Introduction to Common Types of Sushi

Synonymous with Japan and their stereotypical lust for anything under the sea, sushi is an international phenomenon and is considered to be one of the best food in the world by CNN. It even made into renowned chef, Anthony Bourdain's last meal wish. In a world where a fine meal is associated with a blend of complex ingredients and rocket science esque cooking method, sushi stands out for being a fine example in the phrase 'Beauty is Simplicity'.

Sushi refers to the cooked vinegered rice (sushi-meshi) and thus, makes the rice the lead actor of this dish. Fish and other seafood is the common associated ingredient but any ingredient served together with the sushi-meshi in any form or mixture is called sushi. Due to the broad definition of sushi, it is often sub-categorized into the following based on how the rice is served :

Nigiri (hand pressed) refers to the practice of hand pressing the sushi into a small rice ball. Other ingredients are then pressed along with the nigiri sushi to be consumed entirely in a single serving.

Chirashi (scattered) is a simple form of sushi which is sushi placed in bowl with the other ingredients scattered on the top of the rice. These ingredients are eaten along with the rice using a non-metal spoon. Despite its literal name, ingredients are often carefully placed and presented in a display of colors and shapes pleasing to the eye when presented to customers.

Maki (roll) sushi in which the rice is enclosed in a wrapping of dried seaweed (Nori). Traditionally Makisushi is rolled into a tube form using a specialized roller. There are many variants of Maki Sushi, with Temaki and Gunkan Maki being the more common ones.

Gunkan-maki (Gunship roll) is named so due to its shape resembling a gunship. The sushi is rolled into its nigiri form before having long sheets of nori wrapped around the sushi to form a container like form in which ingredients is then put on the rice. The nori forms like a 'wall' to prevent ingredients from spilling.

Temaki (Handroll) is sushi rolled into a cone like shape by hand. This roll allows sushi chef to display its artistic talent often by arranging the ingredients in an elegant manner.

There are many many more variants of sushi but the ones mentioned above are the more common form of Japanese sushi found around  the world.

Next : What Makes a Great Sushi?