I used to dislike sushi.
Even though I never had it, the thought of eating raw fish just seemed gross so I would instead stand in the hot food line.
It was only after many visits that my brother finally convinced me to just try one roll and it was actually...really good. Like really really good. Good enough for me to say that I wish could live off of sushi.
From then to now, I’ve tried all kinds of sushi, maki, and sashami ranging from spicy tuna to baked salmon to unagi and I’m always eager to try more!
Sushi’s become trendy and is something that comes in a myriad of flavors, shapes, and sizes. There are a bunch of reasons as to why it’s because some popular and here are a few that could justify what makes it so good.
1. The Presentation
Our eyes give us the first impression of a dish and whether or not we want to eat it. It has to look appetizing and sushi definitely does!
The brightly colored fish is intricately cut and placed over carefully shaped rice. If there’s no fishy smell, you can be assured that the fish is fresh and the delicate placing of the fish and rice makes it simple yet elegant.
Maki is the more popular image of sushi. Commonly, a folded strip of fish will be placed adjacent to the bits of avocado before being coated with soft white rice and embraced with crisp seaweed. That’s beauty, right there.
Sushi and maki are usually served with in a minimalist style, being presented on geometric wooden or glass plates. It complements the aesthetics from the sushi itself and gives it an artistic vibe.
2) The Variety
Different people have different tastes. Some are vegetarians, some have allergies, and some just don’t like the idea of eating raw fish. Kappa maki is a prime choice for vegetarians as it is strictly cucumbers, rice, and seaweed but there are a lot of options depending on your taste.
There are choices for lovers of spice, sweetness, and/or savoriness as found in spicy tuna rolls, unagi rolls, and california rolls, respectively. Whatever you’re in the mood for, it’s there.
3. The Culture
Japanese culture is very unique and views food as something that should be slowly enjoyed. This is similar in the cultures of numerous other countries where the act of eating is an experience.
After taking a seat alongside your family and friends, each sushi roll is to be carefully relished and one should take in all the flavors it holds. In sushi bars and restaurants, the chef will often pay attention to the customer’s reaction as it is simply a verdict to how well they did their job.
Sushi is accompanied by many other foods and even beverages to optimize this cultural experience. Wasabi is a common side that is known for it’s spice but it also provides vitamin C and contains antibacterial properties that make it useful for digestion.
Ginger is a savory accompaniment that helps boost the immune system while soy sauce is high in protein and iron. On top of this, soy sauce aids in digestion.
To finish it all off, a cup of warm green tea is served at the end. Green tea is the conventional Japanese beverage and is rich in antioxidants so the customer feels refreshed when leaving the table.
4. The Evolution
Sushi’s been around since the 4th century. It’s been constantly evolving due to the discovery of new flavors but also because of its creative potential.
Chefs today have adopted the traditional style of sushi-making but added their own innovative twists, making it enjoyable in new ways!
The sushi burrito has exploded in popularity in New York City due to the well-crafted sushi presented in a burrito style. It’s inventive, it’s fresh, and it’s fun.
Or how about the sushi cupcakes? They have jalapeno, mango, red onions, and cream cheese that’s surrounded by orange rice paper. That’s innovation, right there.
Whether people have never tried sushi or have been enthusiasts for years, it is certainly a food that is appreciated for its flavor, artistry, and versatility!
