Grab a seat, make yourself comfy and let’s dive into all things sushi.
Who better to learn from than Palafox’s best traditional sushi spot? We want you to feel at home while experiencing a potentially unfamiliar cuisine.
Let’s start with the basics. The word “sushi” comes from the Japanese words “su” meaning vinegar and “shi” meaning rice. So, “sushi” means “vinegared rice”, or “sour rice.”
Sushi is a delicious mix of rice, seaweed, and the option of various seafood and vegetable fillings rolled together, then sliced into bite-sized pieces. You can choose from a diverse range of flavors and textures, with raw or cooked proteins.
You can choose from a wide variety of sushi rolls, from classic rolls to custom creations (like our fresh Khon’s creations!) Classic rolls generally have fewer ingredients and are ideal for sushi beginners, or people who prefer a simplified dish.
The most popular protein ingredients used in sushi are:
“Tempura” means that the protein or roll is coated in batter and deep fried. If you love crunchy, savory foods, you have to try one of our tempura shrimp sushi rolls.
As far as vegetables and other sushi fillings, the most popular ones are:
You’ll find a lot more ingredients in custom rolls!
Classic rolls are always a safe bet for sushi beginners. Unless you want to dive in head first with sashimi (raw fish), it’s a good idea to start with one of these popular classic rolls:
Eating sushi is an experience! Once you choose your sushi order, you’re ready to pick up those chopsticks. (Don’t worry, you don’t have to use chopsticks your first time – or ever.)
We’ll teach you how to eat sushi with and without chopsticks.
1. Prepare your chopsticks: Hold one chopstick between your thumb and middle finger, resting it on the base of your thumb. Use your index finger to stabilize it. Hold the other chopstick like a pencil, using your thumb and index finger. (We’re happy to show you how to properly hold chopsticks when you visit us.)
2. Pick up the sushi roll: Choose a sushi roll from the plate. Hold it gently with your chopsticks, using the top chopstick to grasp it.
3. Dip the sushi: If you want to add soy sauce, dip the fish side of the sushi lightly into the soy sauce. Try not to soak the rice so the roll stays intact.
4. Eat carefully: Bring the sushi to your mouth, and enjoy it slowly. Try to eat it in one bite if possible to savor all of the Japanese fusion flavors.
5. Try a palate cleanser: If you want the full sushi experience, try a bite of ginger (the pink thin slices given with your roll!)
6. Finishing etiquette: Once you’re finished eating, proper etiquette is to place your chopsticks parallel to each other on your plate, to indicate that you’re done.
1. Wash your hands: Keep it clean! Wash your hands thoroughly before grabbing your sushi roll.
2. Pick up the sushi: Use your thumb and pointer finger, or thumb and middle finger, to pick up the sushi roll from your plate. Grip it gently but firmly to keep the roll intact.
3. Dip the sushi: If you like soy sauce with your sushi, you can lightly dip the fish side of the sushi into the soy sauce. Try not to soak the rice.
4. Eat carefully: Bring the sushi to your mouth, and enjoy it slowly. Try to eat it in one bite if possible to savor all of the Japanese fusion flavors.
5. Try a palate cleanser: If you want the full sushi experience, try a bite of ginger (the pink thin slices given with your roll!)
Called “gari” in Japanese, pickled ginger has a refreshing, tangy taste that cleanses your mouth between bites. Cleansing your palate allows you to fully appreciate the distinct flavors of each sushi piece throughout your meal.
Pickled ginger also has natural, antimicrobial properties that can reduce the risk of foodborne illness. But if you’re eating at Khon’s, you won’t have to worry about this. We keep it clean, fresh and consistent here.
How to eat ginger with sushi: All you have to do is eat a piece of ginger after you’ve eaten a piece of sushi. You’ll taste the refreshing cleanse right away.
Wasabi, also called Japanese horseradish, comes from a wasabi plant and has a very deep, aromatic and spicy flavor. If you don’t like spice, we don’t recommend trying wasabi!
Like ginger, wasabi comes with your sushi roll and has a light green color. There are a few things to know before eating wasabi:
1. Know that a little goes a long way with wasabi. Don’t try too much right off the bat. Taste a little bit on a chopstick or fork to make sure that you enjoy the powerful flavor.
2. Try dipping one side of your sushi roll in soy sauce, and add a little bit of wasabi to the other side of your roll. To preserve the individual flavors of soy sauce and wasabi, it’s best not to mix these two together.
Sushi pairs well with a wide variety of drinks, from non-alcoholic teas and soft drinks, to beers, wines and sake.
We have a full sushi bar experience in Downtown Pensacola, on Palafox! Choose from a variety of beers, wines, craft cocktails and sakes, or order your go-to drink at our full bar.
If you’re looking for the perfect drink to pair with your Khon’s sushi, ask your server! We’d love to help you try something new or find something that pairs perfectly with your favorite sushi roll.
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