The idea of consuming raw fish can be a bit unsettling for some, whether it’s the smell or the fear of choking on a bone. It’s understandable why a dish like sushi can be intimidating and daunting for even the most adventurous foodie. If you really want to try something new, here are a few tips you should consider.

Before we proceeding, an important thing to note is that sushi is in fact, not always a raw dish, and can be made from ingredients other than fish. Westernisation has a way of blurring the facts and origins of food, doesn’t it?

1. Leave Out the Fish

Contrary to popular belief, raw fish isn’t the most essential ingredient in sushi. Rolls can contain other seafood such as shrimp and crabmeat. Sushi rice, fruits, and vegetables are other common ingredients. If you’re that person who orders chicken to go with every meal at every restaurant - you’ll be glad to know that some chefs will even substitute chicken as an alternative for people who just don’t like fish.

2. Start off with Some Heat

Not all sushi meat is completely raw. Some restaurants serve platters with fried shrimp and slightly smoked salmon or tuna. If you’re apprehensive about diving in cold turkey, you can try that instead. Even further, thanks to the KFC effect; tempura rolls are deep-fried, complete with the coats of flour and batter.

3. Opt for Familiar Flavours

While trying something, you may be tempted to dive straight in. However, it's always a good idea to warm your palette with familiar tastes with ingredients like tuna, mackerel and salmon before reaching for intimidating cuts like Fugu.

4. Know Your Pairings

Sauces and sides are the perfect way to elevate your sushi, and sometimes, reduce the offensive smell of fish. For those of you who enjoy the idea of ata rodo ice cream, wasabi is an adequately spicy sauce. However, remember not to drown the sushi in the sauce so you don’t burn your tongue.

5. Talk to a Pro

So you want to scam your friend into trying out amala for the first time. How do you do it? You tell them about what a culinary masterpiece the dish is. Similarly, talking a sushi lover can help open your eyes to the intricacies and cultural experience of sushi.

6. Keep An Open Mind

Perhaps the most important part of trying out sushi is to keep an open mind. If you’re still biased even after all these insightful tips, you’re probably going to spend most of your time complaining about the smell, the sauces, and no doubt ruin the experience for other diners. Don’t be that person.

Love Akinkunle is a freelance writer and editor with peculiar tastebuds. When she's not telling stories, she's reading a memoir, or fantasising about magical places on the African continent.

A Beginner's Guide To Sushi