Whether your friends, loved ones, or colleagues are planning an event at a local sushi bar, you’ll want to know what to expect before attending. If you’re fairly unfamiliar with authentic Japanese cuisine, here’s a brief guide to the most popular sushi varieties. 

3 Different Types of Sushi

1. Maki 

Maki refers to rice, vegetables, and fish that have been wrapped in nori, a type of seaweed, then cut into slices. A classic Japanese dish, this is what many people envision when they hear the term “sushi.”

Futomaki are larger rolls with lots of different ingredients, while hosomaki are smaller rolls that might have only one filling. 

2. Nigiri

Comprised of vinegared rice and thin slices of raw fish, nigiri sushi is a simple dish packed with flavor. Some of the most popular varieties include salmon or tuna, though the chef may recommend something else based on the quality of fish at the market that morning. Regardless of the type of nigiri, though, it’s traditionally eaten with the hands because each piece should be small enough to enjoy in a single bite. 

3. Chirashi 

One of the heartier dishes, chirashi is a bowl of vinegared rice topped with various kinds of raw fish, a blend of vegetables, and some flavorful garnishes. Because the ingredients will likely depend on the chef’s choice, ask what they are before ordering.

If you’ve never eaten at a sushi bar, you may want to start with milder flavors, like salmon, halibut, and tuna. Save the more flavorful fish, like mackerel, for when your palate has adjusted. 

To taste these dishes, head to Natsunoya Tea House in Honolulu, HI. This full-service catering company has a walk-in sushi bar where guests can enjoy a variety of made-to-order dishes in an intimate, BYOB setting. To learn more about their sushi bar, visit their website. To start planning your next event, call (808) 595-4488.