Eating sushi is quite an experience. Not only the taste is important but also the shape and presentation of the pieces. Japanese attach great importance to tradition and small habits. But what is so special about preparing sushi? Both eating sushi and preparing it must take into account a number of arrangements and conventions. Sushi preparation is a true art that cannot be practiced by just anyone. Only masters can guarantee the right quality and proper sushi techniques. Want to discover more about sushi culture? What makes a true sushi chef? And can you make sushi yourself? Read on to find out!

Proficiency prepared

Only a trained sushi chef or “itamae san” may prepare sushi. To do so, he must undergo at least 5 years of training. The requirements to succeed are therefore very strict. Serious sushi chefs even study for decades to master the perfect preparation method. After all, presentation and taste are equally important!

Starting simple

True sushi chefs must also keep up to date with all aspects and developments within their profession. The first years as a sushi apprentice must remind you of the Karate Kid movies from the 1980s. Indeed, an apprentice starts his training with simple chores: buying ingredients, cooking rice, washing dishes, and so on. At the same time, an “itamae san” in training also learns how to serve sushi neatly. This is not insignificant either.

One step further

Once an apprentice sushi chef has successfully gone through the first two years, he may also start to fillet and cut fish. After a total of five years, the apprentice must pass a difficult exam. If he passes it, he may call himself “itamae san.

The real work

Only a licensed, graduate sushi chef may effectively prepare sushi. Most sushi chefs start their careers under the care of a more experienced senior sushi chef. The latter watches over the quality of the sushi. Only when the master is satisfied with the shape, taste and quality of the sushi for a long period of time, the junior chef is called “wakiita” and will increase his role. This usually implies that from now on he is allowed to prepare the fresh ingredients of the sushi and the orders for take-out customers. 'Wakiita' means “next to the cutting board.

Full mastery

It takes at least another year before a graduate apprentice is given all responsibilities and allowed to engage in the full preparation of sushi “before the cutting board. From then on, he is an “itamae san master. So making sushi is not as easy as it seems!

Specializations

Like any expert, a sushi chef can pursue specializations afterwards. One well-known follow-up course is training to become a “fugu chef. The fugu is a Japanese puffer fish, whose organs are poisonous. The poison can cause muscle paralysis in humans. Since our heart is a muscle, eating such an improperly prepared puffer fish can cause heart failure within half an hour, resulting in death. Despite that risk, fugu remains a popular delicacy among true sushi lovers.

Only a trained fugu chef knows how to properly remove these organs, along with the risk of mortal danger. Therefore, this title comes with heavy training of at least 10 years. Only in this way can the sushi chef gain enough experience to pass the exam. He then receives a special license required to prepare this type of fish. It still adds value to a sushi restaurant because surprisingly many people from all corners of the world are attracted to this exciting bite. Would you dare to taste this Japanese delicacy?

Do-it-yourself

Making your own sushi? More and more people are venturing into preparing their own sushi at home. This is a long and delicate process that also requires some skills. The chance that you, as a hobby chef, will approach the taste and shape of real sushi in this way is very small. Cooking the rice alone is very difficult and involves three stages.

Nevertheless, there are many recipes and how-to videos to be found online. So those who like a challenge can always give sushi making a try themselves. Are you from Beveren or surroundings and still looking for a fun team activity in Beveren? Then you can try our sushi workshops! Here you will learn the tricks of the trade directly from our real sushi chef!

Do you prefer to sit at the table for a culinary experience? Do you prefer to completely surrender to tradition while enjoying the whole sushi experience? Then be sure to visit our sushi restaurant OZZO for an evening of indulgence for all your senses. Contact us soon for a reservation.