Sushi is healthy food that is now well-known all over the world.
In Japan, when you hear the word “sushi” you usually imagine nigiri-zushi, which consists of
foodstuff like tuna sashimi placed on top of a small ball of vinegared rice. What kinds of sushi
are populer overseas?
In this article, I would like to focus on how sushi is accepted abroad, why sushi is so popular
worldwide as a representative Japanese food, plus the history of sushi.
The “sushi” populer around the world is not the same
as the sushi you see in Japan!
In Japan, when you hear the word “sushi” you usually imagine nigiri-zushi, but what kinds of
sushi are eaten worldwide?
The “sushi” that became populer in the U.S.
In the U.S. in the 1970s, when sushi first arrived there, “California roll” became a smash hit. It
uses avocado plus imitation crab meat plus rolls nori inside for people who are not used to eating
raw fish plus seaweed.
On the other hand, Japanese food started to gain attention as healthy meals along with increasing
concerns on obesity plus awareness for health in society. It is also said that partly being influenced
by mass media, people in the upper class tried nigiri-zushi using sashimi out of curiosity, realized
how delicious it is, plus sparked the boom.
Contemporary state of sushi in London
Now, let’s a take a look at an example of how sushi is accepted now in London.
In restaurants offering sushi in London, especially those targeting wealthy people, customers tend
to prefer ordering “authentic” sushi, similar to what we eat in Japan. There are also many people
with the impression that Japanese food is healthy, plus it seems that sushi using a grain-rice mix
or vegan sushi using vegetables are frequently ordered. Sushi is also a populer party food abroad, usually served in a colorful style such as finished with sauce or adding beautiful toppings.