Sushi names made simple: a quick guide for anyone who gets confused
If you’ve ever looked at a sushi menu and thought, "Wait… what’s the difference between all these names?" — you’re definitely not alone.
The good news is that sushi names are actually much simpler than they look. In fact, most of the time, they’re not about the ingredients themselves, but rather about how the sushi is made or shaped.
Here’s a quick guide to help it all make sense.
Maki
Maki is what most people imagine when they think of sushi.
Specifically, the word maki means “to roll”, which is exactly what it is: rice and fillings rolled up in nori (seaweed) and sliced into neat pieces. Simple, classic, and easy to recognise.
Uramaki
On the other hand, Uramaki is basically maki’s playful opposite.
Ura means “back”, “reverse”, or “inside out”. That’s why uramaki has rice on the outside and nori on the inside. It’s often called an “inside out roll” and, once you know the meaning, the name makes perfect sense.
Nigiri
Nigiri is all about simplicity.
The word comes from a verb meaning “to press” or “to squeeze”. Essentially, it’s hand-pressed rice topped with something delicious. No rolling, no cutting — just balance, texture, and flavour.
Temaki
Temaki is the most casual of them all.
Te means “hand”, and consequently, temaki is made to be held. It’s a cone-shaped hand roll, usually eaten straight away. Fun, relaxed, and not meant to be shared or sliced.
Sashimi (Fun Fact)
Finally, here’s one that surprises a lot of people…
Sashimi is not sushi.
Why? Because sushi always includes rice. Sashimi is simply sliced ingredients, served without rice, focusing purely on texture and flavour.
A Small Sushi Fact
In summary, most sushi names don’t describe what’s inside. They describe the technique, shape, or way the sushi is prepared.
Once you know that, reading a sushi menu suddenly feels much easier — and a lot more fun.
If you enjoy learning little food details like this, keep an eye on our blog. There’s always something new to discover 🍃
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