Quick answer
The main types of sushi are nigiri (a hand-pressed mound of rice topped with fish), maki (rolls with seaweed on the outside), uramaki (inside-out rolls with rice on the outside), temaki (hand rolls shaped like a cone) and chirashi (fish scattered over a bowl of rice). Sashimi, slices of raw fish served without rice, is usually served alongside sushi but is not strictly sushi.
What makes something sushi is the vinegared rice, not raw fish. Many rolls use cooked, smoked or vegetarian fillings, such as prawn tempura, cucumber, avocado or egg (tamago).
Step-by-step guidance
- Start with a mixed platter so you can try nigiri, maki and uramaki side by side.
- If you are new to raw fish, choose cooked or vegetarian options first, such as prawn tempura rolls, cucumber maki or tamago nigiri.
- Eat nigiri fish-side down on the tongue, and dip the fish, not the rice, lightly in soy sauce.
- Use pickled ginger between pieces to refresh your palate rather than piling it on top.
- Once you know what you like, try sashimi to taste the fish on its own.
What to check
- Which items contain raw fish and which are cooked
- Allergens such as sesame, shellfish, egg and gluten in soy sauce
- Whether the restaurant offers vegetarian or vegan rolls
- What is in any sauce drizzled over a roll
Common mistakes to avoid
- Soaking the rice in soy sauce until it falls apart
- Assuming all sushi contains raw fish
- Not mentioning allergies when ordering
- Mixing a large amount of wasabi into the soy sauce and masking the fish
Related nearby services
NearMe lists 203 sushi restaurants across South Africa, with the most in Western Cape (93), Gauteng (63) and KwaZulu-Natal (30). 96% include a phone number, so you can check before you go.
Find sushi restaurants near you
This guide gives general information only. Rules, fees and requirements can change, so confirm details with the provider or the relevant authority. NearMe is an independent directory, not the provider.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between maki and uramaki?
Maki has the seaweed (nori) on the outside, while uramaki is rolled inside out so the rice is on the outside.
Is sashimi a type of sushi?
Strictly, no. Sashimi is sliced raw fish without rice, while sushi always includes vinegared rice.
What is a California roll?
It is an uramaki roll usually filled with crab or imitation crab, avocado and cucumber.