🍣 Top 10 Sushi Toppings Loved by Japanese People

🍣 Top 10 Sushi Toppings Loved by Japanese People

Need a break from kanji? Let’s talk about sushi! Sushi is one of Japan’s most famous foods—and even in Japan, people have their favorites.
Here are the top 10 sushi toppings (called neta in Japanese) loved by Japanese people!

🥇 1. Tuna（まぐろ / Maguro）

• Why it’s loved: Soft, rich, and full of flavor
• Variations: Akami (lean), Chūtoro (medium-fatty), Ōtoro (fatty)

🥈 2. Salmon（サーモン / Sāmon）

• Why it’s loved: Mild, smooth texture, often served with mayo or onion
• Note: Surprisingly, salmon sushi became popular in Japan only in recent decades

🥉 3. Shrimp（えび / Ebi）

• Why it’s loved: Sweet flavor and plump texture
• Types: Cooked (boiled) or raw (amaebi – sweet shrimp)

4. Egg（たまご / Tamago）

• Why it’s loved: Sweet, soft, and kid-friendly
• Fun fact: Some sushi chefs say “A good tamago shows the skill of the chef!”

5. Sea Urchin（うに / Uni）

• Why it’s loved: Rich, creamy, and full of ocean flavor
• Note: A bit of a “love or hate” topping even among Japanese people

6. Salmon Roe（いくら / Ikura）

• Why it’s loved: Popping texture and salty-sweet flavor
• Common combo: Served on gunkan-maki (battleship roll) with seaweed

7. Yellowtail（はまち / Hamachi）

• Why it’s loved: Clean, slightly oily taste and firm texture
• Seasonal: Best in winter when it’s fatty

8. Scallop（ほたて / Hotate）

• Why it’s loved: Sweet and tender, often eaten raw
• Texture: Smooth and slightly springy

9. Squid（いか / Ika）

• Why it’s loved: Simple, clean taste and chewy texture
• Pairing: Often served with a bit of ginger or yuzu

10. Natto（なっとう / Fermented Soybeans）

• Why it’s loved: Healthy, unique flavor, loved by many Japanese (but not all!)
• Fun fact: Very rare outside Japan, but a favorite for natto-lovers

🍵 Which is your favorite?

Sushi is more than raw fish—it’s variety, seasonality, and culture on rice.
Did your favorite topping make the list? Comment and share what you love!

📝 What’s next?

In the next post, we’ll return to our regular kanji learning series—starting from character #41.
But for now, why not grab some sushi and enjoy the flavors of Japan?

💬 Share your thoughts!

Have you tried all of these sushi toppings? Which one do you love—or want to try?
Let us know in the comments below!

📩 Don’t forget to subscribe and share this post with fellow sushi fans!