Sushi – A work of art in the culinary world

Vol 26, Issue 22

“Sushi” is a well-known Japanese cuisine worldwide is truly a work of art. The presentation of Sushi, the unique taste and also the nutritional values are highly remarkable. The key ingredients are Japanese short grain rice, nori sheet made of sea-weed, rice wine vinegar, fermented/ raw fish, cooked meat, seafood as well as vegetables such as cucumber, carrot, avocado and bell pepper. There are special tools which are essential in making sushi such as bamboo rolling mat, rice barrel, special knives, cooking chopsticks and mould to shape different kinds of sushi.

There are two types of sushi which are authentic Japanese sushi and Western sushi. Western sushi differs from authentic Japanese sushi with the toppings they use and the inside out sushi roll where the rice layer is on the outside. Most common types of sushi are Makizushi, Nigiri, Temaki, Uramaki and Naresushi. Sushi is often paired with condiments such as soy sauce, pickled ginger and wasabi which is made of horseradish.

A step-by-step approach to making sushi includes, preparing the rice, placing nori sheet on the bamboo mat, layering rice on the nori sheet, adding the fillings of your choice, roll and compress the sushi and cut in equal portions for serving. You can also garnish the sushi to make the overall presentation better. You can serve the sushi in a minimalistic platter with condiments and chopsticks on the side with a cup of green tea or sake.

Since the main ingredients of sushi are raw fish and rice it is recognised as healthy food. Sushi usually contains high protein, vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and energy from carbs. Contradictory to the nutritional values sushi could be contaminating if quality ingredients are not used and if the hygienic standards are compromised.

If you haven’t tried sushi yet and don’t know what to order, it is always convenient to go to an all you can eat sushi buffet for a start as you can try verities of sushi to get an idea.  However, the sushi experience will be elevated when you go to an Omakase or a Kaikase to have an authentic Japanese sushi experience which will be a feast for your eyes and tastebuds.