Japan is renowned for its rich culture and traditions, which also extend to its cuisine and dining customs. While strict Japanese dining etiquette isn’t required when enjoying Japanese food in Malta, embracing these customs can add an authentic touch to your experience. Join us as we explore some simple etiquette tips to enhance your next visit to a Japanese restaurant in Malta.

Showing gratitude before your meal

In many cultures around the world, it is customary for people around the table to utter a greeting before eating. In France its “bon apetit.” In Maltese it’s “l-ikla t-tajba.” In Japan, before taking your first bite, it’s customary to say “itadakimasu” (pronounced ee-tah-dah-key-mahs). This phrase conveys gratitude for the meal prepared and translates to “I gratefully receive.” In a more informal sense, it simply means, “Thanks for the food.” It’s a heartfelt way to show appreciation for the effort put into your meal. So, when you’re enjoying Japanese food in Malta, be sure to keep this phrase in mind.

Chopsticks do’s and don’ts

Chopsticks are a big part of the Japanese dining experience. If you’ve never used chopsticks before, they do take some getting used to. But don’t worry, with a bit of practice you’ll soon get the hang of it. To hold your chopsticks, place the top one as you would hold a pencil, using your thumb, index, and middle fingers. The lower chopstick should rest between your ring finger and lower thumb. Use the upper chopstick to pick up food, while the lower one stays in place.

Unlike when using a fork, chopsticks are not for stabbing food. It’s also considered impolite to point at people or things with your chopsticks. Don’t lick your chopsticks or put them in your mouth if food sticks to them. Instead, it’s polite to use a napkin to wipe them clean. Also, avoid raising your chopsticks too high above your mouth. This action is believed to bring negative energy, which is considered disrespectful.

By following these chopstick etiquette tips when heading to a Japanese restaurant in Malta, you’ll show respect for Japanese culture and traditions.

How to add soy, wasabi and ginger

Adding traditional condiments like soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger to your Japanese meal can really enhance the flavours, but it’s essential to do it in the right way.

Pickled ginger, which is known as “gari” in Japan, serves as a palate cleanser. It’s meant to refresh your taste buds between bites and is not eaten directly with your sushi.

When using wasabi and soy sauce, add sparingly to avoid disrespecting the chef’s intended flavours. It’s also considered impolite to mix soy sauce and wasabi together. Furthermore, remember to pour soy sauce into the smaller bowl provided, not directly over your food.

If you want to enjoy a spicy kick to your sushi, then add wasabi. Simply place a small dab on top of your sushi. And when dipping your sushi in soy sauce, only dip the fish or filling side, not the rice side. Dipping the rice will soak up a lot of soy which will overpower the flavours and cause the rice to break apart. Use these handy tips when enjoying Japanese food in Malta to get the most out of the flavours and textures of each dish.

Sharing and serving saké

Sake is Japanese rice wine, which can be enjoyed before, during, or after your meal. It’s often poured from a tokkuri— a traditional sake decanter with a narrow neck and a small opening—into individual cups.

When enjoying sake, it’s customary to pour for each other, not yourself. Show respect by raising your glass slightly when someone pours for you, and don’t forget to reciprocate. Keep an eye on your friends’ glasses and refill them when they’re empty. When raising your glass for a toast, you can say “kanpai!” which is the equivalent of “Cheers!” in English. This phrase is used to celebrate and wish everyone good health and happiness.

Tucking into sushi

Sushi is undoubtedly the most popular Japanese dish in the Western world, and is certainly to be a staple on any Japanese restaurant menu. There are also many dedicated sushi restaurants in Malta.

In addition to the rules surrounding ginger, wasabi, and soy as explored earlier, there are also a few more etiquette rules around sushi. These include eating each piece in one bite whenever possible. It’s considered impolite to bite it in half or use chopsticks to break a piece of sushi into smaller pieces. In Japan, you can even use your hands if you prefer. It’s all about personal choice. So go ahead and relish each bite of sushi your way.

The traditions of teppanyaki

While Teppanyaki cooking originated in Japan, it actually gained popularity in the United States in the early 20th century when Japanese chefs fused their culinary expertise with Western-inspired dishes such as grilled steak, shrimp, and veggies on metal griddles.

The name is in fact a combination of two Japanese words. “Teppan” meaning “iron plate” and “yaki”, which means “grilled.” So, the name literally translates into “grilling on an iron plate.” When enjoying Teppanyaki in Malta, feel free to use your fork and knife as your primary utensils rather than chopsticks.

Ramen Rules

While originating in China, Ramen has become a mainstay of Japanese cuisine. It typically features thicker, wheat noodles served in a broth. Some common ingredients include sliced pork, beef, and tofu.

When enjoying ramen, use your trusty chopsticks for the noodles and ingredients. A wide and flat-shaped spoon is usually provided for the broth. That said, you can sip the broth directly from the bowl if you like.

In Japan, it’s customary to drink the soup before tackling the noodles. And here’s a surprising tip, don’t be shy about slurping your noodles. It’s considered to be sign of enjoyment and cools the soup down while intensifying the flavours. When you’re done, show your appreciation by placing your chopsticks on top of the bowl and not in it.

Ending your meal on the right note

Once you’ve savoured every bite of Japanese meal, you might want to say “gochisosama deshita” (pronounced go-chee-soh-sah-mah desh-tah). This phrase means “thank you for the meal” and serves as a reminder of appreciation for the food and the dining experience.

In Japan, it’s also customary to take a moment when you finish to return the table to its original state. Place your chopsticks back on the chopstick rest or on their paper holder. If there are lids for dishes, replace them. It’s a thoughtful way to show your respect and appreciation for the meal, the restaurant, and your dining companions you’ve shared this delightful meal with.

Searching for the best Japanese restaurant in Malta?

Enjoy one of the finest Japanese dining experiences in Malta at TemptAsian. Located in the 5-star AX The Palace hotel in Sliema, TemptAsian is an Asian fusion restaurant that serves a delicious array of popular Japanese dishes. Our award-winning kitchen team crafts delectable choices, from sushi and sashimi to ramen and teppanyaki, with a creative twist on traditional techniques.

Reserve your table at TemptAsian today! Call us on +356 2133 3444 or book online.