Vegans! What do I do about Sushi?

Question

I was wondering if you go to Sushi restaurants. I know that that most sushi includes fish and that the sushi chefs can't always clean the mats or wash their hands before making the next batch. I know that they probably don't.
I am trying to get over my OCD that revolves around worrying endlessly about contamination from animal products and so I sometimes go eat Sushi. Not that often, but my parents take me and I know they expect me to make an effort. They ask me if I can find something to eat, but if I mentioned the fact about the actual process in making the sushi they would be disappointed. What is your opinion on eating sushi?

I feel horribly guilty about it. I usually get the vegetarian roll or if I they don't have the option, I order the cucumber roll that I know is vegetarian. I usually ask them if they have vegetarian options.

Answer 1

Wow, if you are truly worried about this, don't go there. Tell you parents you wish to make it at home so you know it is clean and safe.

Really though. . . . anywhere you go out to eat, there could be that problem!

Work through your OCD. Then when you are comfortable with this matter, go out and enjoy being with friends and family. After all, going out to eat is all about the food, but it's not all about the food when you have great conversation with loved ones!!

Answer 2

Sushi chefs are well trained to clean EVERYTHING between batches, and to use dedicated mats for foods that have not been contaminated with fish. You should be safe ordering a vegetarian sushi-I make it homemade with cucumbers, radish and avacado. A good sushi chef is not going to risk any cross contamination issues, so you need not worry. By the way, don't view your OCD as a bad thing-it can serve its purpose.

Answer 3

I tend to avoid sushi restaurants because I loathe the smell of seafood. In any omni restaurant, there is a chance of cross-contamination. But by ordering a vegan meal, you are sending a message and creating demand for such fare. So on the rare occasion I go to a sushi restaurant, I get veggie rolls and hope for the best.

Answer 4

Make your own sushi! Find a sushi recipe/directions online, buy some sushi rice, nori, rice vinegar, and then you can put in whatever filling you like (besides plain veggies, there is also red bell pepper, sweet potato tempura, and Tofutti cream cheese.) It's much cheaper in the long run, and you don't have to worry about contamination anymore. A bamboo mat and a good sharp sushi knife make it prettier and easy to work with, but aren't strictly necessary. Good luck!

Answer 5

The Sushi place near my house has all kinds of Vegan Sushi..so I enjoy it. The chefs are spotless, they realize some people are allergic to fish.
The OCD is a decision on your part. I don't want to live my life in a hole it's way too short. You have to do what is comfortable to you. I promise no one dies with the thought I glad I didn't go out to dinner more with my family.

Slainté (to your health)

Answer 6

Every sushi place I have eaten at has vegetable sushi in which they make in front of you or within your view. The sushi is normally made on one of several matts for different variations of sushi. They normally reserve a seperate mat for vegetable sushi.

Answer 7

Are you really worried that a trace amount of fish will harm you, or are you a vegan because you don't want to harm animals.

If it is the latter accept that how much effort the chief puts into cleaning the knife has absolutely no bearing on YOUR contributing to animial suffering.

Answer 8

Try the egg sushi or try making your own. THat way you can be as clean and meat-free as you like.

Answer 9

Sushi is not good anyway so save your money and eat somewhere else

Answer 10

Look just let them know you don't eat anything there. Just get something to drink and enjoy their company. They need to respect your eating habits. If they can't don't go.