New Generation Sushi – An Offshoot Of Sushi For Western Culture

The increasing popularity of sushi in North America has given the birth to the creation of New generation sushi, normally known as gen sushi. Gen sushi is a sushi created to suit the Western palate, and is rarely found in Japan, as it appeals to the western tastes. People who fear to eat the standard raw fish sushi, can experience this type with a variety of vegetables, scallops and tuna. However, a few things are necessary to be kept in mind before you try gen sushi.

Gen sushi offers a way for people willing to try Japanese dishes without tasting the raw fish. However, these dishes are a spin off of traditional styles of sushi. For instance there are maki rolls in California and Boston which are Americanized. This style becomes acceptable to try before venturing into the raw fish domain which contains dishes like sashimi and nigiri.

The traditional Japanese reverence for good quality food in small portions has dissipated in America, with sushi bars deferring to the American-sized appetite and attraction to colorful food in big portions.There is a specific way in which sushi should be eaten, whatever form it may be in. There are methods to eat sushi in a polite manner in the Japanese culture, and it is also observed in the western restaurants as well.

As an example, you should be careful not to pass sushi from your chopsticks to another person’s, if you are sharing it with friends and family. It is considered as extremely inconsiderate and unmannerly, as this custom is used in funerals in Japan and is reserved for handling cremated bones.

Additionally, do not support your chopsticks by putting them on table with their edge lying on the plate. They should either entirely be on the table or on the plate.

Soy sauce is also another aspect of sushi eating manners which should be properly observed. Wasting soy sauce is considered ill manners in Japanese culture.

You should be careful to finish off the food that you ordered, so no food is wasted as it is considered bad manners.

You can generally find gen sushi at a specialty sushi store, but many grocery stores and Asian markets do have it in stock as there is a growing demand for it now. You can also try gen sushi at a restaurant, as many chain restaurants are now open that are special only for their style of sushi. Also, some American sushi options will also be found at a traditional sushi restaurant, though that variety would be less than at a gen sushi restaurant.

Ingrid Preube
Get additional info on sushi menu and gen sushi.