Etiquette dictates that fish and seafood should be eaten according to specific rules. If you consider yourself a well-mannered person, it’s important to follow these guidelines. While you may relax these rules among close friends and family, it’s essential to know proper etiquette when dining at formal occasions or restaurants. So, how to eat fish and seafood with proper etiquette?
Seafood Utensils
The general rule is to eat fish, except for pickled herring, both hot and cold, without using a regular knife.
Seafood utensils include:
- A special, spatula-shaped knife for separating bones
- A special fork with short tines
Hold the spatula in your right hand and the fork in your left. Use the fork to hold the fish and the knife to remove bones.
If only forks are provided, hold one in each hand, using the one in your right hand like a spatula. You can also use a regular fork in your right hand and a piece of bread in your left to support the fish.
Specific Guidelines for Different Seafood Dishes
- Fish Fillet: Use the spatula to hold the fillet and the fork to separate small pieces.
- Whole Fish: Remove the fins and skin, then separate the top fillet. After eating the top fillet, flip the fish and repeat. Remove the backbone and any remaining bones.
- Hot-Smoked Fish: Eat with a fork, removing any skin and bones.
- Raw Fish (Sushi, Sashimi): Use chopsticks to pick up sushi and dip it in soy sauce. Eat it whole.
- Oysters: Use an oyster knife to open the shell. Eat directly from the shell or use an oyster fork.
- Clams: Eat with your hands, separating the shells and eating the meat.
- Shrimp: Peel the shrimp and eat the meat.
- Crab and Lobster: Use special tools to crack the shell and extract the meat.
Remember: It might seem complicated at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be able to eat fish and seafood with proper etiquette and enjoy it with confidence and style.