Sushi comes in many types, flavours, and textures. But if you’re just starting, you might want to try the most popular threes: maki, nigiri, and sashimi. Learning the difference between these popular sushi types is easier than you think. At its core, it all comes down to one thing: the rice. Once you understand the role of the rice, you’ll be able to try any sushi menu with confidence. Let’s break down these three popular styles!
Sashimi: Pure Fish, No Rice
Let’s start with the one that is technically not sushi. The word sashimi means “pierced flesh” in Japanese, which refers to the traditional method of preparing the fish. To put it simply, sashimi is thinly sliced high-quality raw fish or seafood, and served as it is. There’s no rice involved here, meaning the focus is entirely on the quality and freshness of the fish itself.
As the only ingredient, sashimi is often served with a small garnish, such as daikon radish, and a side of soy sauce and wasabi for dipping. If you love the clean, delicate flavour of fresh seafood, sashimi is the best place to start.
Nigiri: Fish on Top of Rice
A sushi rice with consistent stickiness can be shaped into many types of sushi, like nigiri. The name comes from the Japanese nigirizushi, which means “hand-pressed” sushi. Nigiri is a delicate hand-pressed mound of rice topped with a single slice of sashimi.
The rice is seasoned with a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy to complement the flavour of the fish. It’s designed to be a one-bite experience, traditionally eaten with the hands and dipped lightly into soy sauce, fish-side down. The fish or seafood is almost always raw, typically tuna, salmon, or albacore. They can also be served with countless toppings, such as shrimp and fried egg. Whether it’s raw or cooked, the fish must be very fresh and handled with care.
Maki: Ingredients Rolled Into One
Makizushi is probably the most recognizable type of sushi outside of Japan. It’s made by laying a sheet of nori (seaweed) with rice on a bamboo mat and adding fillings. So, unlike nigiri, the ingredients are rolled inside the rice and nori. This roll is then cut into cylindrical bite-sized pieces.
Maki rolls offer endless creativity and variety. They can be as simple as a single filling like a classic tuna maki, or with multiple ingredients, sauces, and toppings. The Tuna Avocado Hand Roll is a popular example of a maki-style roll you can find on the Pika Sushi menu.
Find Your Favourite Sushi Types at Pika Sushi
Now that you know the key difference, it’s time for the fun part: trying them all! Let’s be adventurous and explore. You can order a plate of Salmon Sashimi, a piece of Salmon Teriyaki Nigiri, or the delicious Spicy Tuna Avocado Hand Roll. Our Sushi Packs are also a great option to try a variety of most popular flavours.
Come visit Pika Sushi’s nearest store and start on your own sushi adventure. Your perfect bite is waiting!
