Sushi is an absolutely unique and scrumptious dish. Perhaps that is why it is so popular nearly everywhere. However, some people are still slightly sceptical or nervous about trying sushi because it can get confusing and intimidating.
As a beginner, all sorts of questions run through your head, such as should you use chopsticks? Can you dip the sushi rolls in a sauce, and if so, then which one? And most importantly, what to order?
No doubt all of this can become a little too much when you are fresh to the world of sushi. However, in this guide, we break it all down for you and help you understand sushi, how you eat it, and your options. In the end, you will likely be confident enough to look up Asian restaurants near me and order sushi to try for the first time!
What is Sushi?
You might imagine over-the-top sushi rolls and raw fish when you think of sushi. However, that is far from the reality of what it actually is. The term ‘sushi’ does not even apply to fish at all. It refers to rolls or balls of sushi rice garnished with vegetables, fish, or meat. For this reason, fish is not the primary ingredient of sushi but rather rice. Regardless, when people often think of a healthy takeaway near me, they consider sushi since it does not contain processed additives or deep-fried in oil. It is light and natural.
There are five main types of sushi that you should know about:
Maki
This is the most popular type of sushi and the one you are likely the most familiar with. Traditional maki includes rice with a seaweed wrap. There are different types of maki depending on the roll’s size and the type of filling in it. For example, the hosomaki is a one-ingredient maki, and the futomaki is a thicker maki with several ingredients. Popular fillings in maki include raw fish, fish eggs, salmon, avocado, and cucumbers.
Nigiri
This is the most traditional style of sushi. It translates to ‘grip’ because of the way mounds of rice are measured and shaped by hand. Nigiri is typically topped up with a piece of fish and a dash of wasabi. It is also served in pairs and is eaten in one bite with chopsticks.
Sashimi
This only includes thin slices of raw fish. Since sashimi does not include any type of rice and is just fish, it is not actually regarded as sushi. However, it is almost always served at sushi restaurants. Sashimi includes sushi-grade fish, which means that it can easily be eaten raw. Sashimi should be eaten in one bite with chopsticks.
Temaki
These are rice and filling wrapped in a cone-shaped roll with seaweed. Temaki is also called hand-shaped rolls and are normally eaten by hand rather than chopsticks.
Uramaki
This type of sushi is predominantly popular in America. It is quite similar to maki but has seaweed underneath the rice filling, which in a way hides the seaweed. Uramaki is garnished with sesame seeds and roe for extra taste and crunch.
Sushi Terminology to Know
If you are looking for fast food open near me, the first thing that comes to your mind is likely not going to be sushi. However, sushi can be considered fast food in the UK because it is convenient and quick. Whether you get it for takeaway, delivery, or simply eat it at a restaurant, you not only get it quickly, but it is also much healthier than typical fast food.
Regardless of where you eat it and how you order it, there are some terms in relation to sushi that you should be aware of when you try sushi for the first time. They include the following:
Agari
This refers to green tea. It is widely served alongside sushi at sushi because it helps cleanse the palate. However, it is also normally consumed after sushi because it helps digestion.
Nori
These are dried seaweed sheets that are used to make sushi rolls. They are a primary ingredient in sushi that can make all the difference in the overall taste.
Shoyu
This is called soy sauce. You need to consume it sparingly with your sushi and take only as much as you need. Moreover, dip the sushi fish side in as the rice might soak up too much of the sauce all at once.
Wasabi
This is a Japanese horseradish paste that is extremely hot. However, it is not the type of hot that peppers are. Instead, it is spicy but dissipates in a while. Spread this on your sushi for extra oomph.
How to Eat Sushi
Now that you know about sushi’s different types and terminologies, it’s time to discuss how you can eat it. Different restaurants have different styles of eating sushi. However, in nearly all restaurants, you get a plate of your chosen sushi, a bottle of soy sauce, chopsticks, and a plate for your appetizers, if any.
You can use the chopsticks to eat the sushi, but you can also use your hands or a fork, whatever you are comfortable with. Your plate of sushi will also come with pickled ginger and wasabi.
To eat your sushi, you will first need to add soy sauce to your plate. If you want, you can add a dab of wasabi to your sushi as well. Then, take your sushi piece and dip it into the soy sauce. Then eat the sushi. Smaller, traditional-style sushi can be eaten in one bite, while other rolls and types can be eaten in two or more bites.
Pickled ginger is supposed to be eaten between the sushi to help cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing taste. Then, move on to your next piece of sushi. Repeat this process until you are too full to have more!
Best Sushi to Order
Whether you want to book a table online to dine in at a sushi restaurant or have someone deliver food to you, or simply use takeaway, here are our top picks of sushi to add to your order. You should stick to uramaki or maki rolls if it is your first time since these do not contain completely raw fish. They make the transition towards traditional sushi easier.
Here’s the best sushi you should order:
1. Alaska Rolls
It has imitation crab, avocado, cucumber, and raw salmon. It is often covered in panko breadcrumbs and fried.
2. Boston Rolls
This contains poached shrimp, avocado, and cucumber.
3. King Crab Rolls
Another excellent option for beginners is this one because it contains cooked king crab with mayonnaise.
4. Shrimp Tempura Roll
It contains shrimp tempura, avocado, and a sticky black eel sauce.
5. Philadelphia Roll
This contains raw salmon, avocado, and cream cheese.
6. Spicy Tuna or Yellowtail Roll
This contains raw tuna or yellowtail mixed with spicy mayo and often contains avocado.
7. Sweet Potato Roll
This contains tempura, sweet potato, and eel sauce.
8. Vegetable Roll
This is perfect for vegetarians or those that don’t want any fish or seafood in their sushi. It can include cucumber roll, avocado roll, asparagus roll, etc.
9. California Rolls
This is perfect for beginners since it contains cooked crab, avocado, and cucumbers.
The Bottom Line
The first time you eat sushi, you will likely experience a mix of excitement, nervousness, and confusion. We hope that this guide made it slightly easier for you. To make your transition to sushi easier, we recommend ordering it for takeaway so you can eat it from the comfort of your home.
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