If you’ve been looking to shake up your dining game with a fresh culinary experience in Malta, chances are you’ve stumbled upon Japanese and sushi restaurants. But if you’re entirely new to sushi then it’s only natural you may have some questions.

Here, we provide straightforward answers to the most common questions about sushi in Malta. Plus, we’ll also reveal our pick for the best sushi restaurant in Malta

What exactly is sushi?

Hailing from Japan, sushi is a dish made from small mounds or rolls of cold white rice, complemented by vegetables, egg, or raw seafood. Popular main fillings include choices like salmon, tuna, or crab meat, although chicken and pork are featured too. The name “sushi” comes from the Japanese meaning “sour rice,” a fact that points towards rice being the key ingredient in the dish and not raw fish, as is commonly believed.

What does sushi taste like?

Those new to sushi might expect it to have a strong, fishy flavour due to the dish’s association with raw fish. However, sushi often surprises newcomers with its delicate, subtle flavours. The taste is further enhanced by companions like pickled ginger and soy sauce that add hints of tanginess and sweetness to each mouthful.

Is it safe to eat raw fish in sushi?

Another common question about sushi among newcomers is whether it’s safe to eat, especially when it contains raw fish. The answer is yes, so long as it’s prepared correctly and handled with care. When searching for sushi restaurants in Malta, it’s wise to check whether the chefs are well-trained in the art of sushi. You can do this easily by looking at the About section of the restaurant page. Becoming a sushi chef demands dedication to tradition and precision. Many professional sushi chefs invest years in mastering every aspect of the process, guaranteeing that every dish they create is both safe and delightful to eat.

Are there vegan sushi options?

Of course, sushi isn’t just for meat and fish lovers. If you have dietary preferences that require you to steer clear of animal ingredients, there’s an array of vegetarian sushi options to enjoy. Some popular veggie fillings include cucumber, avocado, seaweed, carrots, and asparagus. When you’re perusing the menu at a Japanese restaurant in Malta, look out for the term “Yasai,” which simply means “vegetables” in Japanese. Here you’re bound to find ideal vegan and vegetarian-friendly sushi selections that are just as delicious and satisfying as their fish and meat counterparts.

What are the different types of sushi?

Sushi is traditionally prepared in a variety of forms and styles that may be confusing to the uninitiated. Nigiri is a sushi style that consists of a small hand-pressed mound of rice, typically topped with a slice of fresh fish or seafood. Maki rolls are characterised by rice and various ingredients rolled in a sheet of seaweed and sliced into bite-sized pieces, while Uramaki are inside-out rolls, where the rice is on the outside and the seaweed wraps the filling. Gunkan sushi involves a base of rice wrapped with a strip of seaweed and topped with ingredients like seared salmon, sea bass, and tempura prawns.

It’s also important to note that sushi should not be confused with sashimi, where the focus is entirely on thinly sliced raw fish without the accompaniment of rice or other ingredients. That being said, sashimi is typically listed beneath the sushi options on menus within most Japanese restaurants in Malta.

Is sushi served with anything?

While traditionally, sushi was served without any accompaniments, today Japanese and sushi restaurants serve their sushi selections alongside an array of additional ingredients. Some of the most popular ones include soy sauce, which adds a salty touch to your sushi. A small dip goes a long way. Pickled Ginger is a pink or beige condiment with a tangy, slightly sweet flavour. It’s meant to cleanse your palate between different types of sushi. Then there’s Wasabi. This green paste usually placed in its own serving bowl or at the side of your sushi plate packs a mighty punch. It’s super spicy, so tread lightly. While it may not be for everyone, it does add a unique kick to your sushi experience.

Is there an etiquette to eating sushi?

There are some traditional etiquette rules that apply to eating sushi, such as that it’s impolite to cut sushi into pieces or tear it apart with your teeth. Sushi should be eaten in one bite. Furthermore, it’s usually not polite to mix wasabi with soy sauce, and ginger is primarily used as a palate cleanser, not a condiment. But the truth is these rules only apply if you’re dining in Japan. If you’re enjoying sushi in Malta, don’t stress too much. Feel free to enjoy your sushi however you like, whether with chopsticks, a fork, or even your hands as is the traditional Japanese way.

What is the best sushi restaurant in Malta?

For the best sushi in Malta, be sure to check out TemptAsian in Sliema. This award-winning restaurant boasts a talented kitchen team skilled in the art of sushi. Their sushi selection is impressive, featuring everything from nigiri and sashimi to uramaki and gunkan options. If you’re dining with friends and family, don’t miss The Royal Sushi Platter, a chef’s choice platter of 24 pieces that showcases a bit of each sushi style. It’s a great way to sample different flavours and fillings.

But TemptAsian offers more than just sushi. Located on the top floor of the 5-star AX The Palace, this stylish restaurant specialises in Asian Fusion cuisine and features plenty of Indian, Thai, and other Japanese specialties. Plus, you’ll dine with breathtaking skyline views across Sliema while receiving exceptional service from a dedicated team.

Enjoy a sushi adventure in Malta you won’t forget. Book your table at TemptAsian by calling us on +356 2133 3444 or booking online.