If you enjoy the taste of sushi but have only had it a few times in your life, it can be an exciting experience to visit an authentic sushi restaurant. Whether you're on a date, getting together with friends, or dining with co-workers, you want to approach your meal the right way. While you can always monitor the actions of someone else who has more experience with sushi than you, keeping the following dos and don'ts in mind will also be helpful.

Do: Use Ginger Between Pieces Of Sushi

It's common to have one or more small dishes of pickled ginger on your table when you dine at a sushi restaurant. Lots of people don't use the ginger properly, unfortunately. While you'll sometimes see people position a thin slice of ginger on a piece of sushi before they eat it, this is actually the incorrect way to approach the ginger. The restaurant's chef intends for you to use ginger as a palate cleanser, which means that you should eat it when you're finished with one type of sushi and before you try a different type.

Don't: Dunk Your Sushi In The Soy Sauce

Beside the dish of ginger, you'll typically see a small bowl of soy sauce. Many restaurants also have bottles of soy sauce on the table to allow you to refill your bowl. Don't be tempted to place your pieces of sushi into the soy sauce before you eat them. This is a common mistake, as the soy sauce will dramatically overpower the subtle flavors of the sushi, as well as potentially cause the rice to fall apart. Gently dip your sushi into the soy sauce just enough to get a small amount onto the piece.

Do: Try A Variety Of Pieces

While you might know of one particular type of sushi that you enjoy, it's ideal to try a number of pieces. For example, you might want to order a few pieces of nigiri, some maki rolls, and some other pieces. Ordering a variety of styles of sushi allows you to experience different flavors and even textures, and can be part of a fulfilling dining experience.

Don't: Use Your Fork

It's customary to use chopsticks to eat sushi, and you can generally expect that your dining companions will do so. If you don't feel particularly comfortable with chopsticks, don't ask for a fork. Instead, think about obtaining a pair of chopsticks in advance of your sushi restaurant visit and practicing at home so that you feel more comfortable with them.