• 7 January 2026
  • 126

Sushi is one of the most refined culinary gifts from Japanese cuisine, where vinegared rice meets fresh seafood and vegetables in an artful harmony. For those embarking on this taste journey for the first time, our comprehensive sushi guide opens the door to understanding this rich culture. With its balanced flavors, elegant presentation, and profound philosophy, sushi is not merely food—it is an experience.

In this guide, you will find everything from sushi’s origins and popular varieties to dining etiquette and ordering tips. Our goal is to satisfy your curiosity and help you enjoy this sophisticated taste accurately. Prepared with the expertise of Little Buddha, this guide will make your first step into Japanese cuisine unforgettable.

What is Sushi? Origins and Cultural Journey

Although often associated with raw fish, sushi’s core ingredient is vinegared rice, known as shari. The term "sushi" literally means "sour rice," reflecting its origins as a fish preservation method where fish was stored in fermented rice. According to Britannica, this technique originated in Southeast Asia’s Mekong River delta and gradually spread to Japan.

Initially, the rice was discarded while the fish was consumed, but during Japan's Muromachi period (1336–1573), the rice began to be eaten together with the fish. The Edo period (1603–1868) saw the birth of modern sushi in Tokyo (then Edo), where Hanaya Yohei introduced fast-service sushi by placing fresh fish atop vinegared rice, creating a style resembling fast food. This innovation propelled sushi throughout Japan and eventually around the world. Today, sushi is recognized as a symbol of Japan’s cultural heritage and hospitality.

Types of Sushi: Maki, Nigiri, Sashimi, and More

The sushi world boasts a rich variety distinguished by preparation and presentation styles. Knowing the basic types helps beginners navigate menus with confidence. The most common types include Maki, Nigiri, and Sashimi.

  • Maki (Roll Sushi): Sushi rolls with a seaweed (nori) sheet wrapped around vinegared rice and fillings such as fish, vegetables, or other ingredients. Subtypes include Hosomaki (thin roll), Futomaki (thick roll), and Uramaki (inside-out roll with rice on the outside).
  • Nigiri (Hand-Pressed Sushi): A small block of vinegared rice shaped by hand, topped usually with a thin slice of fish, seafood, or egg (tamago). This style emphasizes simplicity and ingredient quality.
  • Sashimi: Although technically not sushi since it lacks rice, sashimi is thinly sliced raw fish or seafood served typically with soy sauce and wasabi.
  • Temaki (Hand Roll): Cone-shaped rolls made by wrapping nori around rice, fish, and vegetables for easy eating by hand.

These basics, offered with various interpretations at places like Little Buddha restaurants and their sushi varieties, provide a broad culinary experience. The differences among main types are illustrated in the diagram below.

How to Eat Sushi? Step-By-Step Guide

Eating sushi involves specific etiquette and traditions that enrich the experience beyond flavor alone. Understanding these customs enhances your enjoyment. Key steps include:

1. Chopsticks (Hashi) or Hands: Sushi may be eaten with chopsticks or by hand. Nigiri sushi is often encouraged to be eaten by hand as a sign of respect for the chef’s craftsmanship. Sashimi is always eaten with chopsticks. Avoid rubbing chopsticks together or pointing with them, as these are considered rude.

2. Using Soy Sauce: Pour a small amount of soy sauce into your dipping dish. When dipping sushi, gently dip only the fish (neta) side, not the rice, to maintain flavor balance and prevent rice from falling apart.

3. One Bite: Sushi pieces are designed to be eaten in one bite to experience the full intended flavor harmony. If a piece is large, try to divide it gently rather than biting into it.

Learning this etiquette is a way to show respect for the culture through East Asian cuisine and sushi guides.

Accompaniments That Enrich the Sushi Experience

A typical sushi plate includes three fundamental garnishes: wasabi, gari (pickled ginger), and soy sauce. These are not mere add-ons but play crucial roles in enhancing and balancing taste.

  • Wasabi: Made from Japanese horseradish, this sharp and pungent paste highlights the flavor of the fish and serves as a mild antibacterial agent. Traditionally, sushi chefs add a small amount of wasabi between the fish and rice in Nigiri. If you want more, it’s best to apply it directly to the fish rather than mixing it into soy sauce for a more authentic experience.
  • Gari (Pickled Ginger): Thin slices of sweet, pickled ginger used to cleanse the palate between different types of sushi, helping you fully appreciate each distinct flavor.
  • Soy Sauce: A fermented soybean sauce that adds salty and umami notes to sushi. Quality soy sauce complements the fish without overpowering its natural taste.

What to Know Before Ordering Sushi

Entering a sushi restaurant for the first time can feel overwhelming due to the variety of options. A few tips can ease your start.

Don’t hesitate to ask the chef or waiter for recommendations. You can inquire about the freshest fish or beginner-friendly options. The “Omakase” choice, meaning “chef’s selection,” offers a curated tasting menu based on the day’s best ingredients—a good way to try diverse flavors and rely on chef expertise.

If you prefer to order yourself, it’s advisable to begin with lighter-flavored fish like sea bass (suzuki) or flounder (hirame). Then move on to more flavorful fish such as salmon (sake) and tuna (maguro). To explore a variety of tastes and textures, choose combo sets featuring assorted maki rolls and nigiri pieces. Such decisions can be supported by restaurants listed among Turkey’s most popular world cuisine restaurants that offer informed dining experiences.

Who Should Be Cautious? Sushi Consumption Considerations

While nutritious and delicious, sushi contains raw seafood that warrants caution for certain groups to ensure safe enjoyment.

  • Pregnant Women: Raw or undercooked fish may harbor bacteria like listeria or parasites. Expectant mothers are advised to avoid raw fish sushi and instead choose cooked seafood options (e.g., cooked shrimp, eel) or vegetarian rolls featuring avocado and cucumber.
  • Young Children and Elderly: Due to developing or weakened immune systems, these groups may be more susceptible to foodborne illnesses from raw fish. Cooked or vegetarian options are generally safer choices.
  • Immunocompromised Individuals: Those with weakened immunity should consult their healthcare provider before consuming raw seafood.

These guidelines ensure everyone can enjoy sushi safely. Choosing reputable, hygienic restaurants remains the key step in minimizing risk.

Sushi Experience at Little Buddha

Discovering the true essence of sushi goes beyond knowledge; it requires experiencing the craft in a venue where tradition meets skill. At Little Buddha, we blend authentic East Asian culinary spirit with modern presentation to offer guests a memorable gastronomic journey. Every sushi serving on our menu uses the freshest ingredients and honors traditional techniques. This care places us among Istanbul’s reasonably priced dinner spots.

Whether you are trying sushi for the first time or consider yourself a seasoned enthusiast, our diverse menu caters to all palates. From classic Nigiri and Sashimi to inventive rolls crafted by our chefs, a broad selection awaits you. Visit our branches at Little Buddha Akmerkez sushi menu or explore the Little Buddha sushi experience for guided menu advice from our knowledgeable team.

With this sushi guide, you can bring your knowledge into practice within Little Buddha’s elegant and welcoming atmosphere, discovering this unique Japanese flavor at its best. Our offering of Little Buddha East Asian cuisine is not just a meal, but a cultural exploration.

This content is for general informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Due to raw seafood consumption, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those with chronic illnesses, or impaired immune systems should consult a healthcare professional before eating sushi or any raw foods. Little Buddha and Happy Group operate all branches following applicable food safety and regulatory standards. The information provided does not constitute any warranty or guarantee. Menu and ingredient details may vary by location.