38 Sushi in Melbourne

First thing’s first, and we think it’s wise to clear up what exactly makes sushi, well, sushi. All around the world and certainly here in Melbourne, sushi comes in all different shapes and sizes and is often confused with sashimi. So, to best understand what sushi is, it’s easier to first know what sashimi is (they’re two completely different delicacies). Sashimi involves meat – it doesn’t have to be raw and it doesn’t have to be seafood – it just has to be a small piece of meat or seafood draped over a garnish like Japanese radish. Key point: no rice is involved. Sushi, on the flip side, is anything that involves the use of vinegared sushi rice. Boom, there it is, that’s the kicker! Maki is the type that’s wrapped in seaweed, nigiri the hand-pressed variety that involves a layer of seafood and wasabi, then oshi are the compact little squares. When you’re after sushi in Melbourne, your meal is going to be on top form if you can track down a combination of all of these.

Now, just one thing making Melbourne and sushi the wonderful pair that they are is that sushi can be enjoyed regardless of how fast or slow your life moves. By which mean, if you’re a fast-paced city slicker, Melbourne has sushi joints where the fresh rolls and rice are pre-packed and ready so if you’re on a quick lunch break, you can settle in quick and easy and treat yourself to little rolls of heaven in no time at all. If – and as we’re in Melbourne this is probably more likely – you’ve got a little more time to chill, then find a sushi restaurant with a big old menu or a slow and teasing conveyor, then pick and choose your sushi at will. Whichever way you’re enjoying your sushi, in Melbourne there’s no right way or wrong way, just a whole load of freshness and booming Japanese flavours.