Here is a list of of common Japanese food you can order at the bar.  Note the list contains the name of the food in English and Japanse.  

Please make sure to read Part 1 of our Sushi Bar Guide if you have missed it as we explain the process of stepping into the sushi bar and ordering.

Sushi List

Nigiri List: 

English | Japanese Word

Tuna | Maguro

Spanish Mackerel | Sawara (Saba)

Yellowtail | Hamachi

Salmon | Sake

Halibut | Hirame

Red Snapper | Tai

Mackerel | Saba

Shrimp | Ebi

Scallop | Hotategai (Hotate)

Egg Omelet | Tamago

Maki Sushi – Ingredients rolled in seaweed, cigar like, and cut into 6 pieces.  Many varieties so ask!

Futomaki - Similar to Maki, but larger with several ingredients.

For detailed information on these types, visit our article on the calorie count and ingredients used in Sushi.

Others

Eel | Unagi – Usaully glazed with sweet soy called Tsume. (nigiri or maki style)

Sea Urchin | Uni – Pricy and seasonal

Flying Fish Roe | Tobiko – Bright orange fish eggs

Salmon Roe | Ikura – Fish eggs – Taste is salty when bitten

Octopus | Tako (nigiri style) bit chewy but very flavorful!

Sashimi

Sashimi is very popular but interesting enough is not considered Sushi.  Read more on the difference between sushi and Sashimi by clicking this link.  Sashimi is basically a perfectly sliced raw fish on its own. 

Tuna and Salmon are popular choices but depending on what the Sushi Chef has bought that day, you will have other choices.

Chirashi Style – Sashimi that is scattered in a bowl with other garnishes.

Chef Special – Order this if you are adventurous.  The course will include fish that are hand-picked by the sushi chef himself, usually from the morning fish market.  Understand that it is pricy.

Side Dishes

Side dishes are usually complimentary and served first.

• Miso soup
• Edamame beans
• Vinegar cucumber salad. 

Garnishes

Gari Shoga(pickled ginger) and Wasabi(in a ball) will appear on your plate depending on what type of Sushi you ordered.

Gari is eaten to cleanse your palette after each type of sushi to maximize the flavor of the next sushi to be consumed.

Wasabi – Be careful when using Wasabi as most Sushi Chef in Japan may put dabs of wasabi in your sushi. 

Japanese Sushi Bar Word Guide

Chorishi | A Licensed Chef

Itamae | A Japanese Chef

Shokunin | A Master Chef

Conversational Phrases

Thanks – Domo.

Thank you – Domo Arigato.

Yes – Hai.

No - Iie.(pronounced ee-eh)

Cheers! – Kanpai!

Good afternoon – Konnichi-wa.

Good evening – Konban-wa.

How are you? – O-genki desu ka?

I’m Fine – Genki desu.

It’s hot – Atsui desu.

It’s cold – Samui desu.

Beer please – Biru o kudasai.

Sake please – O-sake o kudasai.

Food Accessories

Cha-wan or Yunomi | Green Tea mug

Hashi | Chopsticks

Choko or Sakazuki| Small cups used to drink Sake

Masa| This a wooden box that is used to serve unfiltered sake.

Oshibori | Hot Towels or sometimes cold depending on the weather

Sara | Dish/plate

Click -> (Part 3) Ordering at a Japanese Sushi Bar Guide: Tips, Manners, and Etiquette

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