Sushi Lover Natalie in Amman, Jordan
Today’s Sushi Lover-Girl is Natalie, an International Development Consultant in Amman, Jordan. Check out Natalie’s blog at http://Missnatley.wordpress.com
Natalie in Amman, Jordan loves sushi
How long ago did you begin eating sushi? I tried sushi when I was in grade school. However I began eating sushi in 1998 when I worked in the hotel industry.
How were you introduced to sushi? I was first introduced to Sushi in 6th grade while living in Saudi Arabia. It was international food day and one of my classmates was Japanese. He brought a basic sushi roll to class. White rice wrapped in seaweed. Many years later, I had many other opportunities to eat different types of sushi when I worked in hotels. I was immediately ‘hooked’ but at the same time I was quite intimidated by it. I didn’t know the different types of sushi or even sushi etiquette. Everyone around me seemed to be ‘in the know’ about all things sushi! Nonetheless, it has not stopped me from dining out with friends at sushi restaurants.
Did you like sushi the first time you tried it? It was ok…a little on the ‘fishy’ side.
If not, when/how did you start to like it? I really started to like it when I discovered that there was a much larger variety of sushi. I honestly haven’t tried one variety of sushi that I didn’t like. Although, just last night, I had a sushi roll that was topped with large fish eggs. It was a bit too ‘gelatinous’ for my taste buds. I didn’t like the liquid that oozed out of the eggs as I bit down.
How often do you eat sushi? I try to eat it every few months. How often would you like to eat sushi? I’d like to eat it every week if I could but it’s quite expensive here (Jordan). But when I’m in the mood to splurge on food, sushi is always my top choice.
What is your favorite (or favorites) sushi? I love maki rolls, California rolls, sashimi, nigiri, Philadelphia rolls. There’s something else that’s here that I’ve never seen in the States. It’s like sushi but served in a large cone made of seaweed. I forgot what it’s called.
What is your favorite sushi restaurant? My favorite so far is a place here in Jordan called Nai. On Tuesdays, they offer an all you can eat sushi bar. Definitely a splurge but the variety of offerings is certainly the best…and you can watch the chefs prep the sushi right at the bar so you know it’s fresh!
What is your most memorable sushi experience? The first time I was at Nai for all you can eat sushi.
Where is the most unusual or exotic place/city you’ve eaten sushi? Well, I would have to say Jordan. When you think of the Middle East, sushi is not something that comes to mind. They certainly have a good variety of sushi restaurants here. There’s even a new delivery service called ‘Yatta’ that only makes the sushi when orders are called in, so you know they’re freshly made when they arrive at your doorstep.
Have you converted/introduced anyone to sushi? I have not converted anyone to sushi. Most of my friends already eat sushi, and the ones who don’t eat it, don’t eat fish or any kind of seafood at all.
Yes or No (comments welcome) – do you enjoy:
Nigiri sushi (slice of fish over rice) – yes
Maki (roll) sushi – yes
Temaki (handroll) sushi – yes
Chirashi (sashimi over a bowl of rice) – never had it
Sashimi (slices of fish – no rice) – love it!
Cooked sushi only – nothing raw – I prefer raw
Miso soup – yum
Edamame – yum
