Maki rolls are a basic form of sushi with seaweed (nori) on the outside and rice, fish, and vegetables on the inside. They can be categorized into various types based on how they are rolled and cut.
Nigiri consists of small oblong-shaped mounds of rice topped with various ingredients such as raw fish, cooked seafood, or egg. A thin strip of seaweed (nori) or a small amount of wasabi may be used to bind the ingredients.
While not technically a roll, sashimi consists of thin slices of raw fish, typically served without rice. It's a popular choice for those seeking a purer taste of the fish.
Temaki is a cone-shaped roll with nori on the outside and rice, fish, and vegetables on the inside. It is meant to be eaten with the hands, resembling an ice cream cone filled with sushi.
The Dragon Roll is an inside-out roll featuring eel or shrimp on top, resembling dragon scales. Avocado slices often mimic the appearance of wings, and the roll may include other ingredients like cucumber and eel sauce.
The Rainbow Roll is a colorful and visually appealing roll featuring a California roll (crab or imitation crab, avocado, cucumber) topped with an assortment of sashimi slices, representing a "rainbow" of fish.
A Spicy Tuna Roll typically consists of a mix of spicy tuna (raw tuna mixed with spicy mayo or sriracha), cucumber, and sometimes avocado, all rolled in seaweed and rice.
The Philadelphia Roll is a Westernized sushi roll that includes smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber. It's often rolled with seaweed and rice, and sometimes sprinkled with sesame seeds.