Sushi is a Japanese dish made with specially prepared rice, vinegar, and a variety of toppings such as fish, vegetables, and seafood. The history of sushi goes back over a thousand years, and its origins can be traced to Southeast Asia.
In ancient times, people in Southeast Asia used to preserve fish by packing it in fermented rice. This process was used to preserve the fish for months at a time, and it was also believed to improve the taste of the fish. Eventually, this technique made its way to Japan, where it evolved into the sushi we know today.
The first sushi was not a dish of raw fish on top of rice, as many people believe. Instead, it was made up of fermented fish and rice. Over time, the dish evolved, and raw fish began to be used as a topping instead of fermented fish.
During the Edo period in Japan (1603-1868), sushi became more popular and was served in small portions as a snack in Tokyo. It was during this period that the use of fresh fish became more widespread, and sushi began to be served with soy sauce and wasabi.
In the late 1800s, sushi chefs began to experiment with different types of toppings, and the variety of sushi we see today began to take shape. In the 20th century, sushi became popular in other parts of the world, especially in the United States, where it has become a favorite cuisine among many people.
Today, sushi is enjoyed all over the world, and there are many different types of sushi available, from traditional nigiri to modern rolls with creative toppings. Sushi continues to evolve and change, but its history and origins remain an important part of its legacy.
Best Sushi Dishes in the USA
It’s difficult to list the best sushi dishes in the USA, as people’s preferences and sushi offerings may vary across different regions and establishments. However, we can provide you with a list of some popular and highly-regarded sushi dishes and restaurants in the USA. Keep in mind that the list may not be exhaustive, and there could be other great sushi spots that are not mentioned here.
OMAKASE
The omakase experience, which means “I’ll leave it up to you” in Japanese, often features the chef’s selection of the freshest ingredients of the day. Sushi chefs carefully prepare a series of dishes tailored to the diner’s preferences, and often offer the highest quality of sushi.
Some popular omakase spots in the USA are:
- Sushi Nakazawa (New York City)
- Masa (New York City)
- Urasawa (Beverly Hills, California)
- n/naka (Los Angeles, California)
- Omakase Yume (Chicago, Illinois)
CHIRASHI
Chirashi, which translates to “scattered sushi,” is a sushi dish consisting of a bowl of sushi rice topped with a variety of fresh fish, seafood, and vegetables.
Some notable chirashi dishes can be found at:
- Sushi Den (Denver, Colorado)
- Roka Akor (San Francisco, California)
- Nobu (Various locations)
SPICY TUNA ROLL
The spicy tuna roll is a popular sushi roll made with raw tuna, a spicy sauce (typically mayo-based with sriracha), and sushi rice, often wrapped in seaweed (nori).
Some great places for spicy tuna rolls include:
- Sugarfish (Various locations in California)
- Morimoto (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
- Blue Ribbon Sushi (New York City)
DRAGON ROLL
The dragon roll is a type of sushi roll that usually contains eel, cucumber, and avocado. It is often topped with thinly sliced avocado to resemble the scales of a dragon.
You can find excellent dragon rolls at:
- O-Ku (Atlanta, Georgia)
- Gaijin Sushi (Miami, Florida)
- Sushi of Gari (New York City)
Remember, the best sushi dish for you will depend on your personal preferences, and it’s always worth exploring local sushi restaurants to find your favorite spot. Additionally, the quality of sushi may change over time, so keep an eye on reviews and recommendations to stay up to date on the best sushi offerings in the USA.
