Japanese Sushi

When people eat Sushi it is not just about eating but rather the whole experience behind it. Those who serve Sushi should be knowledgeable about it because the experience is one that may embrace many questions. Those who have never experienced Sushi haven't because maybe they see Sushi as raw fish when in fact it is rather vinegary rice that is served with a variety of toppings which will likely include raw fish. There is a big difference here and a big difference in the way that it is viewed.

Nigirizushi is the most common type of Japanese sushi found today and is also the most expensive too. Nigirizushi is generally topped with raw or cooked fish or shellfish, placed on vinegary rice and smeared with a wasabi paste. Makizushi is also a popular variety of sushi but it is rolled and filled with fish or vegetables and encased with vinegary rice and then wrapped in toasted nori seaweed. Gunkanmaki refers to sushi where a finger of vinegary rice encases a strip of nori and then the filling is added as a topping instead. Some call this the battleship sushi because the finished product resembles a battleship.

Temakizushi is most popular for dinner parties because it allows guests to assemble their own roll. Generally a small amount of sushi rice sits on top of a square nori, the fillings are added and then it is hand rolled. This is why it is important for caterers to understand the Japanese sushi experience and which sushi to serve at a particular event.
Chirashizushi is very unique from all other types of sushi because it is served in a bowl with vinegary rice on top and then an assortment of toppings that usually consist of raw fish. Inarizushi consists of vinegary rice that can be served in a pocket of abura-age, sweetened, or even deep fried.

Caterers who serve Japanese Sushi have to have a good understanding in all areas of sushi including various types, presentation, and information regarding it. Because of this increased popularity sushi has started to appear on catering company menus, and it is now common practice to include sushi in the menus for a wide variety of different functions, including weddings, cocktail parties, banquets, sports dinners, private dinner parties, business lunches, boardroom functions and corporate functions.