The last is called “Temaki”, it is basically a hand rolled version of Maki, shaped kind of like an ice cream cone.

No matter what kind of sushi you order, they all have some variety of these common ingredients or garnishes:

The word “sushi” doesn’t refer to the raw fish, it actually refers to the rice, called “sticky rice”. Sushi is short grained rice to which sugar and vinegar is added, giving it a distinct sweet/tart flavor.

Wasabi is a green paste made from Japanese horseradish and is very hot! Use it sparingly or you’ll be hitting the sake a bit too hard in an attempt to put out the fire.

To refresh your palette between bites, there is Gari, or thin slices of pickled ginger. This can also be used as a garnish.

The sheets of seaweed used to roll the rice are called Nori.

Soya sauce is sometimes served as a dipping sauce along with wasabi.

Sushi can be a simple as a single ingredient or as complex as the Itamae’s imagination allows. Cucumbers (Kappa) avocadoes, tuna (tekka or maguro) or salmon are all popular ingredients. Different kinds of sushi have been developed to please the American palette.

California rolls, which are made with avocado, crab and cucumber are popular and a good choice for the sushi newbie. Philadelphia rolls, which are made with smoked salmon, cream cheese and cucumber are a delicious choice if you are not quite ready to go raw just yet.

So be brave, give sushi a try! Start with the more Americanized California or Philadelphia rolls, or have your Itamae suggest a local favorite. Either way you can’t go wrong, sushi is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional Western meals. Enjoy!