The Ultimate Guide to Sushi

Sushi is one of the most popular foods from Japan that is ever growing in popularity around the world. More and more people are turning to sushi when looking for healthy lunch options, as these dishes are known for their use of fresh fish and plenty of vegetables. But when trying to choose a sushi dish, it can prove to be a little difficult to work out what is what. Whether you want to pick up a quick ready-made sushi dish, visit a sushi restaurant or make sushi yourself, take a look at our guide to find out all you need to know!

Sushi isn’t just one set thing. While many people may think that ‘sushi’ is the dish itself, the term sushi actually refers solely to the rice, which has been seasoned with sugar, salt and vinegar. There are a number of different forms of sushi, as detailed in the image below. In the UK and US, Maki rolls are the most popular, with them even sold in lunchtime meal-deals in supermarkets. Nigiri and Uramaki are also popular types, commonly found in lunches, and are also fairly easy to make at home. Temaki rolls are less known in the Western world but are enjoyed on the go in Japan as a single-serve cone of sushi, unlike the other types mentioned which are all picked up with chopsticks or shared between friends. Sashimi is another type that you are likely to have heard of and is simply slices of raw fish. While sushi is known for its raw fish, many of the variations on these dishes do not always contain this, with many involving eggs, avocado and cooked meat or fish. This is especially the case in Western adaptations of these dishes, where fresh seafood tends to be a little less available.

It’s not quite as simple as that though, as these are the sushi types, and do not tend to be the names of the dishes. There are hundreds of different types of sushi dishes, and each often has a fish or vegetarian alternative. As can be seen from the names of some of the popular sushi rolls, as detailed below, many of the dishes enjoyed in the US and UK actually originate from America, from Japanese chefs working in the States, like with the California and Philadelphia rolls! Some of these American takes on sushi have been criticised, particularly the Philadelphia roll, which uses smoked salmon and cream cheese. Traditionally, the fish should be raw, and no dairy products should be included, making for a low-fat and healthy dish, so rolls such as the Philadelphia go against these principles.

If you are to enjoy sushi in a traditional style restaurant, or if you are planning on going abroad to Japan, then it is important to know a few terms so that you are a little more clued into what it is you are ordering! As well as the different sushi types, there are a number of different fish types that are used that may employ the Japanese name. Often, in traditional sushi establishments, all of these seafood types will be served raw.

Unfortunately, no amount of sushi guides will make you a sushi expert, as traditionally it would take a total of ten years of intensive training to become a sushi chef worthy of working in a restaurant. Nowadays, you can become a trained sushi chef in only two years, as the demand for this type of food is ever increasing! Hopefully, you will now have a better understanding of the types of things to ask for when you next attempt to sample some sushi. Alternatively, if you’d like to try your hand at making some scrumptious sushi yourself at home, then check out our incredible Japanese sushi set, packed with everything you’ll need to get started!