The Price of Perfection: Understanding The True Value of Sushi
With some prices befit of royalty, sushi can be expensive. But with many happy to pay a premium for this well-loved Japanese cuisine, have you ever wondered why it can and does cost so much? It's not just about the ingredients, (the ‘raw’ materials;), but also the skill and precision that goes into making each piece to create the ultimate dining experience. So why is sushi so expensive?
Sourcing the best ingredients: From ocean to rooftop
Sushi is all about freshness and quality, and sushi chefs are particular about the fish they use (our chef at our Japanese restaurant on our rooftop is no exception), sourcing only the freshest and best ingredients.
Rice used in sushi is also of a very high quality. Sushi rice needs to be sticky enough to hold together, but not so sticky that it becomes clumpy. It also needs to be seasoned with vinegar and sugar to give it the perfect balance of flavour and the cost of this rice can be higher than regular rice, not to mention the cost of other ingredients that go into sushi like seaweed, wasabi, and soy sauce.
Salmon and tuna sashimi (fresh sliced fish) at our rooftop sushi restaurant
The art of sushi-making: A craft perfected over time
Much like any craft; patience, dedication to improve and refine and a bucket load of raw talent is required to master the art of sushi-making. Sushi chefs undergo years of training to master their craft, and their skill and precision are evident in every piece they create. Each piece carefully crafted to ensure that not only the flavours but also the textures are perfectly balanced.
The price of perfection was for Jiro Ono, master Sushi chef, a lifetime of commitment and a dedication to his craft that saw him ever refining and meticulously improving on this art form.
“I do the same thing over and over, improving bit by bit. There is always a yearning to achieve more. I’ll continue to climb, trying to reach the top, but no one knows where the top is.”
Whilst we don’t have 97 years of sushi making behind us like Jiro (yet...) our restaurant shares his passion for crafting excellence and all delivered with a stellar view to boot.
The cost of a sushi restaurant: specialised skills and equipment
In addition to the cost of ingredients and the skill required to make sushi, there are also other factors that contribute to the high cost of sushi. One of these factors is the cost of maintaining a sushi restaurant. Sushi restaurants require specialised equipment, such as sushi knives and rice cookers, as well as a skilled staff to prepare and serve the food. Additionally, sushi restaurants often have high rent and overhead costs due to their prime locations.
The cultural significance of sushi
Sushi is an important part of Japanese culture, and it has been for centuries. It is seen as a delicacy and a symbol of sophistication, refinement and respect. Sushi is often served at special occasions like weddings and business meetings, and it is considered a way to show respect and appreciation to guests.
Because of the cultural significance of sushi, many people are willing to pay a premium price for the best quality sushi. They see it as an investment in the experience and the cultural heritage of Japan.
The price of perfection: Is it worth it?
By understanding the factors that contribute to the price of sushi, you can gain a greater appreciation for this beloved cuisine and the skill and dedication of the sushi chefs who create it. Perhaps even lingering a little longer over each mouthful, savouring the flavours and textures and eating with more mindfulness of the craft, time and care dedicated to making the perfect sushi.
At Netil360, we think that good sushi should be affordable and accessible and we can’t wait to share the unique dining experience with you, albeit without the royal price tag! You can check out our sushi menu here.
Enjoy sushi overlooking the city of London (the view from our rooftop restaurant)
More of your sushi price questions answered:
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Making sushi at home can sometimes be cheaper than buying it at a restaurant, especially if you already have some of the ingredients in hand. However, if you need to purchase all of the ingredients, not to mention equipment, it will likely end up being more expensive than eating sushi at a restaurant.
