It is safe to say that sushi is one of the world’s favorite meals, and while everyone enjoys the yummy bites of seaweed and rice, few know what sushi really is. Many people think the word “sushi” means “raw fish”, but it actually refers to the sour rice mixed with vinegar that the rolls are made of. In fact, the term sushi is short for makizushi, which translates to rolled rice, so maki means roll. A sheet of seaweed and fillings are typically added to the roll, but not all maki are the same. Here is everything you need to know about delicious maki rolls!

Hosomaki, Chumaki, & Futomaki
Traditional Japanese cuisine is a fine art, and talented chefs create maki rolls of various sizes to suit their dining patrons. The hosomaki is a thin roll, the chumaki is a medium sized roll, and the futomaki is a thick roll. All three of these maki have the rice rolled inside of the seaweed (or any other medium you use, like rice paper or cucumber).
Uramaki
Uramaki Is prepared the opposite way, meaning rice is rolled on the outside of the seaweed and fillings. Toppings like sesame seeds or roe are often accented on top of uramaki. If you have ever had a California roll, you have had uramaki.
Temaki
While these cone-shaped maki are commonly referred to as “handrolls”, the Japanese term is temaki. You do not need a set of chopsticks to eat temaki, and because of its convenient cone shape, it is a popular choice for a meal you can enjoy on the go or at your desk.
Tsunami Sushi and Hibachi Grill has a maki menu beyond your wildest dreams. Whatever you could want in your maki, we have it. Choose a simple maki with your choice of numerous hearty fillings, like tamago (egg custard), inari (cooked tofu), hotate (scallop), and ikura (salmon roe), or opt for a lighter maki made with veggies like sweet potato or hijiki.
We also invite you to try a few of our mouthwatering specialty rolls. If you are having trouble deciding, we recommend the Florida maki — tuna, salmon and masago with cream cheese, avocado, tempura flakes, and spicy mayo, or try something sweet with the Oasis maki — tempura banana, mango, avocado, rice paper, purple rice, and mango sauce. We also have maki made without sushi. That’s right, we have low carb maki made without rice, so now everyone can enjoy maki!
Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill is located at 100 Central Avenue, Suite 1022, in Sarasota. We are available for delivery and reservations and can be reached at 941.366.1033.
We look forward to making the maki of your dreams!