The Raw Truth: A Beginner’s Guide to Sushi

S-U-S-H-I….this word can spark fear and disgust in a lot of people. So, if you are one of the many people who are intimidated by sushi, I’m going to try to change your mind by the end of this post. My 5 simple facts about sushi will uncover the mystery behind the stuff from Japan, calm your fears, and teach you what you need to know to enjoy this highly misunderstood treat.

1.) Sushi isn’t always raw fish:

First and foremost, I want to end the misconception that many people have that sushi is all raw. If you are turned off by the thought of eating raw fish, that doesn’t mean that you won’t like sushi. There are many different types and styles of sushi for every taste. You can have teriyaki steak sushi, sweet potato sushi or lobster sushi and a large amount of sushi is actually cooked. The word “sushi” just means seasoned or vinegared rice. Not so scary anymore, is it?

2.) A Dictionary of Sushi-isms:

Don’t be turned off by all the Japanese words used to describe types of sushi on a restaurant menu. Here are some meanings for some of the commonly used sushi terms you may see…

-Nigiri = most common form of sushi with sliced fish draped over a formed rice ball

-Sashimi = raw fish (sliced and served without rice)

-Maki = sushi that comes in rolls, wrapped in seawood, and cut into six pieces

-Nori = roasted seaweed used to wrap sushi

-Shoyu = soy sauce (dip fish side down, don’t soak rice)

-Gari = pickled ginger (eaten to cleanse palette)

-Wasabi = Japanese horseradish (green and very very hot, don’t use a lot!)

-Ebi = shrimp (cooked)

-Ika = squid (raw)

-Unagi = eel (cooked)

-Toro = tuna (raw)

3.) Sushi for Beginners:

If you have never had sushi before, it is a good idea to start off with some of the less exotic types and then move your way up to more adventurous choices. If it is your first time, a good choice would be the California Roll, which is just an imitation crabmeat, cucumber, and avocado roll wrapped in seaweed. It’s not raw and it nothing that your stomach will be angry at you for. Next, you may want to move up to trying some of the raw selections, such as the tuna or the salmon rolls. Both are pretty mild and very tasty. After you have mastered these, you can graduate to things like eel and squid.

4.) It’s okay to eat with your hands and drink beer!:

Yes, that’s right, throw aside the chopsticks and utensils. For the first time, it’s proper to eat with your hands. The right way to eat sushi is by picking it up with your fingers, dipping it into some soy sauce, and popping the whole thing into your mouth. Don’t try to just take one bite, it is improper and will probably be very messy. Also, sushi is best eaten with beer, not the Japanese wine called Sake. So it is also a good reason to enjoy a beer.

5.) Sushi is healthy:

If the top 4 reasons to eat sushi weren’t enough to convince you, maybe the fact that sushi is a health food will. Sushi is naturally low in calories and fat. A typical serving of 9 pieces of sushi contains about 350-400 calories. The fish is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Seaweed is rich in iodine and rice provides complex carbohydrates. Despite popular belief, the chances of getting sick from eating the raw fish in sushi are pretty slim so you don’t need to worry. Sushi is really a well balanced, healthy, eating alternative.

So, now that you know all you need to know; go out and get yourself some sushi!

Stop & Shop at Super 88…

If you haven’t been to a Super 88, you need to go. This supermarket will change the way you shop.

Super 88 is the leading Asian supermarket chain in the Greater Boston area. It specializes in Asian vegetables, tropical fruits, and fresh, live seafood. When was the last time you fished for your own live crabs at Stop and Shop?

Walking into one of the Super 88 stores is an experience in itself. One of the first things you’ll see is “Rice City,” a wall of 25-pound bags.

You’ll notice the huge produce section with its spread of crimson apples, yellow-green plantains, tan lotus root, purple Chinese eggplant, dark mustard greens, and orange sweet yams. Here, you will find almost every fruit and vegetable imaginable.

