Many people hesitate over sushi because they think: “Raw fish – that’s not for me.” Yet plenty of people in Germany already eat raw or cured fish without thinking twice about it: Matjes, for example, or smoked salmon. If you like those, you’re not that far from sashimi. At Mami Viet in Leipzig-Lindenau, you can ease into it at your own pace.

In this post, we explain what raw fish actually is, why Matjes and sashimi have more in common than you’d think – and how to start with us without any pressure.

Matjes, smoked salmon & sashimi – not so foreign after all

Raw or only lightly treated fish is a firm part of German food culture:

• Matjes: young, mildly salted and matured herring – not cooked, but raw-matured.
• Smoked salmon: cold-smoked, so also not cooked through – tender and mild.
• Sashimi: fresh, raw fish in thin slices, served pure, without rice.

The step from Matjes or smoked salmon to sashimi is smaller than many think. In every case it’s about fresh fish and good flavour – only the preparation and the culinary tradition differ.

Other German classics show that raw or raw-matured fish has long been part of the food culture here: graved salmon (cured salmon), Rollmops or a salmon tartare are raw or cured preparations. If you’ve enjoyed those before, you’re basically halfway there – sashimi is then just another step in the same direction, with a Japanese touch and especially high-quality fish.

What is sashimi – and what is nigiri?

Two terms often confuse beginners:

• Sashimi is pure raw fish in slices, with no rice at all. Ideal if you want to taste the pure flavour.
• Nigiri is a small mound of rice with a slice of fish on top – the rice makes it a bit milder and more filling.

So if you want to find out whether you enjoy raw fish, a piece of salmon sashimi or a salmon nigiri is a good first test. Salmon is considered an especially mild way in. We explain more basic terms in our post Sushi for beginners in Leipzig.

Easing in without fear at Mami Viet

You don’t have to start with raw fish right away. At Mami Viet on Merseburger Str. 107, you can ease in step by step:

• Start mild: a single salmon nigiri or salmon sashimi to try
• Rice helps: nigiri and rolls with rice taste milder to many than pure sashimi
• Completely without raw fish: vegetarian and vegan sushi boxes, rolls with vegetables or avocado, or a poke bowl
• Questions welcome: the team is happy to recommend mild types

That way you find out what you like at your own pace – without forcing yourself into anything. And if you decide raw fish really isn’t for you, the vegetarian options still give you plenty of choice. More in our post Order sushi in Leipzig.

A small tip for your first visit: eat the raw fish fresh and unhurried, not on the side. A piece of sashimi only reveals its mild flavour when you take a moment for it. Add wasabi and soy sauce sparingly, and a piece of pickled ginger in between – and you’ll notice how delicate, and not at all “fishy,” good raw fish tastes. Many people who were sceptical at first order sashimi as a matter of course next time.

Why many people fear raw fish – and what helps

Hesitation about raw fish usually has two reasons: worry about freshness and the unfamiliar texture. Both are easy to address.

On freshness: good raw fish doesn’t taste “fishy,” but mild and clean. What matters is quality and how the fish is handled – which is why it’s worth going to a restaurant with a visible sushi counter, where everything is made fresh. As for texture, starting with milder types helps: salmon is tender and not strong, tuna is a bit firmer and bolder. Those who start with salmon usually have an easier time.

And if you’re still unsure, there’s a simple trick: order a mixed box first, with nigiri, inside-out rolls and one or two pieces of sashimi. That way you try raw and cooked side by side and find out what suits you – without committing to anything.

Freshness matters with raw fish

With raw fish especially, freshness is everything. At Mami Viet, the sushi counter is in full view – so you can see where your sushi is made. That builds trust: you’re not ordering “something from the kitchen,” but can see that everything is prepared fresh and with care. All allergens are marked on the menu, so you can choose in peace even with intolerances. If you have questions about a particular type of fish, the team is happy to help – so you know exactly what’s on your plate.

🅿️ There’s free parking directly in front of the restaurant, and you can pay by cash or card for bills of €20 or more. You’ll find us in Leipzig-Lindenau / Altlindenau, near Lindenauer Markt, daily from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. In summer, you can also enjoy your sushi outdoors – more in our post Summer sushi in the garden.

FAQ: Raw fish, Matjes & sashimi

Is sushi always raw?

No. Sashimi and some nigiri are raw, but there are many rolls with vegetables, avocado or cooked ingredients – plus vegetarian and vegan boxes entirely without fish.

If I like Matjes, will I like sashimi?

Often yes. Matjes and smoked salmon aren’t cooked through either. If you enjoy this mild, raw or matured fish, sashimi is well worth a try.

What should I start with as a beginner?

Ideally a mild salmon nigiri or salmon sashimi. Salmon is considered especially beginner-friendly.

What’s the difference between sashimi and nigiri?

Sashimi is pure raw fish without rice; nigiri is a mound of rice with a slice of fish on top.

Which fish is best for beginners?

Salmon is considered especially mild and tender, so it’s ideal to start with. Tuna is a bit firmer and bolder in flavour.

Does fresh sashimi smell or taste fishy?

Good, fresh raw fish tastes mild and clean, not strongly “fishy.” That’s why freshness and quality are so important.

Are there options entirely without raw fish?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan sushi boxes as well as rolls with vegetables or avocado.

Are allergens marked?

Yes, all allergens are listed on the menu.

Is there free parking?

Yes, directly in front of the restaurant at Merseburger Str. 107.

Can you pay by card?

Yes, for bills of €20 or more.

Try sashimi at Mami Viet now

If you like Matjes or smoked salmon, you’re ready for sashimi: at Mami Viet in Leipzig-Lindenau you can ease into raw fish at a relaxed pace – with mild starter options, vegetarian alternatives and free parking right outside the door.

We look forward to seeing you – your team at Mami Viet, Sushi & Asian Cuisine in Leipzig-Lindenau. As of: July 2026.

Mami Viet – Sushi & Asian Cuisine
Merseburger Str. 107, 04177 Leipzig (Lindenau / Altlindenau)
Phone: 0341 4925 2244
Website: restaurant-mamiviet.com
Opening hours: Mon–Sun 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.