What’s the Difference Between Nigiri, Maki and Sashimi?

Most people love sushi, but not everyone knows the difference between sushi, maki and sashimi. Do you? Learn about the different sushi types so you can confidently place your order.

How do you determine what type of sushi you want to order? Should you choose nigiri vs sashimi? Or nigiri vs maki? Below, we break down the basics for sashimi, nigiri, and maki, so that next time you order sushi, you can do it like a pro!

Sashimi

Sashimi refers to a simple preparation of sliced fish, served without rice or additional toppings. (Sashimi isn’t categorized as sushi, since technically speaking, sushi isn’t sushi unless it contains rice.)

Daikon (Japanese radish), soy sauce, and wasabi are commonly served with it. However, just because the presentation of sashimi is straightforward, doesn’t mean that its preparation is. Sushi chefs select the fish for sashimi with great care and carefully bring out different flavors in the fish depending on how they slice or garnish it. It’s “sushi grade”, meaning that the fish you’re about to eat is of such high quality that it can be eaten raw and savored on its own.

Nigiri

Nigiri (nigirizushi) refers to a slice of fish placed on a rectangular-shaped rice block that has been hand-pressed. A small bit of wasabi is usually placed between the fish and the rice, and in certain cases may be substituted with a short strip of toasted seaweed or nori.

Here’s a fun fact: Nigiri means “two fingers” in Japanese, referring to the amount of rice each piece should ideally contain.

Maki (or Makizushi)

Most people, when thinking or speaking about sushi, are likely referring to maki. Makis are made up of layers of fish, whether raw or cooked, veggies and sushi rice rolled up in a sheet of seaweed. There are different types of maki, however.

Hosomaki – a single ingredient plus rice (i.e. tuna rolls, salmon rolls, cucumber, and avocado rolls).

Futomaki – a larger roll of rice containing several fillings and wrapped in a thin sheet of seaweed (i.e. California roll).

Temaki – a single large, cone-shaped piece wrapped with seaweed on the outside and filled with a variety of ingredients (including fish) that spill out of the wide end.

Looking for the best sushi in Jerusalem? Come on down to Sushi Mamilla! Our sushi menu includes nigiri, maki, temaki, platters, and more. We also offer a variety of sashimi, specialty creations, and other traditional Japanese foods.

Sushi Mamilla is certified kosher, under the hashgacha of Mehadrin Yerushalayim and is a short 7-minute walk from the David Citadel Hotel.

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