“Spitting?”: A Joburg Woman Tried Sushi for the First Time, but SA is Unimpressed by Her Reaction
- A young Johannesburg woman's first sushi experience went viral after she immediately reacted to the taste
- The viral video shows the woman dipping the sushi in soy sauce before taking a bite, but her reaction was so negative that she spat out the food
- South Africans flooded the comments relating to her dislike of sushi, but many criticised her restaurant etiquette
Source: Facebook
A Johannesburg woman's first encounter with Japanese cuisine has sparked a heated debate about food experiences and restaurant manners. The viral video, shared on 15 September 2025, captured her honest reaction to trying sushi for the first time, but it was her response that had South Africans talking.
Content creator @ntjamme.ntjamme, a Johannesburg-based entrepreneur and DJ who shares various entertaining content, posted the clip that quickly gained over 8,800 reactions and 500 comments. The video shows a genuine first-time food experience that many South Africans could relate to, though not everyone approved of how it was handled.
The video begins with a gentleman recording as the young woman prepares to try her first piece of sushi. She carefully dips the piece in soy sauce before putting it in her mouth, but her reaction is immediate and strong. Clearly not enjoying the taste, she spits the food back onto her plate and begins removing bits of rice and filling from her mouth with her hands.
The person filming can be heard laughing as she reaches for her drink to wash away the taste. Her disappointment is clear as she struggles with the unfamiliar flavours and textures of the Japanese dish. The moment captures an authentic reaction that many people have when trying foods from different cultures for the first time.
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However, the way she handled her dislike became the main talking point among viewers, with many questioning whether her response was appropriate for a restaurant setting.
Source: Facebook
SA reacts to restaurant behaviour
South Africans rushed to the comments with mixed reactions about the sushi experience and restaurant etiquette.
@bontleskmalefo explained:
"The bitter thing is the sauce, sushi is nice 👌"
@kamogelotshepe questioned:
"Spitting on a plate at a restaurant?"
@innocentiancombolo declined:
"Count me out, please 😆 🤣"
@obakengdogomoleya related:
"I tried eating sushi, honestly, tasted like raw fish... Not cooked 🤢"
@mukomacalvin noticed:
"The disappointment in her eyes 😂😂😂"
@vandeshelly criticised:
"She didn't even give it a chance 🥺... Also, she could have used a serviette or a napkin, not her hands, tjo 🥺😢"
Understanding sushi and why some dislike it
According to experts on Eat Japan, sushi actually started in China as a way to preserve fish with salt and fermented rice, but over time it evolved into the fresh, vinegared rice dish we enjoy today. Unlike the old narezushi, where the rice was thrown away, modern sushi celebrates both rice and toppings like fish, vegetables, and sauces.
For beginners, strong flavours such as wasabi, soy sauce, and pickled ginger can feel intense. Creators like Facebook user @ntjamme.ntjamme shared this experience, showing how food traditions can spark curiosity and conversation across cultures.
View the Facebook clip below:
Other stories about South African food
- Briefly News recently reported on an American man who raved about a R3,600 Texas-style braai experience in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, but his review sparked unexpected reactions from local viewers about the pricing.
- A woman's creative peanut butter pap recipe video caused outrage among South Africans, with viewers questioning her unique twist on the traditional African meal and demanding to know her reasoning.
- A man's passionate message to Woolworths about their grilled chicken went viral as South Africans related to his obsession, but his comparison left many people laughing about his unexpected description.
Source: Briefly News
