Roll vs Hand Roll Sushi: Difference and Comparison

Sushi is a popular and tasty dish. It is an integral part of Japanese cuisine and is served cold. It has a tangy taste. The term sushi means sour-tasting. It used fermented rice to make a new dish.

During the Muromachi period, the Japanese started adding vinegar to their sushi. This step was taken to enhance the taste.

Rice is the main ingredient in sushi. However, seafood is also a popular alternative. Fishes like salmon and tuna serve as rich sources of protein. There are wide varieties of sushi.

These are chirashizushi, inarizushi, roll sushi, and hand roll sushi. Roll sushi and hand-roll sushi are confusing, but they are different.

Key Takeaways

  1. Sushi rolls, or “maki,” are sushi featuring rice, seafood, and vegetables wrapped in a seaweed sheet called nori, with the roll cut into bite-sized pieces for serving.
  2. Hand rolls, or “temaki,” also consist of rice, seafood, and vegetables wrapped in nori but are shaped into a cone and meant to be eaten by hand without being cut into pieces.
  3. The primary difference between roll and hand roll sushi lies in the presentation and eating method, with rolls more suited for sharing and hand rolls offering a more casual, personal experience.

Roll vs Hand Roll Sushi

Roll sushi is a type of sushi made by rolling sushi rice and various fillings, such as fish, vegetables, and avocado, into a cylindrical shape. Hand roll sushi is a sushi made by filling a cone-shaped piece of nori with sushi rice and fillings, such as fish and vegetables and is eaten by hand.

Roll vs Hand roll sushi

The rolled sushi is also called Makizushi. It has a cylindrical shape and wide varieties. It is rolled using a bamboo mat. It is ideally a shared meal. The hand-roll sushi is also called Temaki. It is conical in shape and is the only type available. Hands roll it. It is ideally a one-person meal.

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Comparison Table

Parameter Of ComparisonRoll SushiHand Roll Sushi
Also Known AsIt is also known as Makizushi.It is also known as Temaki.
ShapeIt is cylindrical.It is conical in shape.
Rolling MethodRolled using a bamboo mat called makisu.Rolled by hand, as the name suggests.
SizeIt is cut into small pieces, so it has a small size.It has a large size.
Serving MethodServed with chopsticks, owing to their small size.Served without chopsticks, owing to its large size.

 

What is Roll?

The rolled sushi is also called makizushi. It is a long cylindrical sushi. The main ingredient in the sushi roll is rice. Vinegar is added to the rice for flavour, and fish and vegetables are added as filling.

The rolled sushi is also called norimaki because the roll is a seaweed called nori in Japan. A bamboo mat makes the rolling of the sushi easy. This mat is called makisu.

After rolling the sushi into a cylindrical shape is cut into small coin-like pieces. The sushi is then served with chopsticks. This makes the roll sushi a shared meal.

Rolled sushi has wide fame in the form of an appetizer. It has many types, such as hosomaki, chumaki, futomaki, etc.

The hosomaki is a very simple roll of sushi. It is one inch long and contains a single ingredient. A chumaki is a famous sushi roll. It can have up to four different elements.

The futomaki is about two-and-a-half inches long. It can contain many ingredients besides rice and seaweed.

roll
 

What is Hand Roll Sushi?

The hand-roll sushi is also called temaki. It is a conical sushi. The primary ingredient of hand-roll sushi is raw fish. The fish sneaks out of the covering. Many types of spices are also added to enhance their taste.

The hand roll sushi also contains a seaweed roll called nori in Japan. As the name suggests, the hand rolls the sushi into a conical shape.

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Therefore, it resembles an ice cream cone in shape. The sushi is at least ten centimetres long. It is not cut into smaller pieces and is eaten by hand. Therefore, it is ideal as a one-person meal.

The hand-roll sushi has to be eaten immediately after being cooked. Otherwise, the nori absorbs the moisture from the filling and becomes difficult to chew. It doesn’t have different types.

hand roll sushi

Main Differences Between Roll and Hand Roll Sushi

The roll and hand roll are types of sushi. Their name derives from the different ways of their rolling.

