From Nigiri to Maki: Your Guide to Navigating the Sushi Menu

Welcome to sushi heaven. Today, we’re diving into the delicious world of sushi and all the different flavors and styles it has to offer that you may be confused about or want to know more! If you’re a fan of this classic Japanese dish, you’re in for a real informative treat here so you can be the real sushi pro of your friend group.

1. Let’s start with the OG of sushi – Nigiri. These bite-sized pieces of heaven consist of succulent fish or seafood perched atop a pillow of perfectly seasoned rice. Whether you prefer the richness of salmon, the tang of tuna, or the savory taste of eel, nigiri is a not so filling way to have a bite-size bit of fish and rice. Something to keep in mind, certain restaurants put wasabi under the fish, so if you’re not into wasabi make sure you ask before ordering.

2. Next up, we have Maki sushi – a crowd-pleaser if there ever was one! Maki sushi is prepared by placing a sheet of seaweed on top of seasoned rice and fillings. The ingredients are then tightly rolled into slender tubes and cut into small, bite-sized pieces. Looking at a slice of maki sushi, you’ll see a layer of different fillings nestled within a layer of sticky rice, encased by a delicate sheet of seaweed paper (known as nori).

3. Uramaki sushi is rolled sushi with rice on the outside and nori on the inside, essentially the opposite way you would roll Maki sushi. This “inside-out” roll was created in Los Angeles by a sushi chef who wanted to appeal to American customers. Machita Ichiro noticed that Americans weren’t fond of the seaweed wrapping on traditional maki sushi, so he hid the seaweed on the inside.

Traditional maki is still preferred in Japan, and uramaki is the most popular type of sushi in the US! Many of the sushi rolls referred to as “Special Rolls” on a sushi menu are types of uramaki. It’s common for uramaki to be sprinkled with sesame seeds that cling to the sticky rice. From the classic California Roll to the funky Philly Roll, there’s a roll for everyone!

4. For the minimalist sushi connoisseur, there’s Sashimi – thin slices of raw fish served without rice. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the natural flavors of the seafood, and with a little soy sauce and wasabi, it’s a taste sensation that makes us all feel like skinny legends.

5. For the sushi lover who’s always on-the-go, Temaki is the way to go. Think of it like the ice cream of sushi. This hand-held sushi is made by rolling fillings inside a cone-shaped piece of seaweed, making it the perfect option for a quick and delicious lunch if you want to look like a weirdo walking around eating your sushi ice cream. Jk, jk. But seriously, don’t take this as a to-go kind of sushi meal like that, you’ll for sure get a few weird looks.

6. Finally, we have Chirashi – a sushi bowl full of flavor! This dish consists of a bed of vinegar rice topped with raw fish and veggies, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. It’s the perfect option for those who like variety in their sushi.

So there you have it! A fun and tasty tour of the different types of sushi. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a sushi newbie, there’s a dish for everyone. So you’re welcome, now your basically a sushi vet and can help all your friends read the menu every time you go out to your fave sushi spot!