Glossary · 刺身 · さしみ · sashimi

Sashimi

Sashimi is sliced raw fish (or other seafood) served on its own — no rice. Which means, technically, sashimi isn't sushi at all.

Sashimi is just expertly sliced raw fish, served with wasabi, soy and a garnish like shredded daikon — and nothing else. Because there’s no vinegared rice, it falls outside the definition of sushi (which refers to the rice, not the fish).

That makes sashimi the ultimate test of two things: the quality of the fish and the angle and cleanliness of the knife. The difference between sashimi and nigiri is simply the rice.

See also: Nigiri