Experiment: a real Japanese tried real Gomel sushi

We all know, of course, that our sushi is significantly different from Japanese sushi. Well, as we know ... Heard. After all, not everyone had to visit the Land of the Rising Sun. We haven't been to Japan either. Therefore, they asked a Japanese friend to confirm or refute this generally accepted fact. We bought the most, in our opinion, delicious sushi and treated them to an oriental guest. Read about his impressions in our report.

(Total 26 photos)

1. Takeshi is a 4th year student at Fukushima Medical University. The future neurosurgeon ended up in Gomel thanks to a student exchange program.

2. For two weeks he lived in a student dormitory of the Gomel Medical University, went to lectures, visited medical institutions of the city. In addition, local students prepared a rich cultural program for the Japanese.

3. In two weeks, Takeshi saw everything: a park, a circus, a bathhouse, tried vodka, potato pancakes and fried bacon ... On the last day before leaving, we invited him to taste what he lacked here so much.

Actually, organizing our experiment was not easy. We were surprised to find that until quite recently, a Japanese delicacy that was outlandish for Belarusians is now cooked in every second restaurant in Gomel. Yes, there are restaurants! Any self-respecting supermarket considers it its duty to display at least a dozen types of sushi in the windows.

4. In order not to get confused in all this diversity, we decided not to be too smart and ordered Japanese food in those places that Gomel residents are familiar with. So, in the Taboo sushi bar they took a portion of Tosia rolls, in the Grill House - "Sensei" and "Alaska", in the sushi bar of the cultural and entertainment center "Europe" they bought "Philadelphia", and in the recently opened Shogun restaurant bought a couple of types of canoes.

5. For the purity of the experiment, we also went to the Almi supermarket and picked up multi-colored Hiashi, Samurai and Kyoto rolls there. They were also the cheapest. The most expensive ones are in Shogun (for 9 pieces and a salad I had to pay 175 thousand Belarusian rubles, about 650 rubles) and “Europe” (a portion cost 98 thousand Belarusian rubles, about 365 rubles).

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7. It's hard to say what a Japanese thinks about when he sees non-Japanese sushi...

8. While we were removing them from the plastic containers, Takeshi sat stone-faced. Maybe he was praying, maybe he was cursing softly... Anyway, it's time to try.

9. The first plate is from the Shogun restaurant. Looks beautiful. And how does it taste?

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12. Takeshi chewed the rolls for a long time, then remained silent for the same amount, and then suddenly issued:

- Very strange. Here, instead of fish, crab meat. We do not use it in rolls. And rice is very strange. I can’t even explain, but he’s not the right one,” Takeshi criticized the dish.

13. - Rice and fish are the most important ingredients. Without them, real sushi is impossible. Only fish that have been swimming in the ocean a few hours ago should be used. In many restaurants, it is fished out of aquariums right in front of you and sushi is made from it in your presence,” says the Japanese.

14. - The cheapest sushi in Japan costs around $5-7. But cheap doesn't mean bad. Even inexpensive sushi will be fresh fish. It's just that the more expensive ones will be prepared by the chefs of expensive restaurants. For this you will have to pay up to $ 50-70. By the way, a serving of sushi in Japan does not consist of 8, like yours, but of 12 rolls, - Takeshi introduces.

15. - And these are the most popular among Belarusians - "Philadelphia", - we move closer to the Japanese a plate with rolls from "Europe".

16. - I have not heard such a name, - Takeshi is puzzled. “But they taste very similar to ours. The fish here is fresh. Not bad. I'd give them a five out of a seven point scale.

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18. — And how do you feel about cooking rolls at home? Our women often do this.

It would never occur to a Japanese hostess to cook sushi at home. We don't make our own sushi. This should be done by professionals.

19. Next in line are Sensei and Alaska rolls from the Grill House bar.

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21. First remark - to the composition:

— I can't understand why you have cheese in all your rolls. We don't add it. And the fish is not raw. This is the wrong sushi,” Takeshi pronounces.

22. Rolls from Taboo Takeshi also disappointed.

23. - The fish upset me again. It would be better if they put crab meat here, like in the first. At least it was unusual, concludes the Japanese.

24. While we were going with the spirit to offer the Japanese the last portion of rolls from the supermarket, he talked about the democratic nature of Japanese cuisine:

- These are prejudices that certain rituals are needed to eat sushi. Sushi can be eaten anywhere, when you want and how you want. It doesn't even have to be chopsticks. Many Japanese eat them with their hands in ordinary eateries. But what no Japanese will forgive is the taste. Fish must be raw and fresh.

25. Unfortunately, Almi rolls only have Japanese names. The Japanese did not understand the taste of "Kyoto" rolled in almond chips, and did not appreciate "Hiyashi". He gave them two points.

26. Before tasting the poisonous green Samurai, Takeshi decided to take it apart and see what was inside. But the combination of fish and greens bribed him, and the Japanese unexpectedly gave this roll a strong five.

- There are no complaints about related products and seasonings for sushi. Soy sauce, wasabi and ginger taste the same as ours. But sushi is very different. If you ever tried real sushi, you would not like these very much, - the foreigner summed up.