In a fascinating encounter that unfolded at a local Japanese sushi restaurant in Indonesia, a video of a food vlogger known as @enjoybatam on TikTok attempted to eat sushi with his hands is going viral with 80.2K likes. Little did he know that he was about to face a clash of cultures and find himself at the center of an amusing and educational incident.
With his camera rolling, the vlogger decided to embark on a culinary experiment, vowing to enjoy his sushi session, he mentioned in his video that the restaurant was quiet and near to his place.
“Here, I’m trying sushi again, but this time I’m eating it with my hands,” he excitedly announced.
Having previously used chopsticks, he thought devouring the delicate morsels with his fingers would make for a quicker and more satisfying dining experience.
But, the restaurant staff had their eyes on him, assigned to monitor the diners’ adherence to Japanese dining customs. Oblivious to the watchful gaze, the vlogger and his friend continued eating the sushi delightfully.
As the vlogger delved into his sushi, a staff member approached his table, interrupting his culinary adventure.
“Sorry, Mister,” the staff member said politely, “Eating sushi here is not allowed to be done with hands. You must use chopsticks.”
Taken aback by the unexpected interruption, the vlogger sought an explanation, eager to understand the reasoning behind this rule.
The staff member proceeded to explain and replied,
“Because the culture here follows that of Japan. In Japan, eating sushi is done using chopsticks. Here, you also have to follow it.”
As these dialogues unfolded, nearby patrons couldn’t help but overhear the exchange. Some chuckled at the vlogger’s unintentional breach of sushi etiquette, while others gossiped at the perceived cultural insensitivity.
However, capturing a moment of humour, our vlogger shared an intriguing tidbit.
“There’s a small talk that didn’t get captured by the camera,” he revealed mischievously. “If you can’t use chopsticks, why bother eating Japanese food?”
You can watch the video below.
In the end, our vlogger may not have achieved his goal of eating sushi with his hands, but this amusing encounter showcases how a simple dining experience can become a teachable moment, reminding us all to honour and appreciate the cultural practices that make our world a diverse and fascinating place.
Remember to grab those chopsticks and savour the flavours with the utmost respect for tradition!
Also read: Tokyo Will be Hosting A World Cup For Litter Picking Called SpoGomi This November!
