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JinbehJapanese Restaurant
🍣 Cuisine

Types of Sushi: Your Complete Guide

By Jinbehβ€’January 18, 2026β€’10 min read

See also: sushi platters near me

Sushi confused? You're not alone. Between nigiri, sashimi, maki, and specialty rolls, the sushi menu can feel like reading a foreign language. Let's break it down so you can order like a pro, and discover new sushi varieties along the way.

See also: all-you-can-eat sushi vs traditional

"Every sushi order at Jinbeh starts with fresh fish and ends with a smile. Whether you're trying nigiri for the first time or you're a seasoned omakase enthusiast, we're here to guide your journey."

, The Jinbeh Team
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Did You Know?

Modern sushi as we know it was invented by Hanaya Yohei in 1820s Tokyo. Before that, 'sushi' was actually a method of preserving fish by packing it in fermented rice for months, the rice was discarded! Yohei's genius was serving fresh fish on vinegared rice as fast food from street stalls, creating the nigiri we love today.

Source: Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Hand-rolled fresh sushi portrait

🍱 The Main Types of Sushi

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Nigiri

A slice of raw fish draped over a small mound of seasoned rice. Simple, elegant, and all about the fish quality.

Popular: Salmon, Tuna, Yellowtail

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Sashimi

Pure, pristine slices of raw fish, no rice involved. The ultimate test of fish freshness and chef skill.

Popular: Salmon, Tuna, Scallop

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Maki (Rolls)

Rice and fillings wrapped in seaweed (nori). Can be thin (hosomaki) or thick (futomaki).

Popular: Spicy Tuna, Cucumber

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Uramaki (Inside-Out)

Rice on the outside, seaweed on the inside. American invention that birthed the California Roll.

Popular: California, Dragon, Rainbow

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Specialty Rolls

Creative, often chef-inspired rolls with multiple ingredients, sauces, and sometimes torched or baked tops.

Popular: Dragon Roll, Volcano Roll

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Temaki (Hand Roll)

Cone-shaped seaweed filled with rice, fish, and vegetables. Best eaten immediately before the nori gets soft.

Popular: Spicy Tuna Hand Roll

Closeup of a Jinbeh specialty sushi roll
Closeup of a Jinbeh specialty sushi roll
TypeBest ForRice?Skill Level
NigiriExperiencing pure fish flavorYes⭐⭐⭐ Adventurous
SashimiLow-carb, fish puristsNo⭐⭐⭐ Adventurous
Maki RollsClassic sushi experienceYes⭐⭐ Intermediate
Specialty RollsFlavor exploration, sharingYes⭐ Beginner-friendly
Hand RollsQuick, casual eatingYes⭐ Beginner-friendly
Sushi platter
Sushi chef
Sushi roll
Sashimi
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Insider Tip

Not sure where to start? Jinbeh regulars recommend the Volcano Roll and Spider Roll as "must-tries" for both beginners and sushi veterans. For the freshest experience, grab a seat at the sushi bar, you'll watch our chefs hand-roll each piece, and they love helping newcomers pick the perfect roll. One reviewer called it a "delightful" way to discover new favorites. Reserve a sushi bar seat β†’

🌟 Jinbeh's Most Popular Sushi Varieties

Customer Favorites:

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Dragon Roll

Eel, cucumber, avocado, unagi sauce

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Rainbow Roll

California roll topped with assorted sashimi

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Volcano Roll

Baked spicy crab on California roll

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Spicy Tuna Roll

Fresh tuna with spicy mayo

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🍣 Ready to Explore?

Discover your new favorite sushi at Jinbeh. Fresh fish, expert rolls, unforgettable flavors. New to sushi? Check out our sushi for beginners guide.

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Jinbeh Frisco

⭐ 4.4 Google

2693 Preston Rd, Frisco, TX 75034

Near Stonebriar Centre Β· 752 reviews

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Jinbeh Lewisville

⭐ 4.4 Google

2440 S Stemmons Fwy #A, Lewisville, TX 75067

Easy access from I-35E Β· 901 reviews

The Main Types of Sushi and How to Tell Them Apart

Sushi comes in a few core forms. Nigiri is a slice of fish laid over seasoned rice, maki is the familiar seaweed wrapped roll, uramaki flips the rice to the outside like a California roll, temaki is a hand rolled cone, and sashimi is pure sliced fish served with no rice at all.

The best way to learn the types of sushi is to taste across categories. At Jinbeh in Frisco and Lewisville, head sushi chef Fuji-san has led the bar since 1993 with traditional Japanese training and precise cutting, and the original Jinbeh Special Roll remains his signature. Order a mixed platter and compare the styles side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sashimi a type of sushi?

Technically no. Sushi refers to dishes built on seasoned rice, while sashimi is sliced fish served on its own. Most sushi bars, including Jinbeh's, serve both, and many guests order a mix of the two.

What type of sushi is best for beginners?

Start with cooked or mild options like a California roll, shrimp tempura roll, or salmon nigiri. From there, branch into specialty rolls and sashimi as your palate gets adventurous. Our chefs are happy to guide first timers.

What are specialty rolls?

Specialty rolls are a sushi bar's original creations, layering multiple fish, sauces, and textures. At Jinbeh, signatures like the Jinbeh Special Roll showcase the kitchen's creativity beyond the classic maki list.

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