Sushi supplies are divided into two categories: ingredients used to make sushi and equipment used in the preparation, presentation, and serving of sushi. Most sushi supplies can be found in Asian markets, and in some major cities, basic supplies may be found in regular grocery stores. Learning to make sushi at home and stocking up on supplies can help people who enjoy sushi save money in the long run by lowering their sushi restaurant bills.
Sushi literally translates to “vinegared rice” in Japanese, but Westerners refer to dishes made with this rice as “sushi,” which can be confusing. Sushi is a type of rice that can be used to make makizushi, nigirizushi, and other Japanese dishes. Cooks use a variety of fish and vegetables, as well as nori, a dried seaweed, and condiments like shoyu, pickled ginger, and wasabi, in addition to rice. When it comes to ingredients, the sky is the limit.
A bamboo mat for rolling sushi and a hanigiri, a tub for mixing the seasoned rice, are essential sushi supplies, in addition to the ingredients. While a glass or wooden bowl can be used, the hanigiri tub, which is made of bamboo, is the traditional method. Sushi paddles and a very sharp knife are also required for cutting individual pieces of rolled sushi, preparing fish, and chopping vegetables.
Sushi plates are very useful for serving, but regular plates can be used in a pinch. Small dishes for condiments and dipping, as well as chopsticks for eating and chopstick rests for guests to rest their chopsticks during the meal, round out the sushi supplies for serving. People are usually given a warm moist towel to start their meal in restaurants, and some people like to continue this tradition at home, in which case a supply of plain white towels should be kept on hand.
Kitchen supplies should be of high quality in order to last for many years and multiple uses. Sushi supplies that are poorly made can be frustrating to work with and can also cause problems, such as when a sushi mat splinters and leaves pieces of bamboo in the sushi. Sushi serving supplies in Japan are usually seasonally coordinated and minimalistic so that they complement the sushi without drawing attention to themselves. Bright colors and bold designs, in particular, can detract from the sushi-eating experience.