Did you know that you don’t have to like fish – raw or cooked – in order to enjoy Japan’s most popular delicacy? Read on to learn more about this dish that has skyrocketed in popularity in the West since the 1980s.
The Japanese word sushi has nothing to do with fish, raw or otherwise. It actually refers to the rice that sushi is made with: fresh, white rice that is somewhat sticky, slightly sweet and mixed with rice vinegar. Maki sushi is perhaps the most popular in the West. A California roll is an example of Westernized maki sushi. Maki is made when dried seawood, or nori, is laid on top of the sushi rice and fillings are then placed on top of the nori. Today, the sky is the limit in terms of what you can fill your maki with: mango, crab, cream cheese, beef, avocado, pickled radish, fresh or steamed vegetables, tempura – you name it! It doesn’t have to include fish. The rice and seaweed are then wrapped around the fillings to make a long roll. The roll is sliced, leaving you with the colourful, dainty maki that Westerners have come to love. So you see, you can enjoy sushi even if you don’t want to eat raw fish, or even if you don’t like fish at all.
Now sashimi is a whole other story. Sashimi is raw fish. It is extremely fresh and sliced very thinly. Different species of fish are savoured for the unique, subtle flavours and textures they offer. Choose from salmon or tuna, octopus or mackerel. Sashimi is an acquired taste and is best enjoyed at a top quality restaurant.
If you’re looking for a friendly place to try sushi, choose K & B Sushi Bar and Teppanyaki. Friendly staff couldn’t care less if you don’t know your wasabi from your pistachio ice cream. They’re eager to share this ancient treat with you and are happy to answer any questions you may have, or leave out ingredients you may not care for. Visit www.kbsushi.com to learn more.