Embarking on the journey of sushi can be both exciting and a little intimidating. With so many options, where do you begin? Understanding the different type of sushi is the first step to discovering your personal favorites. From elegant nigiri to casual rolls, the world of sushi offers an incredible range of textures and flavors. Whether you’re exploring new varieties or learning how to properly eat sushi, this guide will walk you through 10 popular type of sushi you should experience at least once in your life, including a beloved Hawaiian staple that showcases the versatility of this global cuisine.

1. Nigiri

The quintessential type of sushi for many purists, Nigiri consists of a small, hand-pressed mound of vinegared rice topped with a slice of neta (fresh fish or seafood). Common toppings include tuna (maguro), salmon (sake), and shrimp (ebi). A small bit of wasabi is often placed between the rice and the fish, and it’s typically eaten with your hands.

Similar Link: Etiquette Tips for Eating at a Conveyor Belt Sushi Restaurant

2. Sashimi

While technically not sushi because it lacks rice, sashimi is an essential part of any sushi experience. It is simply fresh, raw fish or seafood sliced into thin, elegant pieces. This type of sushi-adjacent dish highlights the pure, unadulterated flavor and texture of the highest-quality fish, such as bluefin tuna or yellowtail.

3. Maki (Makizushi)

Maki, or rolled sushi, is likely the most recognizable type of sushi for beginners. It involves rolling vinegared rice and various fillings—like cucumber, tuna, or avocado—in a sheet of nori (seaweed). The roll is then sliced into bite-sized pieces. There are thin rolls (Hosomaki) and thick rolls (Futomaki) that contain multiple fillings.

4. Temaki

Temaki is a fun, hands-on type of sushi. Also known as a “hand roll,” it consists of a large cone of nori filled with sushi rice, fish, and vegetables. Unlike pre-sliced maki, temaki is designed to be eaten immediately after it’s made, ensuring the nori remains crisp. It’s a interactive and delicious choice.

Read More: Vegan and Vegetarian Sushi: Creative Rolls Without Fish

5. Uramaki

Uramaki, or “inside-out roll,” is a Western-style type of sushi where the rice is on the outside of the nori, which wraps around the inner fillings. The outer layer of rice is often coated with toppings like roe or sesame seeds. The famous California Roll is a perfect example of uramaki.

6. Chirashi

Chirashizushi, which means “scattered sushi,” is a bowl-based type of sushi. A bowl of sushi rice is topped with a colorful assortment of sashimi, vegetables, and other ingredients. It’s a beautiful, deconstructed, and often more affordable way to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures in one dish.

7. Inari

Inari is a sweet and simple type of sushi. It is made of sushi rice packed inside a small pouch of seasoned, deep-fried tofu (aburaage). The tofu pouch is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin, giving it a distinct sweet-and-savory flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the tangy rice.

8. Oshi

Oshizushi, or “pressed sushi,” is a traditional style from the Osaka region. This unique type of sushi is made by pressing the rice and fish into a wooden mold (oshibako), resulting in a beautiful rectangular block. The pressure allows the flavors to meld, and it’s often served in elegant, layered slices.

9. Gunkan Maki

Gunkan Maki, meaning “battleship roll,” is a clever type of sushi designed to hold loose toppings. A small ball of rice is hand-formed and wrapped in a wide strip of nori that creates a cup-like shape, standing above the rice. This cup is then filled with ingredients like flying fish roe (tobiko), sea urchin (uni), or salmon roe (ikura).

10. Spam Musubi

A beloved Hawaiian snack that has earned its place in the sushi world, Spam Musubi is a fantastic and unique type of sushi. It features a slice of grilled Spam (often glazed with a teriyaki-style sauce) placed on a block of sushi rice, with the entire thing wrapped together with a strip of nori. It’s the perfect fusion of Japanese technique and local island ingredients, offering a delightful mix of salty, sweet, and savory in every portable bite. If you’re visiting Hawaii, you’ll find that sushi Honolulu spots often serve Spam Musubi as a must-try local favorite.

No matter your preference, exploring the vast world of sushi is a delicious adventure. From the minimalist perfection of nigiri to the innovative charm of Spam musubi, there is a type of sushi out there for every palate to enjoy.