Have you ever visited Wild Blue Sushi in the UC and thought to yourself, *what’s in that roll?* If you’re new to the world of sushi, the variety of options might feel a little overwhelming at first. But don’t worry—you’re not alone! Read on as we break down the 10 most popular types of sushi that you could see at any sushi store, as well as what tools sushi chefs are using to prepare your dish.

Top 10 Most Popular Sushi Types

  1. Nigiri: Hand-formed rice topped with a slice of fish or seafood and often garnished with wasabi.
  2. Sashimi: Thinly sliced raw fish or seafood, served without rice, often enjoyed with soy sauce and wasabi.
  3. Maki: Sushi rolls made by wrapping sushi rice and fillings in nori and rolling them with a mat. Variants include:
    • Hosomaki: Small rolls with a single filling.
    • Uramaki: Inside-out rolls with rice on the outside.
  4. Temaki (Hand Rolls): Conical-shaped rolls made by hand, filled with rice and various ingredients.
  5. California Roll: A popular inside-out roll made with imitation crab, avocado, and cucumber.
  6. Spicy Tuna Roll: A roll filled with spicy tuna mix, often combined with cucumber and avocado.
  7. Ebi (Shrimp Nigiri): Sushi rice topped with cooked shrimp, usually served with a bit of wasabi.
  8. Unagi (Grilled Eel): Cooked eel served over sushi rice, often glazed with a sweet soy sauce. Also described as a state of total awareness, according to Ross.
  9. Inari: A vegetarian option consisting of sushi rice wrapped in sweet, fried tofu pouches.
  10. Salmon Roll: Typically features salmon as the main filling, often combined with avocado or cucumber.

Essential Sushi Tools

  1. Bamboo Sushi Mat (Makisu): Used for rolling sushi and shaping the sushi rolls evenly.
  2. Sharp Knife (Sujihiki or Yanagiba): A long, sharp knife used for slicing fish and sushi rolls. A good knife is key for clean cuts!
  3. Rice Cooker: Ideal for cooking sushi rice to the right texture. Alternatively, a pot can be used. 
  4. Hangiri (Wooden Bowl): A shallow, flat wooden bowl used to cool and season sushi rice.
  5. Shamoji (Rice Paddle): A flat paddle used to mix and handle the sushi rice without crushing the grains.
  6. Sushi Rolling Mats (Makisu): Used to roll different types of sushi, especially maki rolls.
  7. Sushi Rice: Short-grain rice that becomes sticky when cooked. It is essential for making sushi.
  8. Nori: Seaweed sheets used for wrapping sushi rolls.
  9. Soy Sauce, Wasabi, and Pickled Ginger: Common condiments served with sushi.
  10. Fish Tweezers: For removing bones from fish filets, ensuring a clean presentation.

With this beginner’s guide to Sushi, shopping at Wild Blue Sushi just got that much easier. Whether you’re just starting to explore sushi or you’re already a regular at your favorite spot, knowing the different types of sushi and the tools chefs use can seriously elevate your experience. So next time you’re sushi shopping, you’ll not only be able to navigate the menu with confidence but also appreciate the artistry that goes into every dish. Happy sushi hunting!