Sushi is a delicious cultural and culinary experience, with a range of textures, flavors, and presentations to delight every diner. If you’re new to sushi bars, you might feel a little intimidated by the unfamiliar terminology, but sushi is easy to order and fun to eat once you know how. Here are some terms to know before you venture out.
7 Words You’ll See on the Menu at Sushi Bars
1. Sushi Roll
This is the most commonly known preparation for sushi. Fish or seafood, along with other ingredients like vegetables, are rolled in a layer of rice and a seaweed wrapper.
2. Nori
Nori is the edible seaweed wrapper used for sushi rolls. It is shredded and dried via a process that resembles paper-making to provide the chefs at sushi bars with the finest wrappers for your favorite sushi ingredients.
3. Nigiri
This small rice ball (a couple of inches long) is often served with a little wasabi sauce and topped with a piece of raw or cooked fish or seafood.
4. Sashimi
Sashimi is simply raw fish sliced thin and served with wasabi paste and soy sauce. Unlike nigiri, sashimi does not have rice.
5. Chirashi
Chirashi sushi means “scattered sushi.” It comes in a bowl and is made of sushi ingredients, like rice, fish, seafood, and vegetables.
6. Ahi
This is a type of tuna, which is sometimes called yellowfin. It has a stronger flavor than canned tuna, which is typically albacore, and this is one of the types often used in popular dishes, like the spicy tuna roll.
7. Gunkan Maki
Gunkan maki is also called battleship sushi or a warship roll. The sushi chef shapes the rice into an oval-shaped ball and wraps it with the nori. Then, it is topped with fish roe.
Now that you have a few of the most common sushi terms under your belt, you’re ready to hit the sushi bars and order like a pro. Don’t be shy about telling the server if it’s your first time, and ask for recommendations.
Hatsuhana Hawaii has been serving up some of the best sushi and Japanese food in Honolulu, HI since 1976. You’ll enjoy fresh, top-quality ingredients prepared by highly trained chefs. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the dining experience is simple, yet lively, with flavors that will leave you wanting more. Call the sushi bar at (808) 946-8287 to reserve space for large groups or a party, or send a message online with questions.
