Sushi is a food art that has attracted many palates all over the world through its taste and visual appeal. For starters, it could sometimes be pretty overwhelming with the number of varieties involved with sushi. With raw fish, seaweed, and other exotic items on the list, it is quite necessary to know what to order for first-timers, to break the ice about this cuisine diverse food category.
Understanding Sushi Basics
Sushi is made with seasoned rice in a combination of varieties, such as fish, vegetables, and, at times, tropical fruits. Major kinds of sushi that are popular are:
- Nigiri: Slices of fish or seafood are laid over a small bed of vinegared rice.
- Sashimi: Raw fish cut into thin slices, traditionally served without rice.
- Maki: “Rolls” that feature rice and fillings all wrapped in a sheet of seaweed (nori).
- Temaki: Cone-shaped hand rolls full of rice, fish, and other fillings.
- Cone Rolls: These are good options as well because they’re less frightening and not as foreign to the beginner’s palate.
Table of Contents
Best Sushi for Beginners
1. California Roll
The California roll is probably a favorite with most first-timers in the art of sushi. It is a maki roll filled with imitation crab, cucumber, and avocado. It is usually topped with a sprinkling of sesame seeds or fish roe.
2. Cucumber Roll (Kappa Maki)
At first glance, the kappa maki looks very plain. However, it is made of cucumber and rice inside of seaweed. Many times it is served with soy sauce and pickled ginger.
3. Avocado Roll
Another alternative for vegetarians, this roll packs creamy avocado into rice and seaweed. Avocado rolls are creamy and quite satisfying in consumption. It has a very mild flavor, so it is quite appealing to those who find stronger-tasting varieties of seafood to be very uninteresting.
4. Teriyaki Chicken Roll
An updated type of roll using grilled or cooked chicken, sweet teriyaki sauce, rice, and vegetables, in a seaweed roll. Most people are already familiar with the flavor of teriyaki chicken. However, the sweet teriyaki sauce can appeal to beginning connoisseurs who prefer cooked options.
6. Spicy Tuna Roll
Tuna with spicy mayonnaise, usually combined with cucumber or avocado, wrapped in seasoned rice and seaweed. This is somewhat of a tapas-style roll, to offer a little bit of a kick. With the spicy mayonnaise masking the raw fishiness, this is a great role for the novice to still get a feel of an authentic sushi experience.
Summing Up!
Carrying one of the most diversified spectrums of taste and texture, sushi will make even those who have never probably tried to taste it. For a beginner, it is advisable to start from the bottom, making sure you savor the relatively ‘softer’ foods known as the California roll, the cucumber roll, or the teriyaki chicken roll. With this knowledge under your roof, you will then extend your exposure to the world of sushi, cultivating a deep appreciation for this art with each taste of food that gets you completely satiated and in a place that is indeed tasteful.
Sushi Inc is a vibrant restaurant that offers what is considered the best sushi in St Petersburg. Opening its doors in 2013 and becoming a local staple by offering live music, traditional hand-rolled sushi, and a friendly atmosphere, our guests always have a top-notch experience. Customers love our award-winning, fresh, and creative Sushi rolls, Nigiri, and Sashimi. With a larger selection of tempura, non-sushi, and teriyaki options, we can accommodate every taste.
