The history of sushi and rolls

Today, sushi is something absolutely ordinary. We order sushi and rolls for dinner, choose our favorite Philadelphia or California roll, enjoy salmon and avocado without even thinking about the long and fascinating history behind this dish.

We will tell how the most popular dish of Asian cuisine went from fermented fish to the dish we now call sushi and rolls. You will learn interesting facts about the origin of sushi and the evolution of its recipe. In this article, we will explain where and when sushi appeared, who invented rolls in their modern form, how the ingredients changed, and why today sushi is one of the most popular Asian dishes in the world.

The origin of sushi: when it all began

The history of sushi did not begin in Japan, although Japan is considered the homeland of sushi. The earliest mentions of a dish made from fish and rice appeared in China more than 2,000 years ago. There, people practiced “preserving fish in rice”: fish was placed in rice and left to ferment. The rice was later discarded, while the fermented fish could be stored for months. This method of preserving fish is called “narezushi,” and it became the basis for the further development of the dish.

Later, the technology reached Japan, where it was adapted to local products. The Japanese began adding rice vinegar to speed up the fermentation process, and over time they abandoned fermentation altogether. This is how sushi appeared in a form more familiar to us.

Edo, Tokyo, and the sushi preparation revolution

A real breakthrough occurred in the first half of the 19th century during the Edo period. This city is known today as Tokyo. It was here that the chef Hanaya Yohei invented sushi and rolls in their modern form.

Yohei was the first to:

* serve raw fish on a small portion of rice;
* use rice vinegar to give the rice a pleasant aroma;
* serve the dish immediately, without fermentation.

This is how nigiri sushi appeared — a true symbol of Japanese cuisine. It was fast street food that people could eat on the go. Nigiri became so popular that sushi recipes and types quickly spread throughout Japan.

From “fish in rice” to rolls: how ingredients evolved

Gradually, new ingredients were added to traditional Japanese sushi. Instead of only fish and rice, the following appeared:

* seafood — shrimp, squid, eel;
* vegetables — cucumber, avocado, pumpkin;
* omelet (tamagō);
* caviar and various sauces;
* nori seaweed, which became the base for rolls.

At first, the Japanese did not use avocado in rolls, but when sushi appeared in the USA, the dish underwent a significant transformation. It was in California in the 1960s–1970s that new rolls were invented, such as the California roll with cucumber and avocado, and the Philadelphia roll with cream cheese and salmon. These versions quickly gained popularity and expanded the global perception of rolls.

After the war, the world begins to fall in love with Japanese cuisine

After World War II, Japanese culture began to spread actively around the world. Japanese sushi and rolls first appeared in the USA, then in Europe and other countries. Gradually, sushi became associated not only with traditional Japanese recipes but also with unusual combinations of ingredients and flavors. It was during this period that many new types of sushi and rolls and new ways of serving them appeared. The focus shifted to the freshness of ingredients and the quality of the fish. The combination of Japanese tradition with local flavors became characteristic. This is how sushi became one of the most popular dishes in the world.

The modern history of sushi: restaurant experience and delivery

Today, sushi is not only traditional Japanese nigiri sushi but also dozens of roll variations. Different types of sushi are still based on rice and fish, but the ingredients may include salmon and tuna, avocado, vegetables, seafood, nori, sauces, wasabi, and ginger.

In modern Asian cuisine restaurants, sushi and rolls are served taking local preferences into account. And through delivery services, you can order sushi in any city, choosing fish to your taste, classic recipes, or creative signature variations.

Millions of portions of sushi are prepared every day around the world — from simple rolls to complex sets with dozens of ingredients. Sushi has become a universal dish: for celebrations, for those on a diet, or simply when you need to quickly satisfy your hunger with delivery.

Why does sushi remain popular?

There are many reasons:

1. Freshness of ingredients
2. The health benefits of fish and seafood — omega-3, protein, vitamins
3. Lightness of the dish
4. Variety of flavors — from delicate salmon to spicy wasabi
5. Versatility: sushi can be served on a date, ordered for a party, or eaten during a break between tasks.

And most importantly — the combination of fish and rice, which the Japanese have perfected.

Ordering sushi today is as easy as taking a sip of tea

The history of sushi is a journey from fish preservation to high restaurant art. That is why today sushi around the world means thousands of recipes, different types of sushi, new interpretations of the classics, and the ability to get your favorite rolls in just a few minutes.

If you want to experience a taste that the Japanese have perfected for centuries, all you need to do is order sushi from Pronto. We prepare sushi and rolls using high-quality ingredients, fresh fish, and rice with the right balance of flavors. With PRONTO, your sushi delivery will be fast, on time, and always appropriate.