style we know today. Before that, sushi was mostly sold at street stalls as fast food. The restaurant’s founder, Hanaya Yohei, is often credited with revolutionizing sushi by using fresh fish instead of fermented fish, making it more accessible and delicious.
3. Wasabi Isn’t Just for Flavor—It Has a Practical Purpose
That green paste on your sushi plate isn’t just there to make your nose tingle. Wasabi has antibacterial properties that helped prevent foodborne illnesses when sushi was made with raw fish. Even today, chefs use it to enhance safety (and taste). Fun fact: Most “wasabi” served outside Japan is actually a mix of horseradish, mustard, and green dye—real wasabi is expensive and hard to grow!
4. Sushi Rice Is Seasoned with a Special Vinegar Blend
Sushi rice (shari) isn’t just plain rice—it’s seasoned with a mix of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. This gives it a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that complements the fish perfectly. The balance of seasoning is so crucial that sushi chefs in Japan train for years just to master the rice. Some say the rice is even more important than the fish itself!
5. There’s a Right Way to Eat Sushi
If you’ve ever wondered whether to use your hands or chopsticks, here’s the answer: Nigiri sushi is traditionally eaten with your hands, while sashimi and rolls are eaten with chopsticks. Also, dipping the fish (not the rice) into soy sauce prevents the rice from falling apart. And never mix wasabi into your soy sauce—it’s considered disrespectful to the chef’s careful preparation!
6. The Most Expensive Sushi in the World Costs Nearly $2,000
At Angelina Jolie’s favorite sushi spot, Sukiyabashi Jiro in Tokyo, a single meal can cost up to $1,978. The restaurant, run by legendary chef Jiro Ono (featured in the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi), serves an exclusive omakase (chef’s choice) menu with the finest ingredients. But if that’s too pricey, don’t worry—great sushi doesn’t have to break the bank. Even conveyor belt sushi (kaitenzushi) can be amazing!
7. Bluefin Tuna Auctions Can Reach Millions of Dollars
The first bluefin tuna auction of the year at Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market (now relocated to Toyosu) is a big deal. In 2019, a single bluefin tuna sold for a record $3.1 million! These prized fish are used for premium sushi and sashimi, and their fatty belly (otoro) is considered the ultimate delicacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is sushi always raw fish? A: Not necessarily! While many types include raw fish (sashimi, nigiri), others feature cooked seafood (like eel or shrimp), vegetables, or even egg (tamagoyaki).
Q: Why is sushi so expensive? A: High-quality sushi requires fresh, premium ingredients, skilled chefs, and sometimes rare fish like bluefin tuna. The labor and expertise involved also drive up the cost.
Q: Can sushi be healthy? A: Yes! Sushi is rich in omega-3s, protein, and vitamins. Just watch out for rolls with too much mayo or fried toppings—those can add extra calories.
Q: How do I know if sushi is fresh? A: Fresh sushi should smell clean, like the ocean (not fishy). The fish should look glossy, not dull, and the rice should be slightly warm.
Now that you’re armed with these fun facts, you’ll never look at sushi the same way again. Next time you’re at a sushi bar, impress your friends with your newfound knowledge—and don’t forget to enjoy every bite! 🍣