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What are Some Different Types of Sushi Supplies?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Sushi supplies can be divided into ingredients used to make sushi, and the equipment utilized in the process of making, presenting, and serving sushi. Most sushi supplies are readily available from Asian markets, and in some major cities, regular grocery stores may stock basic supplies. For people who love sushi, learning to make sushi at home and stocking up on supplies can save money in the long run by reducing costly bills at sushi restaurants.

In Japanese, “sushi” actually means “vinegared rice,” although Westerners refer to dishes made with this rice as “sushi,” which can get confusing. Sushi is technically an ingredient which can be used to make makizushi, nigirizushi, and other dishes. In addition to the rice, cooks also work with various fish and vegetables, dried seaweed known as nori, and condiments like shoyu, pickled ginger, and wasabi. The imagination is the limit when it comes to ingredients.

Nigiri sushi assortment.
Nigiri sushi assortment.

In addition to ingredients, certain kitchen implements are critical sushi supplies, starting with a bamboo mat for rolling sushi, and a hanigiri, a tub for mixing the seasoned rice. While it is possible to use a glass or wooden bowl, the hanigiri tub, which is made from bamboo, is traditional. Cooks also need sushi paddles for working with the rice, and a very sharp knife for cutting individual pieces of rolled sushi, preparing fish, and chopping vegetables.

Two futomaki rolls.
Two futomaki rolls.

For service, sushi plates are extremely useful, although regular plates can be used in a pinch. Other sushi supplies for serving include small dishes for condiments and dipping, along with chopsticks for eating, and chopstick rests so that guests can put down their chopsticks during the meal. In restaurants, people are usually presented with a warm moist towel when they start their meal, and some people like to incorporate this tradition at home, in which case a number of plain white towels should be kept handy.

A temaki cone.
A temaki cone.

Kitchen supplies should be of high quality so that they can last for many years and through numerous uses. Poorly made sushi supplies can be frustrating to work with, and they can also cause problems, as for instance in the case of a sushi mat which splinters and leaves pieces of bamboo in the sushi. Sushi supplies for serving are traditionally seasonally coordinated in Japan, and they are usually minimalistic so that they complement the sushi without drawing attention to themselves. Especially bright colors and bold designs can distract from the sushi eating experience.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Nigiri sushi assortment.
      Nigiri sushi assortment.
    • Two futomaki rolls.
      By: BlueOrange Studio
      Two futomaki rolls.
    • A temaki cone.
      By: Radu Razvan
      A temaki cone.
    • Hosomaki rolls underneath an uramaki roll.
      By: creative soul
      Hosomaki rolls underneath an uramaki roll.
    • Some sushi has crab in it.
      By: nalineimages
      Some sushi has crab in it.
    • A sharp knife will be required to make sushi.
      By: jeremias münch
      A sharp knife will be required to make sushi.
    • Wasabi, soy sauce, and pickled ginger are the most common sushi condiments.
      By: Stanislav Komogorov
      Wasabi, soy sauce, and pickled ginger are the most common sushi condiments.
    • A bamboo mat is essential for rolling sushi.
      By: Bartlomiej Nowak
      A bamboo mat is essential for rolling sushi.
    • Chopsticks and chopstick rests are commonly used in meals that include sushi.
      By: sil007
      Chopsticks and chopstick rests are commonly used in meals that include sushi.