When you open up a sushi-ya (sushi restaurant) menu, you may be confused by the variety of sushi. From the well-known maki sushi (rolled sushi) to delicate nigiri pieces, it can be hard to remember which is which.
It’s time to explore sushi types beyond the Westernized California roll and brush up on your sushi knowledge so you’ll be an expert the next time you enjoy a delicious sushi meal.
To learn more about the variety of seafood used in your favorite sushi dishes, check out our beginner’s guide to the types of sushi fish.
What is sushi?
Any dish that includes rice seasoned with vinegar, sugar and salt, served alongside ingredients like nori, seafood and vegetables, is considered sushi. The possibility for different seafood combinations with vinegared sushi rice is vast, spoiling sushi lovers with much choice and variety.
Over time, both in Japan and beyond, there have been riffs on traditional Japanese sushi, leading to many different types of sushi to satisfy adventurous taste buds.
1.Maki sushi
Maki sushi is probably the type of sushi you recognize the most, with various combinations of fish, vegetables and sushi rice rolled up with a sheet of nori (seaweed).
Sometimes it’s made with just one ingredient for filling; this specific type of maki is called hosomaki. While it’s known as the traditional sushi roll, you would be surprised by the many different types of rolls that are available.
2.Futomaki
There are different types of maki sushi, one being futomaki, translating to “fat rolled sushi.” As direct as the name is, it is literally a thick rolled maki sushi that’s usually vegetarian.
It uses ingredients like nori, cucumber, tamago (egg) strips and shiitake mushrooms. It is the most classic maki roll in Japan and a popular sushi roll to make for festive events, add to a daily bento box, or bring to gatherings.
3.Temaki Sushi
Temaki (hand roll) sushi is another type of maki that is easy to make at home. It is a sheet of nori rolled with a variety of ingredients, often including a type of fish, into a cone shape. Temaki sushi is eaten by hand, as picking it up with chopsticks would be cumbersome and messy.
4.Uramaki sushi
Uramaki, known as the “inside-out” sushi, is maki in reverse, as the rice is on the outside, with the nori wrapped around the filling.
Interestingly, the uramaki originates from Los Angeles, and it is not a surprise that this maki sushi is the most popular type of sushi in America. Even if you are quite new to the Japanese food scene, you must have heard of the famous California roll. However, in Japan, uramaki is overshadowed by its more traditional peers.
5.Chirashi sushi
Chirashi sushi (scattered sushi) is a sushi bowl that consists of a base of vinegared rice with raw fish and other ingredients on top. The types of raw fish used vary, but the most popular choices are salmon and tuna.
It is often garnished with kinshi tamago (shredded egg crepe), nori and salmon roe for a mouth-watering and colorful finishing touch. Chirashi sushi is popular as a party food, as a big platter can be easily made and shared.
Natalie
Beijing Shipuller Co., Ltd
WhatsApp: +86 136 8369 2063
Web: https://www.yumartfood.com/
Post time: Jul-04-2025