In an unexpected twist, Japan’s popular conveyor belt sushi chain, Kura Sushi, is encouraging patrons to dip their sushi toppings into miso soup—a practice that would normally be considered a major faux pas in traditional Japanese dining culture.
Breaking Sushi Etiquette: Miso Soup Meets Sushi Toppings
Typically, in Japanese dining culture, dipping your sushi into miso soup is viewed as a breach of etiquette. Miso soup is meant to be enjoyed on its own, allowing the delicate flavors of the soup and its ingredients to shine through. Similarly, sushi toppings like sashimi, typically served on rice, have specific condiments (like soy sauce and wasabi) but are generally not paired with miso soup.
However, Kura Sushi is bucking tradition. In a video posted on the company’s official YouTube channel, Kura Sushi’s employee and YouTuber, Inaba, experiments with this controversial pairing. Inaba showcases three unorthodox combinations of miso soup with sushi toppings, the first being madai (sea bream), which is plucked from the sushi rice and dipped into the soup.
Taste Test: Miso Soup and Sushi Toppings
In the video, Inaba seems initially skeptical about dipping the fish into the miso soup, as it is contrary to Japanese dining etiquette. However, after trying it, he declares the flavor combination to be surprisingly tasty. He is equally impressed when he tries another unorthodox combination—adding natto (fermented soybeans) from natto sushi into the miso soup. Though natto is known for its pungent smell and sticky texture, Inaba finds it “just really tasty” when combined with the soup.
The third and final combination Inaba tries is adding shirako (fish sperm), a topping sometimes used in sushi and miso soup in Hokkaido. Though this is not a common practice across all of Japan, it seems to work well with miso soup, as Inaba once again finds it delicious.
The Relaxed Atmosphere at Kura Sushi
It’s important to note that Kura Sushi is a conveyor belt sushi chain, and it’s known for its relaxed and casual dining atmosphere. Unlike more formal sushi establishments, Kura Sushi encourages customers to be more experimental with their sushi experiences. This laid-back vibe makes it more acceptable for patrons to try new things, like dipping their sushi toppings into miso soup.
However, in most formal dining situations, especially in traditional sushi restaurants or homes in Japan, such behavior would be frowned upon. Also, a point to keep in mind is the custom of finishing your rice, as wasting food, particularly rice, is considered disrespectful in Japan.
A New Way to Enjoy Miso Soup?
While dipping sushi toppings into miso soup might still be considered a culinary taboo in most places, Kura Sushi has given its official stamp of approval. For those willing to break with tradition and experiment, it seems this unconventional pairing could be an enjoyable addition to your next meal at Kura Sushi.
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