When you sit down for sushi at your favorite spot in Brooklyn — whether you’re ordering omakase or California rolls — there’s a good chance you’re not getting exactly what you think. From that green paste on your plate to how rolls are meant to be dipped, sushi myths are everywhere.
At Masuta Japanese Fusion Restaurant, we’re all about fresh, authentic ingredients and educating our guests along the way. So let’s set the record straight with 3 common sushi misconceptions Brooklyn diners often get wrong — and how we do it differently at Masuta.
1. That Green Paste? It’s Probably Not Real Wasabi
What Most People Think:
“That spicy green stuff next to my sushi is wasabi.”
The Truth:
In most sushi restaurants across the U.S. — including Brooklyn — that “wasabi” is actually a mix of horseradish, mustard powder, and green food coloring.
Real wasabi (Wasabia japonica) is:
- Grown in mountain stream beds in Japan
- Rare and expensive (often $100+ per pound)
- Less harsh and more fragrant than fake wasabi
Why It Matters:
The fake stuff overpowers delicate sushi flavors. Real wasabi enhances sushi, not dominates it.
Dunking Sushi in Soy Sauce Fish-First Is a Flavor Mistake
What Most People Do:
Grab a piece of nigiri and dunk the rice straight into the soy sauce bowl.
Why That’s Wrong:
- Rice absorbs too much soy sauce, leading to an overpowering, salty bite
- The sushi may fall apart in the bowl
- It shows a lack of respect for the chef’s seasoning
The Right Way:
Turn the nigiri on its side and lightly dip the fish side into the soy sauce. Just enough to accent, not overwhelm.
Chopsticks Aren’t Required — and Sometimes Not Preferred
What Most People Think:
“You have to use chopsticks to eat sushi or it’s wrong.”
The Truth:
In Japan, it’s totally acceptable to eat nigiri with your hands. In fact, that’s often the preferred method — especially at traditional sushi counters.
Finger-eating is:
- More natural for delicate pieces
- Less likely to crush or tear the sushi
- Culturally respectful when done with clean hands
Why Sushi Education Matters at Masuta
We believe the best sushi experience comes from knowing what’s on your plate and how it’s meant to be enjoyed. That’s why we:
- Train our staff to explain ingredients and sourcing
- Offer table cards and QR menus with sushi etiquette tips
- Use real wasabi for premium dishes whenever possible
- Encourage open conversations between guests and our chefs
Sushi Isn't Meant to Be Drowned in Sauce
What We Often See:
Rolls swimming in soy sauce, sriracha mayo, and eel glaze.
What’s Better:
Balance. Too much sauce masks the flavor of the fish, rice, and seaweed.
While fusion rolls and bold sauces have their place, traditional sushi emphasizes:
- Clean cuts
- Minimal seasoning
- Appreciation for texture and aroma
Experience Elevated Sushi in Brooklyn at Masuta
Whether you’re a lifelong sushi lover or new to Japanese cuisine, Masuta is here to serve more than just sushi — we serve understanding, freshness, and flavor.Visit us in Brooklyn or Contacts Us Today
