Is Sushi Halal AND THAYYIB?

~ Salmon maki sold in a halal sushi restaurant in Jakarta (Pic taken by the writer) ~

I am very sure you guys know sushi. It is a Japanese dish consisting of small balls or rolls of vinegar-flavored cold-cooked rice served with fish (raw or cooked), vegetables, eggs, etc. Whatever the shape, it must have rice as its component. Rice is so important that many well-known Japanese restaurants use Japanese rice, such as Japonica rice, to make sushi.

Sushi comes in two main varieties, i.e., nigiri and maki. Nigiri sushi, roughly translated as "hand-pressed sushi,” is a type of sushi where the rice is molded by hand, and its topping is pressed on top of the rice. It can use many toppings, such as fish, egg, eel, shrimp, and, lately, even beef. Meanwhile, maki sushi is a type of sushi where the toppings are rolled inside a bed of rice with a sheet of seaweed called nori. The rolled sushi is then sliced into bite-size pieces.

Other varieties of sushi are gunkan maki, where rice and nori are shaped like a battleship. The rice will be at the bottom, with the nori going around the rice that will hold toppings that won't stay on by themselves, such as fish roe, minced tuna, and so on. There's also temaki sushi, where nori is wrapped loosely around the rice and fillings in a cone-like shape.

Sushi became a global phenomenon mostly because it's packed with umami flavor and considered healthy, as it uses fish. Part of Japanese culture, this dish is surprisingly adaptable to other cultures' palates as well.

No matter how tasty and healthy a dish is, in Islam, Muslims know the rule of halal and thayyib when consuming anything. Halal is translated as permissible, meaning the food must be categorized as permissible to consume. Conversely, thayyib is translated as pure, wholesome, good, nutritious, and clean. A food is considered as thayyib if it's processed cleanly, nutritious to the body, brings good, and does not bring any adverse effect to the one consuming it.

Is Sushi Halal?

As noted and tasted by many, sushi mainly uses seafood, e.g., tuna and salmon, which are halal-friendly. Al-Quran surah Al-Maidah verse 96 states that all seafood is considered halal. However, most people forget that the rice used in sushi is seasoned. Natively, the Japanese use mirin, which is a rice wine. As alcohol is prohibited in Islam, sushi containing mirin can't be consumed by Muslims. In many countries with a Muslim majority, sushi restaurants are encouraged to use halal substitutes, such as rice vinegar.

"It is lawful for you to hunt and eat seafood."

Another thing to consider is the sauces and condiments. When we eat sushi, it's always served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger. Although each came from halal-friendly ingredients, it's possible to use haram ingredients in making it. It is heard that some pickled ginger contains alcohol. However, there's also an argument that ethanol is naturally produced in the pickling process, but it's so low that it still can be considered halal.

However, most need to remember the possibility of cross-contamination. Sometimes, a restaurant sells food that is considered halal but also non-permitted food, such as pork and alcohol. If halal food touches a surface or is cooked using utensils that are used to process haram things, the halal food itself becomes haram.

Thayyib Aspect

Several things must be considered in terms of thayyib aspect in consuming sushi.

1. Freshness and Safety

   
   

   Sushi is considered thayyib when it is made with fresh, high-quality fish. It is crucial to prioritize the use of fresh ingredients in sushi preparation not only for its taste but also for health reasons. Fresh fish not only enhances the flavor profile of sushi but also plays a critical role in preventing food poisoning. When seafood is not fresh, harmful bacteria can proliferate rapidly, posing a significant risk to consumers. By using fresh ingredients, sushi chefs can ensure that the final dish is delicious and safe to eat. Therefore, the importance of fresh ingredients in sushi cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts the taste and safety of this beloved Japanese cuisine.

   
   

2. Ethical Sourcing

   
   

   Ethical sourcing is an essential aspect of halal sushi production. It emphasizes the need to address sustainability and overfishing concerns in the seafood industry. By choosing to use sustainably sourced fish, halal sushi producers can demonstrate a commitment to aligning with thayyib principles, which emphasize not only the permissibility but also the wholesomeness and ethical aspects of the food consumed. Sustainable sourcing practices ensure that fish populations are not depleted beyond their capacity to recover, helping to preserve marine ecosystems and support the livelihoods of fishing communities. By prioritizing ethically sourced ingredients, halal sushi establishments can contribute to a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible food industry, promoting a holistic approach to food production that respects the planet and its inhabitants.

   
   

3. Proper Storage and Handling

   
   

   Proper storage and handling of raw fish is crucial to maintain its freshness and prevent food-borne illnesses. It is essential to keep raw fish at safe temperatures to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Storing fish in a refrigerator set at the appropriate temperature can help preserve its quality and reduce the risk of contamination. Additionally, ensuring that the sushi is prepared in a hygienic environment is paramount. This involves maintaining clean work surfaces, using sanitized utensils, and practicing good personal hygiene. Following strict hygiene practices during sushi preparation can significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses. Therefore, proper storage and handling of raw fish and maintaining a hygienic environment during sushi preparation are essential steps in ensuring food safety and enjoying a delicious and safe culinary experience.

   
   

4. Health Considerations

   
   

   Several things must be considered when eating sushi. As most sushi is made with raw fish, eating raw fish can carry risks, such as parasite exposure. I am also today-years-old to know that safe sushi uses properly frozen fish. However, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) notes that freezing doesn't kill all harmful germs. Sushi-grade fish usually are frozen to kill parasites before consumption. Remember, the key to a delightful sushi experience lies in selecting only the finest quality sushi-grade fish that has been properly frozen to guarantee it's free of parasites.

   
   

   There are also mercury levels that must be checked. Certain fish, like tuna, contain higher levels of mercury, which can be harmful. Exercise caution, mainly if you are pregnant, have young children, or have health issues. Your well-being is paramount!

   Another thing to consider is digestive issues. Some people may have difficulty digesting raw fish or rice vinegar, so sushi may not suit for everyone. Also, don't overlook allergies! If you have a shellfish allergy, take extra care with specific sushi options. Prioritize safety. Always be aware of your allergies before indulging in a sushi feast!

   
   

   Lastly, advise safe portion control. Be mindful of carbs, salt, and unhealthy fats, especially in rice-heavy rolls. Too much sushi (especially rice-heavy rolls) may lead to over-consumption of carbs, salt, or unhealthy fats in certain variations.

Ultimately, ensure you consume sushi from a halal restaurant by checking its certification. Also, don't hesitate to ask questions about ingredients when eating sushi outside to ensure it meets halal and thayyib criteria. A good restaurant must be willing to explain its good practices. Sushi can be halal AND THAYYIB with the right ingredients, proper sourcing, and safe preparation.

Do you have any recommendations for halal sushi restaurants near you? Drop it in the comments!