10 Best Sushi Toppings for Beginners
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Check this sushi starter guide to find 10 recommended sushi toppings for beginners!
CONTENTS
Japanese cuisine has become an international favorite over the past few decades, and many travelers now come to Japan for the unique and high-quality food. Foreign visitors often arrive ready to try the sushi, in particular, searching for authentic restaurants offering this combination of raw fish and vinegared rice around Japan.
But what should you do if Japan’s incredible abundance of seafood is still new to you? Japanese restaurants offer hundreds of different sushi toppings, but this beginner’s guide to sushi focuses on a few of the most popular classic sushi options. Don’t miss the chance to try sushi in Japan – start with the 10 best sushi toppings for beginners!
Tuna (Maguro)
Tuna, or maguro (まぐろ), is one of the most popular sushi toppings among both Japanese and foreigner visitors. High-end restaurants compete to offer the freshest tuna, generally served in three cuts: akami (lean), chutoro (medium-fatty), and otoro (fatty). We recommend you compare all three!
Shrimp (Ebi)
Shrimp is commonly served boiled as a sushi topping, listed as ebi (えび), which makes it more accessible for many. Some restaurants also offer raw shrimp, however, called “nama ebi.”
Salmon
Salmon (サーモン) is especially beginner-friendly due to its familiarity abroad. Even in Japan, it’s very popular among younger generations! In addition to raw salmon, you’ll often find a seared version as well.
Salmon Roe (Ikura)
Ikura (いくら), or salmon roe, may seem strange at first, but its flavor and poppable texture make it one of Japan’s most popular toppings. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, you should give it a try!
Sea Bream (Tai)
Among the many white fish sushi options, sea bream, or tai (たい), is great for beginners. Though considered expensive in Japan, you can often try a taste for a reasonable price at sushi restaurants.
Squid (Ika)
Ika (いか), or squid, is a classic topping – served raw as sushi or sashimi, with a firm and chewy texture.
Scallop (Hotate)
Scallop, or hotate (ほたて), is a particularly popular shellfish option, loved by both kids and adults for its natural sweetness.
Bonito (Katsuo)
The preparation of bonito, or katsuo (かつお), gives it a rich flavor and smoky aroma. Order it in the spring or summer to try it at its best!
Sea Urchin Roe (Uni)
Uni (うに), or sea urchin roe, is widely seen as one of the most luxurious sushi toppings. While it may look unusual, its briny flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture often turns skeptics into fans.
Japanese Omelette (tamago-yaki)
Not all sushi toppings are seafood! The sweet Japanese omelette (卵焼き), served on rice and wrapped with seaweed, is a classic and familiar choice for many beginners.
Should You Add Wasabi?
You’ll often find a light green paste – wasabi – between the sushi rice and the topping. Aromatic, with a spice that hits at the back of your nose, wasabi is often thought to enhance sushi’s flavor. You can always request sushi without it – try it once while you explore the world of beginner sushi options, and see what you like best!
This content has been edited and republished from Japan Web Magazine with permission. The original article was published on Feb 20, 2022 and updated on Jan 24, 2025. ©2025 Inbound Platform Corp. All Rights Reserved
Japan Web Magazine is an online media platform delivering expert insights into travel, food, culture, and local experiences in Japan. We share insider tips, hidden gems, and must-visit spots to help you explore Japan like a local. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a seasoned traveler, we’ve got you covered!
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