Nigiri vs. Sashimi — What's the Difference?

Nigiri is a type of sushi that consists of an oblong mound of sushi rice that's pressed between the palms of the hands. On this rice, there's typically a slice of raw fish, which could be tuna, salmon, shrimp, or other seafood. Nigiri might be adorned with a tiny dab of wasabi or a thin strip of seaweed. Sashimi, on the other hand, is all about the fish. It is thinly sliced, raw seafood presented without any rice. It’s typically served with daikon radish, soy sauce, and wasabi on the side.

Nigiri, with its combination of rice and fish, provides a balance of flavors and textures. The vinegar-seasoned rice complements the fresh flavor of the fish. In contrast, Sashimi lets the seafood shine by itself. Without rice, one can truly appreciate the taste and texture of the fish in its purest form.

When ordering Nigiri in a sushi restaurant, you're usually getting a two-piece serving, with the seafood draped over the rice. Sashimi, however, is generally ordered by the slice, and it can be presented in a variety of ways – often artistically arranged on a plate. Some popular choices for Sashimi include tuna, yellowtail, and octopus.

For those who might be hesitant about eating raw fish, Nigiri offers a middle ground. The presence of rice might make the experience less intimidating for newcomers. Sashimi is for those who love raw fish and want to savor it without any distractions. Both Nigiri and Sashimi are integral parts of Japanese cuisine, with their own unique appeal and characteristics.