Glossary · 握り · にぎり · nigiri
Nigiri
Nigiri is the classic hand-pressed sushi: a small oblong mound of vinegared rice with a slice of fish (or other neta) draped over the top.
Nigiri-zushi is sushi in its purest form — the chef hand-presses a bite of seasoned shari (rice) and lays a slice of neta over it, often with a dab of wasabi between the two and a brush of nikiri soy on top. No mat, no roll, nothing to hide behind.
Eat it in one bite. Many chefs suggest turning it so the fish meets your tongue, and skipping extra soy when the piece is already seasoned.