Chopsticks Failed Me, Wasabi Destroyed Me | by S.M.ARIF | Oct, 2025

The night I battled sushi, survived wasabi, and discovered the true meaning of travel humility

When I was in Almaty, I tried sushi for the first time. A Japanese place looked good, so I went in, ready to try something different. I sat down, checked out the menu, and ordered some rolls, excited to eat like a pro.

The Chopstick Struggle

The sushi came, and it looked great — colourful, neat, and ready to eat. But then I saw the chopsticks. They weren’t the usual wood ones from the videos. These were shiny, like silver, almost like regular silverware.

I grabbed them eagerly, but right away, I knew I was doing it all wrong. I twisted them around, tried to fix my grip, and even tried to copy what I’d seen in videos. No luck. The waitress gave me this little smile that said she knew exactly what was going on. I think a couple of people at the next table noticed, because I suddenly felt like a clown.

In a moment of desperation, I quietly took out my phone under the table and searched “how to use chopsticks for beginners.”

There I was, in the restaurant, watching YouTube tutorials as my sushi sat untouched. I gave it another shot, but the roll just slipped, fell back on the plate, and rolled around. I felt embarrassed., That was my first experience trying to hold chopsticks, ha ha.

The Green Paste Disaster

My evening was already bad, and then I saw it: a little green paste on my plate. Since other people seemed to like it, I figured I’d give it a try. I took a spoonful and ate it without thinking too much.

Big mistake.

The wasabi hit me hard and fast. One second, I was fine; the next, it felt like my nose was on fire. My eyes watered, and I honestly thought I was not able to survive this. I noticed people waving, trying to stop me, but the damage was done. I had already eaten it, and I won’t forget my first taste of wasabi anytime soon.

I learned my lesson that day: go easy on the wasabi. A small touch is all you need to enjoy it. Trust me.

Lessons from a Sushi Fail

That night in Almaty gave me more than just sushi. I now have a funny story about fumbling with chopsticks, a wasabi mishap, and laughing at my own expense.

Travel can be a great teacher, often through our blunders. Sometimes it’s a small thing, like fumbling with chopsticks. Other times, it’s a bigger lesson, like eating something way too spicy.

When I eat sushi now, I keep the wasabi far away. I know it’s there, but I won’t make that mistake twice. That night always makes me smile. Because travelling isn’t just about food, it’s also about good memories, jokes, and what you learn when you’re trying something different..

Have you ever had a food fail abroad? Share your funniest travel-food disaster in the comments — I promise I’m not alone in my wasabi nightmare!