What to Order at a Sushi Restaurant for the First Time
Never had sushi before? No stress. Here's a simple guide to what to order your first time at a sushi restaurant.
Written by White Buddha
Based on our firsthand experience running White Buddha — a family-owned Japanese restaurant in Louisville, KY since day one. We write from behind the sushi bar, not behind a desk.
What to Order at a Sushi Restaurant for the First Time
Walking into a sushi restaurant for the first time can feel overwhelming. The menu is long, the names are unfamiliar, and you're not sure what's raw and what's cooked.
Relax. Here's a simple game plan.
Start With Cooked Rolls
If you're not ready for raw fish, that's totally fine. Plenty of sushi is cooked. Try these:
- California Roll — crab, avocado, cucumber. Mild and approachable.
- Shrimp Tempura Roll — fried shrimp, crunchy, zero raw fish.
- Texas Roll — deep fried with cream cheese. Crispy and rich.
- Volcano Roll — baked crab on top. Warm and savory.
Then Try Something Adventurous
Once you're comfortable, step it up:
- Spicy Tuna Roll — a little kick, very popular
- Rainbow Roll — a California roll topped with assorted raw fish
- Dragon Roll — eel and avocado, sweet glaze on top
Sides That Go Well With Sushi
- Edamame — steamed soybeans with salt. Great starter.
- Miso Soup — warm, light, and savory
- Seaweed Salad — tangy and refreshing
Quick Sushi Etiquette Tips
- It's okay to eat sushi with your hands (nigiri especially)
- Don't drown your sushi in soy sauce — a light dip is plenty
- Eat pickled ginger between different types of sushi to cleanse your palate
- Wasabi is optional — add a tiny bit if you like heat
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sushi safe to eat? Yes, when prepared by trained chefs using fresh, properly stored fish. Restaurants like White Buddha follow strict food safety standards.
What if I don't like raw fish? No problem! At least half of most sushi menus are fully cooked options.
How much sushi should I order? For a full meal, 2-3 rolls per person is a good starting point.
Come try your first roll at White Buddha. See our menu or call (502) 742-9719.
Keep Reading
Is Sushi Healthy? What a Dietitian Would Say
Wondering if sushi is a healthy meal option? Here's a straightforward breakdown of sushi nutrition, what to order for a lighter meal, and what to watch out for.
ReadHibachi vs Sushi — What's the Difference?
Not sure whether to order hibachi or sushi? Here's a simple breakdown of the differences, what to expect, and how to pick the right one for your meal.
ReadWhy Louisville Loves Hibachi — And Where to Get the Best
Hibachi is one of the most popular dining experiences in Louisville. Here's why everyone loves it and where to find the best hibachi near you.
ReadReady to Try White Buddha?
Fresh sushi and hibachi in Middletown, Louisville KY. Order online or call for pickup.