Japanese

"Sushi"

One of the most prominent and traditional Japanese dishes, sushi (in particular, Nigirizushi) is a well-known Japanese food. It is a minimalistic cuisine where a chef rapidly holds and rolls a handful of slightly vinegared rice and a variety of raw seafood. In some cases, it is garnished with vegetables and covered with seaweed.

The first appearance of sushi in Japan dates back to the Nara period. A special preservation method where pieces of fish were covered with salt in cooked beans and grain such as millet and rice, to go through a natural fermentation, is considered the origin of sushi. The style of sushi we know well today was first established in the Edo period, albeit with different shape and taste compared to modern day iteration. According to some historical documents, the original size was not a bite-sized piece, but rather like that of tennis ball and one usually ate only 2 or 3 pieces. In addition, seafood were always pickled in vinegar and soy sauce, and raw fishes were not used for sushi topping because of underdeveloped refrigeration and freezing technology. However, after World War II, with the spread of a refrigerator, raw materials began to be used for the topping of sushi. Nowadays sushi is widely accepted in the world and we may even see a sushi restaurant overseas. In most sushi restaurants, the cooks show their work in a smart and lively manner before the customer's eyes, which adds to the stylish and professional atmosphere of the cuisine.

When we go to a sushi shop, we notice that one uses some unique words, which are used only in a sushi restaurant. Here's a quick introduction to some unique, specialized words:

"SHARI" = Rice
The etymology of SHARI came from the word "busshari" that relates to the bone of the Adam's apple of Buddha, which is believed to be similar to the shape of rice.

"GARI" = Slightly vinegard ginger
Sliced vinegared ginger is always served besides sushi. As for the derivation of GARI, it is said that we hear a sound "GARI, GARI" when we crunch on the ginger, however the idea is not certain.

"AGARI" = Tea
In the past, a tea served to a customer before the meal was called "Odebana", or literally the "first flower", and the tea after the meal was called "Agari-bana". "AGARI" came from Agari-bana.

However, these unique words are basically used among chefs and staffs of sushi restaurant, and obviously a customer could just as well ask "Ocha wo kudasai (Tea, please.)" and "Shoga wo kudasai. (Ginger, please.)".
We will try to introduce to you about a revolutionary "revolving" sushi bar in the next issue.
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