Sushi rolls come in a wide range of styles, from simple traditional maki to modern, sauce-forward creations. Many rolls share a base of seasoned rice and nori, but the fillings can vary from raw fish and cooked seafood to vegetables, eggs, and pickled ingredients. Some rolls are made inside out with rice on the exterior, while others are hand rolled into a cone shape. Knowing what typically goes inside each type makes ordering easier and helps you spot the flavors and textures you will enjoy most.
California Roll
This roll is commonly made with imitation crab, avocado, and cucumber wrapped with rice and nori. It is typically an inside out roll, meaning the rice is on the outside and the seaweed is inside. Sesame seeds or tobiko are often added to the exterior for extra texture. The flavor is mild and creamy, which makes it a popular starting point for sushi newcomers.
Spicy Tuna Roll
Spicy tuna usually combines chopped tuna with a spicy mayonnaise style sauce. It is often paired with cucumber or scallions to add crunch and freshness. The roll is typically wrapped in nori with rice on the inside, though inside out versions are also common. Many restaurants top it with sesame seeds or a light drizzle of spicy sauce.
Salmon Avocado Roll
This roll typically contains raw salmon and ripe avocado for a rich, buttery texture. Some versions include cucumber for extra crispness and balance. It is usually a simple maki roll with nori on the outside. The combination is known for its clean flavor and smooth mouthfeel.
Tuna Roll
A classic tuna roll commonly features raw tuna as the primary filling. It is often kept minimal with just tuna, rice, and nori, though some versions add cucumber. The straightforward ingredient list highlights the taste and texture of the fish. It is widely available and often used as a baseline for comparing sushi quality.
Eel Roll
Eel rolls typically use grilled freshwater eel paired with cucumber or avocado. The eel is commonly glazed with a sweet savory eel sauce that adds caramelized depth. This roll is usually fully cooked, making it approachable for people avoiding raw fish. Sesame seeds are often sprinkled on top to complement the smoky sweetness.
Shrimp Tempura Roll
This roll is built around crispy fried shrimp tempura for a warm crunch inside the rice. Cucumber and avocado are common additions that provide freshness and creaminess. Many versions are inside out and finished with eel sauce or spicy mayo. The contrast of crunchy tempura and soft rice is a major part of its appeal.
Philadelphia Roll
A Philadelphia roll usually includes smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber. The smoked salmon brings a salty richness that pairs with the tangy creaminess of the cheese. It is often rolled with nori on the outside, though inside out versions exist. The overall taste is rich and savory with a mild smoky finish.
Rainbow Roll
This roll is often a California roll base topped with several kinds of fish. Common toppings include slices of tuna, salmon, and white fish laid across the top for color and variety. Avocado may be included either inside or as part of the topping layer. The result is a roll with multiple textures and a broad range of seafood flavors.
Dragon Roll
Dragon rolls typically feature shrimp tempura or eel inside, then sliced avocado layered on top. Eel sauce is commonly drizzled over the avocado to add sweetness and shine. Some versions include tobiko or sesame seeds for added texture. The roll is known for its rich, layered mouthfeel and a mix of crunchy and creamy elements.
Spider Roll
A spider roll usually contains soft shell crab that has been battered and fried. It is commonly paired with cucumber, avocado, and sometimes lettuce or sprouts for crunch. Spicy mayo is often used to add heat and richness. The filling is bold and savory with a pronounced crispy texture.
Vegetable Roll
Vegetable rolls vary by kitchen but often include cucumber, avocado, carrot, and pickled radish. Some versions add asparagus, spinach, or shiitake mushrooms for a deeper savory note. These rolls are typically simple maki with nori on the outside. They are a good option for lighter eating while still offering satisfying texture.
Futomaki
Futomaki is a thick traditional roll that commonly contains multiple fillings. Typical ingredients include tamagoyaki, cucumber, kampyo, shiitake, and sometimes crab or fish. The roll is larger than standard maki and is cut into substantial pieces. It is known for its balanced mix of sweet, savory, and crisp components.
Temaki
Temaki is a hand roll shaped like a cone rather than a sliced roll. It often includes fish, vegetables, and sometimes roe, all tucked into nori with rice. Popular versions include tuna and scallion, salmon and avocado, or shrimp tempura with cucumber. It is meant to be eaten quickly so the nori stays crisp.
Negitoro Roll
Negitoro usually combines minced fatty tuna with chopped scallions. The filling is soft and rich, with scallions adding a fresh sharp note. It is typically rolled in nori with rice, keeping the focus on the tuna texture. This roll is known for its creamy consistency and strong tuna flavor.
Tekka Maki
Tekka maki is a simple roll that traditionally contains only raw tuna. It is typically narrow and straightforward, with nori on the outside. Because it is minimal, the quality of the tuna stands out more clearly. It is often ordered alongside other classics as a clean, fish-forward option.
Kappa Maki
Kappa maki is a cucumber roll that focuses on crisp texture and clean flavor. It is typically just cucumber, rice, and nori with no additional fillings. The roll is light and refreshing and pairs well with richer sushi choices. It is also commonly chosen for children or as a palate cleanser.
Tamago Roll
This roll usually features tamagoyaki, a sweet Japanese omelet, as the main filling. Cucumber may be added to balance the softness with crunch. It is typically fully cooked and mild, making it approachable for many tastes. The flavor is slightly sweet and savory with a tender texture.
Ikura Roll
Ikura rolls feature salmon roe, which has a briny pop and a glossy appearance. The roe is often paired with rice and nori only, though cucumber can sometimes be included. Because the filling is delicate, the roll is usually kept simple. The texture is defined by the burst of each roe bead.
Cucumber Avocado Roll
This roll combines cucumber and avocado for a crisp and creamy pairing. It is usually rolled in nori with rice and can be topped with sesame seeds. The flavors are mild and fresh, with avocado providing richness. It is a popular vegetarian option that still feels filling.
Share your favorite sushi roll and what you like inside it in the comments.
