Woodbridge sushi joint talks culture, and the right way to eat sushi

[ngg_images gallery_ids=”529″ display_type=”ds-nextgen_royalslider”]

The owner of a sushi restaurant in Woodbridge wants to help you learn how to eat sushi correctly.

Bento Cafe Sushi & Roll, located at 13257 Worth Avenue in Woodbridge, has been open for 11 years – run by a woman who affectionately refers to herself as ‘Bento Mom’.

Bento Mom came to the country from South Korea as a child, without the ability to speak any English.

“I came to [Virginia] when I was 13 years old, through my father; because he was a correspondent through the Oriental Express…when I came, I didn’t know one word of English…I came from South Korea,” said Bento Mom.

According to Bento Mom, she became interested in healthy eating and living – which are important components in the food on her menu – after her father had a stroke.

“Unfortunately my father had a stroke at the age of 52, and I had to study, myself, what is happening to [his] body. This is why I went to school, to learn to do the acupuncture, and [the] tea,” said Bento Mom.

After her parents died, she became close with a Japanese woman whom she refers to as her ‘adopted’ mom, who taught about the Japanese culture and food.

And when she opened up her sushi restaurant, she decided to share her knowledge with her customers – including United States military members, who are going overseas, that need help understanding the food and culture.

“My father always said, ‘Knowledge is power. If you don’t it with someone, either you’re stupid or boring,’ and I don’t want to be either. The way I look at it – some people don’t know how to eat sushi correctly…I think if you eat it the right way, appreciating the miso and eating the wasabi and ginger in the right place, then I think your body will appreciate you more,” said Bento Mom.

In addition to her classes, she also offers a large menu including classics like the California Roll and the Veggie Roll, as well as some unique items like ‘potato-chip sushi’.

Bento Mom said that all of her classes are one-on-one, and interested customers just need to come to the restaurant and ask to speak with her.