As a true piece of art and self‑expression, food has this uncanny way of telling stories. Every dish tells something about the people, traditions, and daily rhythms of its origin, and few foods do that better than sushi. One bite can reveal centuries of technique, local customs, and a way of life you’ve never seen.
Sushi started out in Japan over a thousand years ago as a way to keep fish fresh. Simple stuff. But over time, it turned into something way more—an art form that’s all about balance, skill, and clean flavors.
Now? Sushi’s everywhere. From maki sushi to temaki sushi rolls, it’s right up there with anime and manga as one of Japan’s biggest cultural icons.
In this guide, we’re keeping it real—no fancy terms, no fluff. Just a straight-up intro to seven sushi styles that are worth knowing, whether you’re in Tokyo or grabbing a bite in London.
A Bite of Sushi History
As mentioned before, sushi’s story starts over a thousand years ago in Japan. It didn’t start off as a delicacy but rather as a clever way to preserve fish. Back then, slices of fish were packed in fermented rice to keep them fresh for longer. Over time, that method evolved. The fermentation was replaced by vinegared rice, and thus, sushi took on a new life.
As Japanese life changed, so did sushi. Practical needs gave rise to different styles—nigiri for formal dining, maki for sharing, and temaki for a quick grab-and-go bite. Each one adapted to suit how people wanted to eat.
Eventually, these styles made their way to the rest of the world, where chefs began blending tradition with local flair. Now, sushi in London is a full-blown scene, shaped by both immigrant heritage and cross-cultural innovation.
The Core Sushi Styles
Here are 7 of the topmost sushi varieties, each unique and delicious in its own right:
1. Nigiri
Nigiri Sushi is where simplicity meets skill. A small mound of rice, hand-shaped and topped with a slice of fresh fish or seafood—nothing flashy, but every bite is balanced perfectly. There’s usually a tiny dab of wasabi hidden under the fish, & sometimes a brush of soy on top. It’s all about clean flavours, texture, and trust in the chef’s touch.
Best Place to Try Nigiri Sushi in London: Try salmon nigiri at Ikkan Sushi (Baker Street) if you want the best nigiri in Marylebone, or splurge on melt-in-your-mouth toro at Sushi Tetsu (if you can get a seat!).
2. Maki Sushi Rolls (Makizushi)
Maki sushi is probably what first comes to mind when you think of sushi: rice and fillings rolled in seaweed and sliced into bite-sized pieces. You’ve got slim hosomaki, chunky futomaki, and inside-out uramaki—all built for sharing. From crunchy tempura to avocado and spicy tuna, the combos are endless and always evolving.
Best Place to Try Maki Sushi in London: Check out Kulu Kulu Sushi (Soho) for California rolls done right, or swing by YO! Sushi for their spicy tuna futomaki.
3. Temaki (Hand Rolls)
Temaki sushi is just sushi in a laid-back mode. Temaki sushi just features a seaweed cone stuffed with rice, fish, and whatever crunchy bits are inside. The cone shape keeps things fresh and crispy, and every bite has a bit of surprise. It’s easy, casual, and great if you’re new to sushi or just want something less serious
Best Place to Try Temaki Sushi in London: Grab a salmon temaki at Ikkan Sushi (Baker Street) or a tuna-avocado cone from Temaki Hand Roll Bar (Brixton)—super fresh, super fun.
4. Gunkanmaki (Battleship Rolls)
Shaped like little boats, gunkanmaki are made by wrapping a strip of nori around a small oval of rice and topping it with soft, loose toppings like fish roe, chopped scallop, or creamy uni. It’s where sushi gets a little bold and textural.
Best Place to Try Gunkanmaki Sushi in London: Head to Saru Sushi (Richmond) and try the uni gunkan. It’s rich, briny, and seriously indulgent.
5. Chirashi (Scattered Sushi)
Chirashi flips the script—everything is deconstructed in a bowl. You get sushi rice at the bottom, then a mix of sashimi, veggies, and whatever toppings are in season. It’s colourful, unfussy, and lets you try a bit of everything without having to choose.
Best Place to Try Chirashi Sushi in London: Order a chirashi don at Yashin Sushi (King’s Cross) or go seasonal at Sushi Atelier (Islington). Always a visual treat.
6. Sashimi
Technically not sushi (no rice involved), but sashimi often gets served alongside. It’s all about purity—just raw, sliced fish served with soy, wasabi, and pickled ginger. No distractions. No fluff. Sashimi is clean, precise flavour and knife work.
Best Place to Try Sashimi in London: You can try toro sashimi at The Araki (Mayfair). For a simpler fix, Itsu has fresh salmon sashimi that works for lunch on the go.
7. Inarizushi (Inari)
Inarizushi is something of a hidden gem. It’s made of sweet, seasoned tofu pouches filled with vinegared sushi rice. Soft, slightly chewy, Inarizushi has this subtle sweetness that’s so comforting—especially for vegetarians.
Best Place to Try Inarizushi Sushi in London: Find it at Bentoya (Camden) or check out Itadaki Zen (Soho) for a plant-based spin in their lunch sets.
Conclusion
Sushi’s not just one type of thing but a whole range. You’ve got neat little nigiri, hand-rolled temaki, bright chirashi bowls, and clean cuts of sashimi. There’s something for every kind of craving, and if you’ve only tried the usual stuff till now, maybe it’s time to shake things up a bit.
Try gunkan for bold textures or chirashi for a little bit of everything. And if you’re in London, you’re in luck—spots like Ikkan Sushi (Baker Street) offer a little taste of it all. Grab a seat, order something new, and let sushi surprise you.
Ready to Roll? Try Something New at Ikkan Sushi
Tried the classics? Then it’s time to go a little off-menu. If gunkan or chirashi caught your eye, don’t just read about them—taste them. You’ll discover textures, flavors, and freshness that a simple roll can’t deliver.
And when you’re ready to explore, Ikkan Sushi in Baker Street is a great place to start. From the best nigiri in Marylebone to the tastiest maki sushi, or some flavour-packed temaki sushi rolls, we know how to nail the details. So come and visit us at Ikkan Sushi & see for yourself why we’re a favourite for this Japanese delicacy in the capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the deal with nigiri vs. sashimi?
Ans. Nigiri’s that little rice oval with a slice of fish on top—sometimes there’s a bit of wasabi or soy brushed on. Sashimi’s just the fish, no rice involved. If you want something clean and simple, sashimi’s the way. But if you like that balance of rice and topping, go for nigiri.
Is there vegan sushi out there?
Ans. Yep, 100%. You can try inari (those sweet tofu pouches with rice), cucumber rolls, avocado rolls, or mushroom rolls. It has loads of veggie and even vegan hand rolls.
What’s the best sushi to try for newcomers?
Ans. You should start simple. Salmon or tuna nigiri is a solid intro—just rice and fish, nothing too wild.
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