The first time I stepped foot into a Super 88, I was very overwhelmed, confused, and somewhat afraid. I didn’t know what the pointy purple fruit was and if I was supposed to fish for my own seafood in those huge tanks. But, I got used to it and now I can cruise the aisles with the best of them.

You don’t have to be from Saigon or Vietnam to enjoy all that Super 88 has to offer for ingredients and food. The owners’ goal is to appeal to a broad range of shoppers and become a “melting pot” of a supermarket.

Super 88 also has some of the cheapest prices around for seafood, fresh produce, and other items. Take a look at the chart which compares Super 88 prices with those of other big competitors. (Super 88 vs. Shaws)

One of reasons I love Super 88 is the bakery and butchery areas that they have in every store. Follow your nose to the smell of fresh baked buns and pastries, which are only about 80 cents each. You won’t find this stuff at any Stop & Shop. Some of my favorite things to grab and go are the buns, which come in a variety of fillings, both sweet and savory. There is the delicious and creamy custard bun filled with sweet yellow cream or the hot dog bun as a quick lunch. Or, have the butcher cut you up some nice pieces of fresh peking duck or soy sauce chicken.

If you want to really eat the world, take the T over to Commonwealth Ave for the Super 88 in Allston, which has a Food Connection food court attached to it. My goal is to try every little food stall in this place, and I’m almost there. Theres chinese food, dim sum, Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Indian, Korean and bubble tea all under one roof. My favorite is the Korean place called Misono Wok which has the signature Korean dish called “Bibimap.” (Keep reading for more about the Super 88 Food Connection in a future post).

The most obvious reason to come to Super 88 is to do your food shopping and get some items that you wouldn’t know exist and won’t find anywhere else. I always go to get some of their frozen items like pork buns, fried rice, and microwavable dinners. One of the best items that I have found is a microwavable wei-chuan “Beef don rice bowl.” It could blow a hot pocket right out of its pocket.

Anyway, if you have never been to a Super 88 because you didn’t know what they were, thought you weren’t allowed, or were too scared, head over to Malden, Dorchester, Allston, Quincy, or Chinatown Boston for a cheap and tasty shopping and dining adventure.

If you want more information and all the locations, visit the Super 88 website!

Taste of Japan in Cambridge

In an unsuspecting building on Mass Ave in Cambridge, you will find a delicious and one-of-a-kind food court, unlike anything you have seen in any shopping mall. Located very close to the Porter Square T-stop on the Red Line, on Lesley College’s campus, you can get some of the best, cheapest, and most authentic Asian cuisine that the city has to offer. The Porter Exchange is like a tiny Tokyo, where you can buy unique Japanese gifts at the Tokai Gift Shop, do your weekly grocery shopping at the Kotibukiya Market, or buy some sweet buns to take home from the Japonaise Bakery.

But, most people come for the food.

There about a half a dozen hole-in-the-wall spots in this small food court. Each one is just as good as the next. Plan ahead, because the place gets very crowded during lunch hours and dinner, but its definitely worth the wait. The food is mostly Japanese and Korean, but there is something for everyone with so many places and items to choose from.

One of my favorite places to visit is located at the end of the hall, has only 6 tables, but has some of the best food I have ever had. It is called Ittyo and they specialize in rice bowls called “donburi” which just means rice topped with all different kinds of things including meats and tofu. Its impossible to make a wrong choice.

This time, I got the Mackerel Rice Bowl. It came with a large portion of fish on top of a bowl of perfectly cooked steaming white rice. There were a variety of pickled vegetables on top, that you may not exactly know what they are, but you will grow to love. One of my favorites is the yellow picked daikon, which is basically a Japanese radish. There is also some seaweed, greens and lettuce. Not only do you get all your food groups in one meal, but at a price of $6 during lunch time with a soup and salad, it can’t be beat. Ittyo also has many other items including big bowls of noodle soup, teriyaki chicken bowls, and Japanese curry. Every dish is cheap, fresh, and filling. I have never been disappointed.