As a sushi lover, you likely know the difference between nigiri and sashimi. You might be less familiar with chirashi preparations, which involve serving raw or cooked fish and other ingredients over a bed of vinegared rice. Chirashi sushi is a healthy, delicious meal full of fresh ingredients bursting with flavor. Here's what you should know about this variation. 

The Origins of This Dish

The history of chirashi sushi can be traced back to early 1600s Okayama, Japan. Flooding led to food shortages, which resulted in the government instituting rules that said families were only allowed one side dish and one bowl of soup for sustenance. To get around the rule, home cooks would chop up additional ingredients and mix them into the rice to conceal them. This dish was characterized by raw, fresh fish and known as bara sushi. 

In areas where it was harder to access fresh fish, cooked ingredients were used in its place. This dish is referred to as gomoku sushi. Chirashi, the overarching category, translates to “scattered,” which refers to how the ingredients are scattered throughout the rice. 

How & When to Order Chirashi Sushi

Sashimi-grade salmon, tuna, and hamachi are often the main ingredients, though cooked fish can also be used. Other toppings include avocado, fish roe, crab, green beans, eggs, and assorted fresh vegetables. These selections are placed atop a bed of vinegared rice, the base of sushi preparations.

While the dish can be enjoyed any time you see fit, it's also served during an important spring holiday in Japan. Girl’s Day, also known as the Doll Festival, is devoted to promoting the health and wellness of young girls. Ingredients used in this dish often signify spring renewal and good health. 

Where can you find fresh and tasty chirashi sushi in Honolulu? Head to Aloha Cones. With the goal of making quick foods that are also tasty and wholesome, they've served up Asian cuisine since 2013. Plus, their delicious dishes are beautifully constructed, perfect for social media posts. Visit the website or call (808) 842-7653 to place an order today.