Sushi can be found in many different forms and is a part of Japanese food culture that has become global. You can buy a batch of sushi rolls in the store and they can feature several varieties.
Some of those varieties have been Westernized but the classic sushi rolls have stood the test of time to remain popular. These classic sushi rolls showcase the freshest of ingredients which is largely why they remain so desirable.
In this guide, we will detail seven classic sushi rolls that remain the most popular. From tuna rolls to eel, cucumber, dried gourd, pickled daikon, and more.
Tekka Maki (Tuna Roll)
With one filling, tekka maki is effortlessly simple which is a large part of the appeal. The raw tuna can be sourced from various parts of the fish so it can vary in appearance.
Try it in different sushi restaurants and it can look and taste different due to how lean the tuna is. Chefs will typically use the red-colored tuna meat which is the leanest and you can expect seasoned sushi rice and a nori wrapping.
While the price of tuna may have an effect on how readily available a few batches of tekka maki are, they should be widely found in Japan. Tuna fish remains common and used extensively in Japanese sushi so should be commonly found on sushi menus.
Kappa Maki (Cucumber Sushi Roll)
For a vegetarian take on sushi, try kappa maki which includes Japanese cucumber in thin strips with few seeds. You can still expect seasoned sushi rice and a nori wrapping yet you may make extensive use of the dipping sauce.
This is the go-choice for vegetarians or those who are yet to be won over by eating raw fish.
Unagi Maki (Eel Roll)
Eel is considered a delicacy in Japanese cuisine so unagi maki is highly sought after in a sushi restaurant. There are two different varieties of eel to look out for, unagi is prepared from a freshwater eel while anagi is from a saltwater eel.
You could also find the eel combined with cucumber in a sushi roll and that’s either anakyu or unakyu maki depending on the type of eel.
Though a delicacy, eel is very rarely eaten in its raw form which may be a relief. When it is used in sushi, it is typically marinated in a soy glaze or steamed.
While eels may look slimy and not that appetizing, when prepared for sushi they will be delicious and the two varieties of eel have a telling taste.
Anagi should have a soft texture and come with a sweet taste though unagi has a bold and decidedly rich flavor.
Kanpyo Maki (Dried Gourd Sushi Roll)
You may not have heard of kanpyo maki and that’s fine. It’s a classic sushi roll that few American, or indeed Western, outlets will stock. This is largely due to how difficult the main ingredient is to source.
Dried gourd is calabash fruit which is cut into strips and left to dry then sold dehydrated. You can typically find gourd strips in an Asian grocery store but you can order them online.
When it is used in sushi, the dried gourd strips are rehydrated for a few hours and then seasoned with sugar, soy sauce, and rice wine. This is another variety of sushi which is ideal for vegetarians and vegans are no raw fish, meat, or seafood is included.
Oshinko Maki (Pickled Daikon Roll)
Another variety of vegetarian-friendly sushi is oshinko maki which uses pickled daikon as its primary ingredient. In its typical form, daikon looks like a big white carrot and it turns yellow when pickled.
You may imagine you are eating a carrot sushi but the taste of pickled daikon is well worth seeking out as its sweet and sourness with a crunch goes incredibly well with nori and seasoned sushi rice.
Aside from daikon, you can also find vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and cabbage which have been pickled and used as sushi.
Negihama Maki (Yellowtail And Scallion Roll)
You can find scallion with tuna in a sushi roll as negitoro maki but scallion with yellowtail is known as negihama maki. The yellowtail is prepared tenderly and then diced before being mixed with green onion.
On its own as sashimi, yellowtail fish has a high-fat content and will be deliciously tender in texture. Its taste alone makes it a favorite in Japan and you can enhance it with some soy sauce, wasabi, or pickled ginger.
Umekyu (Pickled Plum And Cucumber Roll)
For a sweet take on traditional Japanese sushi, you should try umekyu. The pickled plum is almost like a dessert option though it comes with cucumber as well to bulk it out and introduce some freshness.
This is another simple sushi roll as the two ingredients combine so well. The pickled plum is known as umeboshi while the cucumber is called kyuri, two simple ingredients that go together deliciously.
A further variation of this sushi is umeshiso which included pickled plum but comes with fresh sisho leaves. Sisho is a culinary herb that belongs to the mint family so you can expect more sweetness with the pickled plum.
Final Thoughts
Part of the experience of heading to a sushi restaurant in Japan is to try something new. While tekka maki will be commonly found, this may be your only opportunity to try eel or pickled plum.
These flavors have remained popular because they have been prepared the same way for decades. If you are not sure what to try then feel free to list your preferences and allow the chef to prepare you something special.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Most Common Sushi Roll Found In Japan?
It should be little surprise that tuna remains the most popular and most commonly eaten type of sushi in Japan. Tuna fish is readily available and you can expect to find it on the menu in plenty of sushi restaurants.
If it is, you should get a lean piece of raw tuna, some seasoned sushi rice, wrapped in nori and that is it.
What Are The Main Types Of Sushi?
The best sushi is prepared simply and uses the freshest ingredients though there are a few types to be aware of. One of the most common is nigiri which involves raw fish like tuna or salmon.
The fish is cut into small bite-sized pieces and then pressed onto balls of cooked sushi rice. Sushi rolls are known as maki and include raw fish, meat, vegetables, and even dried fruit rolled up in nori seaweed with seasoned sushi rice.
As the name would suggest, uramaki is close to maki but the rice is on the outside surrounding the filling.
Chirashi means scattered and is a form of sushi where you will receive a bowl filled with seasoned sushi rice which is then topped with raw fish and garnishes. There is also temaki which is a sushi roll shaped into a cone.
Finally, there is also sashimi which is simply raw fish which is cut into thin slices.
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
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