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Makimono vs. Sushi — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on July 11, 2024
Makimono refers to rolled sushi types like maki rolls, while sushi is a broad category of Japanese dishes featuring vinegared rice with various toppings.
Makimono vs. Sushi — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Makimono and Sushi

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Key Differences

Makimono is a type of sushi that is characterized by the rolling of sushi rice and other ingredients in nori (seaweed). Sushi encompasses a broader range of dishes that combine vinegared rice with different toppings and forms.
Each makimono roll is a specific sushi variant, where rice and fillings are rolled and cut into pieces. Sushi can be anything from nigiri, which is hand-pressed rice topped with fish, to sashimi, which is sliced raw fish without rice.
Makimono is often served in bite-sized pieces that are easy to eat with chopsticks. Sushi, in its many forms, may require different methods of consumption, such as eating nigiri with fingers.
The preparation of makimono involves spreading rice on nori, adding fillings, and rolling it tightly with a bamboo mat. Sushi preparation varies greatly, from the delicate assembly of nigiri to the simple slicing of sashimi.
Makimono rolls are a popular choice in sushi restaurants outside Japan and are recognized by their cylindrical shape. Sushi, being the umbrella term, is celebrated for its variety and includes makimono as one of its beloved selections.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

Rolled sushi with rice and fillings in seaweed
Japanese dish with vinegared rice and toppings

Varieties

Includes rolls like futomaki, hosomaki, uramaki
Includes nigiri, sashimi, maki, chirashi, and more

Serving Style

Typically cut into bite-sized pieces
Served in various forms, pieces, or as a bowl

Preparation Technique

Requires rolling with a bamboo mat
Varies, from rolling to hand-pressing to slicing

Common Fillings

Fish, vegetables, and sometimes tropical fruits
Fish, seafood, vegetables, egg, and more

Compare with Definitions

Makimono

Makimono is sushi rolled in nori seaweed with rice and fillings.
For dinner, I ordered a makimono with tuna and avocado.

Sushi

Sushi is a Japanese dish with vinegared rice and various toppings.
We went out for sushi and tried several kinds of nigiri.

Makimono

Makimono are cylindrical sushi pieces made from a bamboo mat.
She skillfully made makimono for her family's sushi night.

Sushi

Sushi includes different forms like nigiri, sashimi, and maki rolls.
She loves sushi, especially the freshness of sashimi.

Makimono

Makimono is often garnished with sesame seeds or roe.
He sprinkled sesame seeds on the makimono for extra flavor.

Sushi

Sushi is often accompanied by condiments like soy sauce and wasabi.
He mixed a little wasabi into his soy sauce for the sushi.

Makimono

Makimono is commonly served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
I dipped my makimono in soy sauce and enjoyed the burst of flavors.

Sushi

Sushi rice is seasoned with a blend of vinegar, sugar, and salt.
The sushi rice was perfectly seasoned, complementing the fish on top.

Makimono

Makimono can include a variety of ingredients rolled inside.
The chef's special makimono featured pickled radish.

Sushi

Sushi can be enjoyed with a variety of fillings and presentations.
Tonight’s sushi platter had an artistic presentation of various rolls.

Makimono

A horizontal Japanese decorative scroll featuring pictures or calligraphy.

Sushi

Sushi (すし, 寿司, 鮨, pronounced [sɯɕiꜜ] or [sɯꜜɕi]) is a traditional Japanese dish of prepared vinegared rice (鮨飯, sushi-meshi), usually with some sugar and salt, accompanying a variety of ingredients (ネタ, neta), such as seafood, often raw, and vegetables. Styles of sushi and its presentation vary widely, but the one key ingredient is "sushi rice", also referred to as shari (しゃり), or sumeshi (酢飯).Sushi is traditionally made with medium-grain white rice, though it can be prepared with brown rice or short-grain rice.

Makimono

A type of Japanese hand scroll which unrolls horizontally, or laterally on a flat surface.

Sushi

Cold cooked rice dressed with vinegar that is shaped into pieces and topped with raw or cooked fish, or formed into a roll with fish, egg, or vegetables and often wrapped in seaweed.

Makimono

Rolled sushi; makizushi.

Sushi

A Japanese dish made of small portions of sticky white rice flavored with vinegar, usually wrapped in seaweed and filled or topped with fish, vegetables or meat.
For the vegetarians, she served cucumber sushi.

Sushi

(proscribed) Raw fish, especially as a Japanese dish.

Sushi

Rice (with raw fish) wrapped in seaweed

Common Curiosities

Is makimono considered fast food in Japan?

Not traditionally, but it's often enjoyed for its convenience and fast serving style.

Is makimono served with any condiments?

Yes, makimono is typically served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.

What exactly is makimono?

Makimono is a type of sushi roll enclosed in nori with vinegared rice and fillings.

How is makimono different from sushi?

Makimono is a rolled form of sushi, while sushi is the broader term for all dishes with vinegared rice.

Is all sushi made with raw fish?

No, sushi can also include cooked seafood, vegetables, and even fruit.

What's a common type of makimono?

California rolls and tuna rolls are common types of makimono.

Can I make sushi or makimono at home?

Yes, with the right ingredients and a little practice, you can make both at home.

Is it disrespectful to mix wasabi into soy sauce for sushi?

In traditional settings, it might be, but it's commonly done elsewhere.

Can makimono be a part of a sushi platter?

Yes, makimono rolls are often included in assorted sushi platters.

Can makimono include raw fish?

Absolutely, many makimono rolls feature raw fish among their fillings.

What is essential for making sushi rice?

Sushi rice should be seasoned with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.

What is sushi?

Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish that combines vinegared rice with various toppings or fillings.

Are there vegetarian options for sushi?

Yes, there are many vegetarian sushi options that include vegetables and tofu.

Is sushi always served cold?

Sushi is typically served at room temperature, with the fish being cool.

How should I eat sushi?

Depending on the type, sushi can be eaten with chopsticks or fingers, often in one bite.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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