The main differences between the two are :

  1. The rolled sushi is also called makizushi, whereas the hand roll sushi is also called temaki in Japanese.
  2. The rolled sushi is cylindrical, whereas the hand roll sushi is conical.
  3. The rolled sushi is more miniature, whereas the hand roll sushi is more extensive.
  4. The rolled sushi uses a bamboo mat, whereas hands move the hand roll sushi.
  5. Chopsticks are needed when feeding on roll sushi. On the other hand, a hand roll of sushi, being bulky, is eaten by hand.
Difference Between Roll and Hand Roll Sushi

References
  1. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1749-799X-7-26
  2. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=rswWAgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Roll+and+Hand+Roll+Sushi&ots=w5vFmix_UY&sig=97XSAoJ4k0ZF0ZYUNu8bInEGq24

Last Updated : 11 June, 2023

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24 thoughts on “Roll vs Hand Roll Sushi: Difference and Comparison”

  1. A delightful and comprehensive article. It’s evident that the author meticulously researched and presented the information on sushi, making it an intellectually stimulating read.

    Reply
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      Reply
    • Cooper Dean, I fully concur. The attention to detail and historical insights made this article a captivating exploration of sushi’s facets.

      Reply
  2. The article offers an intellectually stimulating exploration of the intricate art of sushi-making. The comparisons and historical insights provided a holistic understanding of this cherished Japanese cuisine.

    Reply
    • Lewis Russell, I couldn’t agree more. The article weaves together historical contexts and culinary intricacies seamlessly, elevating one’s appreciation for the diverse world of sushi.

      Reply
    • Lewis Russell, this article was an enriching and thought-provoking read. The meticulous attention to detail and cultural exploration made for an immersive journey into the realm of sushi.

      Reply
  3. The article provides an in-depth look into the art of making sushi, offering a rich tapestry of historical origins and culinary nuances. A fascinating exploration that broadens one’s understanding of this beloved Japanese dish.

    Reply
    • Victoria80, I concur. The meticulous research and eloquent presentation in the article made for a captivating read, unraveling the intricacies of sushi’s diverse forms.

      Reply
  4. The comparison table provided a clear and concise breakdown of the differences between roll and hand roll sushi. A great piece for anyone wanting to understand the nuances of sushi varieties.

    Reply
    • Ijohnson, I’m glad you pointed that out. The article effectively highlighted the unique characteristics of each type of sushi, making it an engaging and knowledgeable read.

      Reply
  5. I never knew there were so many variations of sushi! This is truly an eye-opening article. I can’t wait to try some of these different types!

    Reply
    • Paula Murray, I concur. There is so much more to sushi than what meets the eye. I’m eager to explore the different types, especially after reading this informative piece.

      Reply
  6. An impressive and insightful post. The comparison between roll and hand roll sushi is elucidating, offering a deeper understanding of their unique characteristics.

    Reply
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      Reply
    • Damien84, I couldn’t agree more. This article served as a brilliant guide to understanding the nuances of sushi varieties, elevating the appreciation for this delectable dish.

      Reply
  7. This post was incredibly insightful, shedding light on the historical context and cultural significance of sushi. The detailed explanations have deepened my understanding of this Japanese delicacy.

    Reply
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      Reply
    • Absolutely, Lola92! The thorough exploration of sushi’s origins and variations in this article was both educational and engaging.

      Reply
  8. Thoroughly captivating insights into sushi’s historical evolution and the subtle differences between roll and hand roll sushi. A commendable piece that sheds light on the complexities of this culinary art.

    Reply
    • Alexander Turner, I share your appreciation. The article navigated through the rich history and cultural significance of sushi, enhancing the readers’ understanding of this esteemed cuisine.

      Reply
  9. An enlightening and engaging article that masterfully delves into the historical and cultural influences on sushi’s evolution. A compelling read for enthusiasts of gastronomic traditions.

    Reply
    • Rjames, I echo your sentiment. The depth of knowledge and captivating narrative structure of this article made it an enthralling journey into the world of sushi.

      Reply
  10. Great informative post. I learned a lot about the different types of sushi and their unique characteristics. It’s always interesting to delve into the cultural and historical aspects of food.

    Reply
    • Absolutely, Zcollins! I appreciate the detailed insights into the origins and distinctions between roll and hand roll sushi. A fascinating read for any food enthusiast.

      Reply

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