Love it or hate it, sushi is one of the world’s most popular foods.

Every season, Nigerian farmers harvest over 500,000 tons of sesame seeds for the sole purpose of topping this seafood delicacy. That number should escalate to over 700,000 by 2019.

Yet, not all sushi is equally delicious, even this food’s biggest fans don’t love every variety.

If you’re just starting out on your Japanese cuisine adventure, take a look at these guidelines to ensure your first time isn’t a flop.

From sashimi vs sushi, and cooked vs raw, here’s a rundown on what to expect.

What is Sushi Really?

The word refers to several different foods which most often feature rice cooked in rice vinegar. Sushi portions are delicate and colorful, yet surprisingly satisfying.

Sushi that contains fish is high in omega fatty acids and is a delicious way to include important nutrients and vitamins in your diet. You’ll also find healthy doses of vitamins A and C as well as protein, calcium, and iron in sushi.

Raw fish and seafood often dominate this kind of meal, but there are other varieties too.

Styles of Sushi

Rice is the number one ingredient in sushi and features in most items on the menu.

Maki sushi is basically a layer of rice rolled around various ingredients and then rolled in a thin sheet of seaweed.

You can enjoy these in various sizes and shapes like Temaki, which is hand-rolled into a cone.

Uramaki is an inside-out version of Maki with the rice on the outside. California rolls usually fall into this category.

When you order Nigiri, you’ll find the main ingredient perched on top of the rice.

Sashimi is one of the only sushi dishes that comes without rice. It usually comes in the form of perfectly seasoned raw seafood.

Cooked Sushi

Contrary to popular belief there is such a thing as cooked sushi and this is the best sushi for beginners.

California rolls are a safe bet featuring crab meat, cucumber, and avocado. Crab meat is mildly flavored and a good introduction to raw fish.

Squid and clams are usually cooked first, and you can order grilled octopus too. Avoid sweet shrimp, called Ama Ebi, as that is usually served raw.

You can also order your Maki rolls or sashimi battered and fried tempura style.

Some types of fish are not cooked in a conventional way. They are often soaked in an acidic marinade which cooks the meat and adds flavor.

Sashimi vs Sushi Rolls

The only difference between sashimi and sushi rolls is the absence of rice. Raw fish usually dominates the selection of sashimi on offer.

If you really want to try it, go for the salmon first. Raw salmon doesn’t taste that different from smoked salmon.

Squeamish about eating raw fish? Avoid sashimi until you’ve acquired a taste for sushi.

That said, not all sashimi contains raw fish. Tiger shrimp (Ebi), surf clam (Hokigai), crab meat (Kani), and octopus (Tako) are all usually cooked.

Tamago is the name for a sweet egg omelet served sashimi style, sans rice.

Skip the Fish

Vegetarians can also get on board with the sushi trend.

The most popular sushi rolls that exclude fish include Kappa Maki with cucumber, Avocado Nigiri, and Shitake Mushroom Sushi.

You can also get California rolls made with imitation crab meat.

Sushi Side Dishes

While you’re figuring out your order, you’ll find a whole bunch of items on the menu that don’t fall into any of the above categories.

Just like fries in an ordinary restaurant, you can add these to your main order as you prefer. Some popular side dishes include:

• Agedashi – tofu coated with potato flour and deep fried
• Chirashi – A bowl of rice, fish, and vegetables
• Edamame – A side dish made from unripened soybeans
• Gomae – Vegetables drenched in sesame dressing
• Gyoza – Japanese-style pan-fried dumplings
• Miso – A traditional seasoning made from fermented soybeans
• Ponzu – Dipping sauce with soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice, and fish flakes
• Sriracha – Sweet and spicy sauce
• Teba – Chicken wings
• Udon – Thick, wheat-based noodles
• Wasabi – A fiery, spicy herb similar to horseradish

For dessert, you can try Mochi, which is delicious, chewy and made from rice.

Carte Blanche

If you’re ever uncertain about what to order ask your server to guide you or explain your predicament to the chef.

They’ll be eager to suggest a gentle introduction to this delicious cuisine.

Don’t let your friends trick you into ordering Omakase. This term means “to trust the chef” and gives the chef free rein to dish up whatever he chooses.

This is a recipe for disaster if you aren’t used to eating sushi. However, it can be a fun option for those who’ve seen and done it all when it comes to sushi.

You also run the risk of running into fugu sushi. This fish is extremely poisonous. Legally, only chefs who have over 3 years of specialized experience can serve this dish.

Why Is Sushi so Popular?

There’s no doubt that the attractive appearance of sushi contributes to its popularity. It has has a reputation for being healthy and slimming.

Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Being a hand-crafted dish, the calorie content of your meal depends on how heavy-handed the chef is with fats and oils.

Avoid tempura and spicy rolls with a mayonnaise base if you’re trying to lose weight, and go easy on the soy sauce.

Now that you know what to expect, visit here to find a restaurant near you and get started with your introduction to this healthy style of eating.

Try More New Things

Now that you’re clued up on the intricacies of sashimi vs sushi, you can face your first order with confidence.

Don’t miss out on trying new things because you don’t understand them. You’ll find answers to many of the questions you’re too embarrassed to ask in the useful tips section of our blog.