On the road in Düsseldorf Little Tokyo: do's and don'ts in Japanese bars

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On the road in Düsseldorf Little Tokyo: do's and don'ts in Japanese bars

The basics of impeccable drinking etiquette

Sushi is one of your staple foods? You don't feel well without at least two portions of ramen a week? And the noble Wagyu beef is not only served on high feast days? Then you must be a true connoisseur of Japanese cuisine! But what about accompanying drinks? Perhaps you know something about sake. But do you know the best way to enjoy this alcoholic specialty? Or how beer is brewed in this Asian country? And, most importantly, what is important to bear in mind when visiting a bar? Because there are a few (often unspoken) rules to follow to ensure that the atmosphere is particularly pleasant for everyone involved. Want to know which ones? Here are six tips for your next trip to the bars of Little Tokyo, such as the "Me and all Lounge" (Immermannstraße 367), "Kushi-Tei of Tokyo" (Immermannstraße 38) and the "Sakura Bar" (Immermannstraße 50).

Do: Order sake with the correct designation

After all, we often use the word "wine" to describe sake. However, strictly speaking, the drink is not wine, as - unlike the original - it is not made from fruit. Instead, sake is based on two main components: rice (polished rice) and water. During the fermentation process, a mold breaks down the starch in the grain, while yeast converts the sugar contained in the rice into alcohol. Bars and restaurants usually serve sake in small bowls and (lukewarm) warm. Only very good varieties are enjoyed chilled by connoisseurs. 

Don't: Tasting sake the wrong way

First things first: A Japanese person will certainly notice if you make an effort to do everything right. And therefore, if in doubt, they won't react disgruntled if you make a small mishap. After all, a visit to the bar should not mutate into a state reception with the strictest protocol. Nevertheless, out of politeness and respect alone, try to, There are a few rules to follow: For example, it is not appropriate to drink sake like a shot in one go; it is better to sip it again and again. If you pour for others, do not fill the glass to the brim, this is also a no-go - just like pouring for yourself. The host or waiter should do this. If someone wants to top up your glass, lift it up, leave it on the table, it is considered rude and take a small sip before you put it down. 

Do: Taste craft beer!

A world without beer? Hard to imagine for many of you. People in Japan also like to drink good beer. The country's best-known brands, which also have bars and restaurants in Düsseldorf, include "Asahi", "Sapporo" and "Kirin" - so you can sample a wide variety of aromas and flavors over the course of a long evening. If you want something particularly exotic, ask for "Echigo" beer with Koshihikari rice! If you want to shine with a little expertise: Incidentally, Japan's first brewery was once established in - here we go again - Niigata Prefecture, i.e. where rice and water turn out so excellently.

Do: Toast correctly

Whether there's an occasion like a birthday or you're simply celebrating being together with Japanese friends or colleaguestyou would like: A toast always goes down well. But be careful: the hosts say the toast first. Those present then repeat the words and bow slightly, glass of sake, whisky, vodka or gin in hand. If you want to start in the local language, use the term "Kanpai". The Japanese word comes closest to the German "Prost". You should rather refrain from using "Cin Cin", which Italians also like to use in this country. In Japanese, the word stands for "penis".

Don't: Tip

Although very kindly meant, tipping is not considered good manners in Japan. In fact, many restaurants include the service in the price of the drink. This means that if you give your waiter or waitress a few euros in cash, this will result in an awkward silence. So it's better not to do this and simply thank them warmly for their friendly service. In Japanese restaurants in Germany, customs are different in this respect: Here you are "allowed" to give the waiters a financial gift.

This article is funded by REACT-EU.

Pictures: Düsseldorf Tourism

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