Where did sushi come from?

Think sushi started in a Tokyo sushi bar with fancy tuna and seaweed rolls? Not quite!
Sushi’s story goes way back — and it actually didn’t begin as the dish we know today.

Let’s take a tasty trip into sushi’s past 🍱🕰️

🐟 It All Started with... Fermented Fish!?

Sushi originally came from a method of preserving fish.

Back in ancient times (as far as the 8th century!), people in Southeast Asia needed a way to keep fish from spoiling. So they’d pack it in rice, let it ferment, and eat just the fish — throwing the rice away!

This early version was called narezushi (熟れ鮨).
It had a super strong smell and sour taste 😬 — but it worked!

Japan later adapted this technique and made it their own.

🍚 Rice Gets to Stay!

By the Edo period (1600s–1800s), things changed.
People stopped fermenting the fish for months and started using vinegar instead. This made it faster and tastier — and they started eating the rice and fish together!

This new style was called hayazushi (早寿司) = "fast sushi" 🍚⚡
It’s much closer to the sushi we know today!

🗼 Say Hello to Edo-mae Sushi

Fast forward to 19th-century Edo (now Tokyo) — a sushi revolution begins.

Street vendors started serving nigiri-zushi (握り寿司): hand-pressed rice with fresh fish on top.
This was called Edo-mae sushi (江戸前寿司) because the fish came from Tokyo Bay.

It was quick, delicious, and perfect for busy city life.
People loved it and the modern sushi boom had begun!

🌍 From Japan to the World

Sushi started spreading across the globe in the 20th century, especially after World War II.
With the rise of sushi restaurants overseas, came new twists:

• California rolls 🥑
• Rainbow rolls 🌈
• Even sushi burritos 🌯!?

Although sushi has become a global food, its heart. Simple, fresh ingredients, care and balance, stays true to its roots.

✨ Sushi Today

In Japan, sushi can be:

• A quick lunch at a conveyor belt (回転寿司 / kaiten-zushi) spot 🚄
• A special meal at a high-end sushi counter 🍣
• Or even made at home with family ❤️

Sushi has come a long way, from ancient fermented fish to a worldwide favorite.
And now that you know its story, your next sushi bite might taste even better 😉

Your Sensei,
Hikari 👩🏻‍🏫