What is the Difference Between Roll and Hand Roll?

The main difference between a roll and a hand roll in sushi lies in their shape, serving size, and traditional eating methods. Here are the key differences:

• Sushi Roll (Maki):
• Cylindrical in shape
• Sliced into several individual pieces (usually 6 to 8 servings)
• Consumed using chopsticks
• Hand Roll (Temaki):
• Cone-shaped
• Individual serving
• Generally eaten with bare hands

Both sushi rolls and hand rolls typically include sushi rice, fish, and other fillings such as vegetables. However, hand rolls are made with a sheet of nori folded into a cone shape to hold the sushi rice topped with fish and vegetables. While they share similar ingredients, their distinct shapes and serving methods set them apart.

Comparative Table: Roll vs Hand Roll

Here is a table comparing the differences between a roll and a hand roll:

A roll, also known as Makizushi, is cylindrical in shape and is made with the help of a bamboo mat (makisu). It is usually cut into six to eight pieces and can be shared among many people. On the other hand, a hand roll, also known as Temaki, is cone-shaped and is not cut into pieces. It is designed as a single entity and is typically eaten with bare hands. Both rolls and hand rolls are popular forms of sushi in Japan, but they differ in shape, technique, and how they are consumed.