Hand Roll vs. Sushi Roll: Differences Between Temaki and Maki

Hand roll sushi, also called temaki, is a type of sushi consisting of vinegared rice and sashimi (raw fish), vegetables, or other fillings enclosed in a nori (seaweed) cone. Temaki is slightly different from other sushi dishes such as nigiri, where sushi rice and sashimi are combined without nori, and from maki sushi rolls (makizushi).

Makizushi (also known as maki sushi, norimaki, and maki) is rolled sushi. Maki rolls can take many forms, whether small or large, hand-rolled or formed in a makisu (bamboo mat)—but they always feature sushi rice and toppings wrapped together in toasted nori seaweed. Makizushi can be an appetizer, a main dish, or part of a bento box, typically with soy sauce for dipping and gari (pickled ginger) to cleanse the palate.

Hand rolls (temaki) and sushi rolls (makizushi) are types of maki sushi. Sushi rolls and hand rolls contain the same core ingredients and are served with soy sauce and wasabi, but there are three differences:

1. 1. Shape: The main difference between makizushi and temaki is the shape. Makizushi is rolled into a tubular shape using a bamboo mat, encircled by a sheet of nori. Temaki is rolled by hand into a cone shape.
2. 2. Consumption: Makizushi is usually sliced into six or eight small pieces by a sharp knife and eaten by chopsticks. Temaki is usually eaten by hand.
3. 3. Variations: Any cone-shaped sushi is known as temaki, but there are many variations of tubular-shaped maki rolls. Other popular types of cylindrical sushi rolls include futomaki (maki rolls with multiple ingredients, such as a Philadelphia roll or a California roll), hosomaki (a maki roll with only one filling), and uramaki (where the sushi rice is on the outside).
   

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