Sushi could be considered one of the staples of Japanese cuisine and comes in many different styles and tastes. One of the most popular would be the sushi rolls, also known as ‘maki.’ Much of this traditional sushi roll, though, is balanced with its ingredients and shows the art of sushi-making with its fresh and simple components. Here are five traditional sushi rolls that show the classic flavors and ways of preparing sushi.
1. California Roll
Description: California Roll is a kind of maki roll including imitation crab, real crab is also used, cucumber, and avocado, and all of these are wrapped with rice and seaweed. Often, it is topped with sesame seeds or fish roe.
Origins: It may not be of Japanese origin, but the California Roll is a staple menu worldwide in most sushi restaurants. It was thus created in the United States during the 1960s or 1970s to popularize sushi in towns that weren’t familiar with raw fish.
Why It’s Popular?: California Rolls are known for their light, approachable flavor and the use of cooked crab and vegetables, which makes it a great option for sushi beginners or those who want cooked ingredients in their sushi.
2. Tuna Roll
Tekka Maki: A very classic traditionalist maki including only sushi rice and raw tuna in a slice, then wrapped in seaweed. Then, cut into pieces.
Origins: Tekka Maki is a classic, no-fuss sushi roll from Japan that mirrors the simplicity and elegance of old-school sushi. It gives way to the freshness and quality of tuna, with very few elements to enhance it.
Why It’s Popular?: Showing off the fresh, clean flavors of good tuna, the Tuna Roll has become something like a staple for both sushi purists and seafood lovers who relish the raw taste and texture of seafood.
3. Kappa Maki: Cucumber Roll
Description: Kappa Maki is just a maki roll filled with cucumber and rice, then wrapped in seaweed. The taste is extremely refreshing with clean flavors.
Origins: Kappa Maki is probably one of the most basic forms of sushi rolls anywhere in sushi houses across Japan. Quite literally, the name was derived from the Japanese term for cucumber, “kappa.” It is usually eaten as a light, vegetarian dish.
Why It’s Popular: Its simplicity and crisp, refreshing flavor make Kappa Maki a favorite among vegetarians and people who just prefer a lighter sushi option. It’s also used as a palate cleanser between different types of sushi.
4. Salmon Roll (Sake Maki)
Description: Sake Maki is a classic roll of raw salmon cut into thin slices and sandwiched between sushi rice with seaweed wrapping. It’s a roll that is clean but elegant, giving the actual substance of flesh to the salmon.
Origin: Sake Maki is one of the original sushi rolls of Japan, modeled after their historical love for fresh, high-grade seafood. This roll testifies to the minimalist approach usually preferred in Japanese cuisine.
Why It’s Popular: Fatty, buttery flavor of the salmon paired with seasoned rice and seaweed—are what makes Sake Maki truly popular. This really is a traditional choice for any sushi lover who enjoys the natural taste of raw fish.
5. Ebi Roll (Shrimp Roll)
Description: Ebi Roll is cooked shrimp, together with sushi rice and occasionally additional vegetables, all wrapped in seaweed. It is lightly topped with soy sauce or eel sauce.
Origin: Ebi Roll is a traditional roll that underlines another important aspect: the use of cooked seafood in sushi. It sheds light on Japan’s very traditional food utilization of a wide array of seafood in sushi.
Why It’s Popular: The sweet, savory flavor from cooked shrimp makes the Ebi Roll popular with those who do not like raw seafood. It is also very much relished among sushi virgins and people who are more careful about their ingredients being raw.
Bottom Line!
Traditional sushi rolls are rooted in Japanese cuisine, and each of them offers a different taste experience, showing the simple art of making sushi. Starting from the simplest and most elegant, like Tekka Maki, to the easiest, California Roll, these five classic rolls outline the flavor differences and techniques that characterize traditional sushi.
Sushi Inc. is a vibrant restaurant that offers what is considered the best sushi in St Pete. 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. Click here to make your reservation now!