Sitting down at the sushi bar for the first time can feel a little intimidating. Nigiri, sashimi, maki, temaki — what's the difference, and where should a newcomer start? At Naked Fish's, we love introducing guests to Japanese cuisine, so here's a simple guide to the main types of sushi and how to order with confidence.
First, What Does "Sushi" Actually Mean?
A common misconception is that sushi means "raw fish." It doesn't. Sushi refers to the vinegared rice that forms the base of the dish. That's why some sushi contains no raw fish at all — and why sashimi, which is simply sliced fish, technically isn't sushi. Understanding that one detail makes the rest of the menu much easier to navigate.
Nigiri
Nigiri is the classic image most people picture: a small, hand-pressed mound of seasoned rice topped with a slice of fish or seafood, often with a touch of wasabi tucked between the two. It's all about balance and quality, because there's nowhere for a subpar ingredient to hide. Popular choices include salmon, tuna, yellowtail, and buttery cuts like o-toro. If you want to taste the fish at its purest alongside perfectly seasoned rice, nigiri is where to begin.
Sashimi
Sashimi is thinly sliced raw fish or seafood served on its own — no rice underneath. It's for those who want to appreciate the texture and flavor of the fish without anything else competing. Because sashimi puts the ingredient front and center, freshness is everything. It's a favorite of purists and anyone watching their carbohydrate intake.
Maki (Rolls)
Maki are the rolls most Americans picture first. Rice and fillings are wrapped in nori (seaweed) and sliced into bite-sized rounds, ranging from simple and traditional to elaborate specialty creations. Our signature rolls — like the Tiger Roll and other house creations — combine premium fish with creative flavors and presentation. Rolls are a great entry point if you're new to sushi, because the mix of ingredients makes every bite approachable and satisfying.
Temaki (Hand Rolls)
Temaki is a cone-shaped hand roll — nori wrapped around rice and fillings, meant to be eaten with your hands. It's casual, fun, and best enjoyed right away, while the seaweed is still crisp.
Uramaki (Inside-Out Rolls)
If you've had a California roll, you've had uramaki. The rice is on the outside and the nori on the inside, often finished with sesame seeds or roe. This style is especially popular in the United States and makes a comfortable starting point for newcomers.
What Should a First-Timer Order?
If it's your first visit, we suggest a mix: start with a specialty roll for approachable flavor, add a couple of pieces of nigiri (salmon and tuna are friendly favorites), and try a single piece of sashimi to taste the fish on its own. Not sure what to pick? Ask your server or chef — guiding guests is one of our favorite parts of the job.
When you're ready to explore, browse our sushi and sashimi menu, or leave it entirely in the chef's hands with our multi-course tasting menu. Whether it's your first roll or your five-hundredth, there's always something new to discover at Naked Fish's.