Planning a party means a lot to consider, especially figuring out how much food to order. You want to make sure every guest is happily fed without having a load of leftovers.
When it comes to something as special as sushi, getting the portions just right is key. We get this all the time, and we’re here to help you nail your catering order for small to large parties.
The Basic Rule: Appetizer or Main Course?
The most important question to consider: is sushi the main meal or a light appetizer alongside other food? This makes a big difference in how much you’ll need. As a rule of thumb, the standard maki roll is cut into 6-8 pieces. One roll (6 pieces) is rarely enough as a main dish for an adult, which is why it’s better to plan at least 8 pieces per person.
- If sushi is the main course, plan for an average of 8-12 pieces per person. This is a great starting point for a satisfying meal.
- If you’re serving sushi as part of a larger buffet with other dishes, you can reduce it to 4-6 pieces per person.
Your Portioning Guide
Using those golden rules, here’s a cheat sheet for several party sizes.
| Guest Count | Sushi as Main Course | Sushi as Light Appetizer |
| 20 | 160-240 pieces | 80-120 pieces |
| 50 | 400-600 pieces | 200-300 pieces |
| 200 | 1,600-2,400 pieces | 800-1,200 pieces |
Remember, these are just a starting point! Every event is unique. We highly recommend you to order more than less while still prioritizing the quality.
Check out: 4 Ways An Onsite Sushi Chef Elevates Your Event
Factors that Influence Your Final Count
Before you place your order, consider a few other things that might affect how much sushi your guests will eat.
Guests’ appetites
Are you catering for a group of light eaters or big eaters? The appetite of your guests can change your final count. Light eaters may feel fulfilled with 8-12 pieces. But average to big eaters tend to crave more, so you might want to scale up to 18-20+ pieces per person.
Variety is key
Offering a mix of classic rolls, nigiri, and sashimi is a great way to satisfy different tastes. A good variety encourages guests to try a bit of every type of sushi you serve. Work with your caterer to customize the platter when available.
Sides matter
If you’re also serving salads, miso soups, or other side dishes, your guests might eat slightly less sushi. In that case, remember you can reduce the count per person. It’s all about creating a balanced, enjoyable feast.
Additional staffing
Events above 75 to 100 guests often need an in-house chef or staff presence to restock and keep the table fresh. If you need one, check with your caterer about service hours and additional fees.
Check out: Hire a Skilled Private Sushi Chef for Your Event
Let Pika Sushi Take the Estimation Out of It
Calculating for a large crowd can feel tricky, but you don’t have to go it alone. At Pika Sushi, we’re experts at crafting custom catering menus for events of all sizes and tastes.
Let our professional chefs and catering team take care of the details so you can enjoy your party. Contact us today to get a quote and let us help you plan the perfect menu for your next event!
