What’s the Difference Between Maki, Nigiri, Uramaki and Temaki?

What’s the Difference Between Maki, Nigiri, Uramaki and Temaki?
Aug, 24 , 25 Oishii Kit Admin

What’s the Difference Between Maki, Nigiri, Uramaki and Temaki?

If you’re new to sushi, you might be surprised at how many types there actually are — and how confusing the names can be.

Maki, nigiri, uramaki, temaki… they all sound similar, but each one is made and eaten a little differently. This guide breaks down the most common types of sushi so you can order (or roll) with confidence.

Let’s keep it simple — no need to memorise Japanese terms unless you want to.

🍣 Maki (巻き寿司)

The classic sushi roll.

  • A sheet of nori (seaweed) on the outside

  • Sushi rice and fillings rolled up inside

  • Sliced into bite-sized pieces

This is what most people imagine when they think “sushi.” Cucumber rolls, salmon & avocado, tuna mayo… all classic maki.

Home tip:

This is the easiest to make with a bamboo mat, which is why it’s the star of the show in our Oishii Kits Starter Sushi Kit.

🍙 Nigiri (握り寿司)

Rice topped with fish. No seaweed.

  • Hand-formed oblong of seasoned sushi rice

  • Topped with raw or cooked fish (like salmon or prawn)

  • Sometimes tied with a strip of nori

It’s all about the simplicity — the flavour of the fish really shines here.

Home tip:

Nigiri is a bit harder to master at home as you need the right balance of pressure when forming the rice. But once you’ve nailed your rice, give it a go!

🔁 Uramaki (裏巻き寿司)

“Inside-out” rolls.

  • Rice on the outside

  • Nori and fillings on the inside

  • Often rolled in sesame seeds or fish roe

These are the fancy ones you often see in restaurants — like the California roll or spicy tuna roll.

Home tip:

Use cling film on your bamboo mat to stop rice sticking when rolling uramaki. It’s a fun step up once you’re confident with regular maki.

🌯 Temaki (手巻き寿司)

Hand rolls – like a sushi cone.

  • Nori sheet rolled into a cone shape

  • Stuffed with rice and fillings

  • Meant to be eaten with your hands, not chopsticks

These are brilliant for sharing or sushi nights at home — everyone can build their own.

Home tip:

Cut your nori sheets in half and scoop in fillings — no mat needed. Kids love them, and it’s a great casual dinner with friends.

Bonus: Other common types

Type Description
Sashimi Thin slices of raw fish, served without rice. Not technically sushi.
Gunkan “Battleship” sushi — oval-shaped rice base wrapped in nori with toppings like fish roe or sea urchin.
Inari Rice stuffed inside sweet, marinated tofu pouches. No rolling involved.

Which type should I make first?

🎯 Start with maki. It’s the most beginner-friendly and gives you the best feel for rolling and rice.

Once you’ve mastered maki, try uramaki for something a bit flashier, or temaki for a more relaxed, DIY feel.

Nigiri is great if you’ve got fresh fish and want to keep things simple and elegant.

Final thoughts

There’s no “right” type of sushi — it’s just about what you like and what you’re in the mood for.

If you’re just getting started, keep it simple, start with maki, and don’t worry if your rolls aren’t perfect. That’s half the fun.

And if you’ve got an Oishii Kit on the way, you’ll have everything you need to start rolling right out of the box.

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