As our instagram page can attest, Meg and I are no strangers to Japanese cuisine. From sushi to ramen, we are well versed in the multitude of flavorful combinations that have pushed Japanese food to the forefront of popular culture. Kardashians to Obamas, Americans cannot get enough of the culinary facet, and neither can we!

Kim Kardashian alongside friends Jonathon Cheeban and Scott Disick enjoying a platter of sushi. Photo Courtesy of Daily Mail.

Obama enjoying the alleged best sushi in the world alongside Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe. Photo courtesy of Time Magazine.

Sushi is a food deeply rooted in Japanese culture and history. Invented in the 8th century for the preservation of raw fish, it quickly developed to a staple of the eastern menu. Today, sushi is a favorite across cultures and hosts a multitude of unique flavor combinations. Regardless of dietary restrictions, religious practices, and cultural backgrounds sushi has something for everyone. It is a great food for large groups as it can accommodate gluten free, vegan, kosher, and halal diets alike!

For First Time Sushi Eaters and Vegans: Many people are afraid to try sushi because of western connotations about eating raw fish. If this is a concern, try ordering a sweet potato roll or a vegetable maki combo. Even though my go to orders usually contain fish, I love to switch it up and order a sweet potato roll every now and then and I’m never disappointed!

For Seafood Lovers (Cooked): If you love seafood but raw fish isn’t your thing tempura rolls have all the same components of a traditional maki, but the fish is deep fried in batter. California rolls are also a great option, typically containing cucumber, avocado, and imitation crab or cooked crab meat.

For Seafood Lovers (Raw): If you enjoy spicy foods, spicy tuna or salmon rolls are a great choice. Some restaurants offer combos that allow you to try variations of a particular roll or several different rolls and this is a great thing to try if you’re new to sushi but are interested in trying raw fish.

For Those Avoiding Gluten: Great news! Almost all sushi is gluten free. Soy sauce typically contains gluten and imitation crab often does, so as long as you steer clear of those you should be all set!

If you’re in an area famous for a particular seafood or produce, order the signature roll containing that food! This can be a great way to incorporate unique foods you may not be able to find elsewhere.

Locally sourced Atlantic Crab California Roll and a Yorker Roll from Black Sushi House, Ogunquit, ME.

Locally sourced Atlantic Crab California Roll and a Yorker Roll from Black Sushi House, Ogunquit, ME.

Locally sourced Atlantic Crab California Roll and a Yorker Roll from Black Sushi House, Ogunquit, ME.

P.S. If members of your party are not big on sushi most Japanese restaurants have lots of other delicious foods to offer. Between tempura, rice dishes, teriyaki, and noodles (+more) there is truly something for everyone.