New Hampshire
Beginner’s Guide To Sushi: Start With California Rolls And Spicy Crab Rolls At These Local Spots
If you’ve ever looked at a sushi menu and thought, “I have absolutely no idea what any of this means…” you are definitely not alone. I was there once. I was thrown into the fire rather quickly.
For a lot of people, sushi can feel intimidating at first. Raw fish? Seaweed? Tiny little sauces? Words you can’t pronounce?
But once you figure out the basics… it becomes one of those foods you suddenly crave all the time.
I’m deep into the Sushi and I would get the giant boat and probably try to eat it all.
And after asking the station App and Facebook listeners where the BEST sushi spots are in New Hampshire… let’s just say New Hampshire has opinions. Favorites, to there is no good place for sushi, lol)
First Things First… What Exactly Is Sushi?
A lot of people think sushi just means raw fish.
Not exactly.
Sushi is actually the seasoned rice. (I didn’t know this) The fish, veggies, crab, shrimp, avocado, cucumber and all the other ingredients are what get paired with it.
Here are the beginner basics:
Sushi Roll
Credit: Getty Images
Rice and ingredients rolled in seaweed and sliced into bite-sized pieces.
Usually the most approachable for beginners.
Nigiri
Credit: Getty Images
Slices of fish served over rice.
Simple. Fresh. More “traditional.”
Sashimi
Credit: Getty Images
Just the fish by itself.
No rice.
This is usually for people who are already deep into their sushi era.
Best Beginner Sushi Rolls to Try
If you’re new to sushi, don’t immediately jump into something super adventurous.
Start here:
- California Roll
- Spicy Crab Roll
- Shrimp Tempura Roll
- Philly Roll
- Sweet Potato Roll
- Crunchy Rolls
A lot of these are cooked, crunchy, creamy, or have familiar flavors that make sushi WAY less intimidating.
And yes… it is completely acceptable to drench it in soy sauce your first few times. You will usually get soy sauce, ginger and wasabi. Be very careful with the wasabi. Too much and your eyes will water and your mouth and nose will feel it.
READ MORE: Experience Breathtaking Ocean Views At Cliff House, Maine
So Where Should You Actually Go in New Hampshire?
After asking you on Facebook at the app, these places came up over and over again.
Orient Pearl
Chris Kozlowski said:
“Orient Pearl in Epping has the biggest rolls for the best prices by far!”
Big portions and beginner-friendly pricing is honestly a great combo if you’re trying sushi for the first time.
Domo Japanese Cuisine (Portsmouth)
Jackie Orosz recommended Domo in Portsmouth and mentioned they’re currently closed for renovations but expected to reopen sometime in August.
If you know Portsmouth food people… Domo gets mentioned A LOT.
Kume Bistro (Newmarket)
This might’ve been the most-mentioned spot overall.
Jenna George simply said:
Kume (Seabrook)
Mike Scott also shouted them out, and Cecile Rhines made it VERY clear:
“Kume in Seabrook. NOT the Epping location. The SEABROOK location.”
When listeners start specifying locations that passionately… you know they mean business.
Sushi Time (Plaistow)
Shelly Dawn called it her favorite, while Billy Bartlett added:
“Sushi Time in Plaistow is pretty freaking amazing.”
Multiple votes usually means it’s worth the drive.
Delaney’s Hole In The Wall (North Conway)
Diane Blake recommended this North Conway favorite.
A lot of people know Delaney’s for comfort food and pub vibes… but apparently the sushi deserves attention too.
Koung Sushi Mart (Laconia)
Michelle Renée Renzi shouted out Koung Sushi Mart in both Meredith and Laconia.
Locals LOVE hidden gems like this.
Kumo Sushi (Windham)
Rachelle Rachelle said:
“Kumo Sushi is delicious. The owners are super kind and the food is oh so fresh.”
Honestly… fresh fish and kind owners is basically the perfect sushi combo.
Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse (Salem)
Kathy Keefe Botterman recommended Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse.
Great option if your group has sushi lovers AND people who just want hibachi.
Lemongrass Restaurant and Sake Bar (Moltenborough)
Another recommendation from Michelle Renée Renzi.
Lemongrass has one of those “date night but also casual enough for a random Tuesday” vibes.
Final Beginner Sushi Advice
If you’re brand new to sushi:
- Start with cooked rolls
- Don’t overthink it
- Try multiple things
- Go with friends who know sushiDon’t be afraid to ask questions
And most importantly…
Ignore Sean Patten, who commented:
“No such thing as a good sushi spot.”
Because based on the WOKQ listeners… New Hampshire might secretly be loaded with them.
37 New Hampshire Restaurants Locals Always Recommend To Friends
Gallery Credit: Sarah Sullivan
Iconic Diners in New Hampshire
There’s just something about a diner… the coffee that never stops coming, the same booth people have probably been sitting in for 30 years, and a breakfast that somehow hits every single time.
As I’ve been getting to know New Hampshire, one thing became very clear — this state LOVES its diners. And not just any diners… we’re talking iconic, been-here-forever, locals-swear-by-it kind of places.
So I went down the rabbit hole (and got very hungry in the process) and pulled together some of the most iconic diners across the Granite State.
Did we get your favorite? Or are you already mad we missed one? 😅
Gallery Credit: Garret Doll
I grew up in a landlocked state. We didn’t have beaches. I was 25 before I went to a beach with actual sand. So, if you’ve ever tried building a sandcastle at the beach, you already know how hard it is to keep the thing standing for more than 10 minutes.
Now imagine turning a giant pile of sand into a masterpiece that looks like it belongs in an art museum.
That’s exactly what’s about to happen as the 26th Annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic returns June 18-20, 2026. The event is one of the biggest summer attractions on the Seacoast and brings some of the best sand sculptors in the world to New Hampshire. That’s pretty amazing. These artists and their creations are amazing.
Credit: Getty Images
The competition takes place right on Hampton Beach, where artists transform roughly 200 tons of imported sand into jaw-dropping sculptures that can tower over visitors. What starts as giant piles of sand quickly turns into detailed works of art featuring people, animals, fantasy scenes, and creations that honestly make you wonder how it’s even possible.
READ MORE: New Hampshire Pollen Levels are the 4th Worst for Allergy Sufferers in the U.S.
The event has become a summer tradition for thousands of visitors who come to watch the artists work, vote for their favorites, and see the finished sculptures up close. Even after the competition ends, the sculptures remain on display for additional viewing.
Credit: Getty Images
If you’re planning a Hampton Beach day trip this summer, this is one of the best weekends to go. Between the beach, boardwalk, arcades, fried dough, and incredible sand art, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever built in the sand?
For most of us, it’s probably a lopsided sandcastle that got wiped out by the tide. But maybe you were one of those kids who built an entire fortress complete with a moat.
15 Things Every New Hampshire Dad Taught Us Growing Up
Gallery Credit: Garret Doll
11 Things You Need to Know Before You Go to the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom in New Hampshire
If you go to a show there, you might want to know a few things about the place before the show. We have a list of the top 11 (see what I did there?) things to keep in mind below.
Gallery Credit: Sarah Sullivan
A New Hampshire man is facing charges after a bizarre roadtrip that allegedly involved forced marriage and fear of a satanic cult.
New Hampshire Man Accused of Forcing a Woman Into Marriage
Daniel Ouellet, 47, of Lee, New Hampshire, is accused of holding a woman against her will, forcing her into marriage, and injuring her during what investigators described as a satanic ritual in Maine.
READ MORE: Maine Ranked the Safest State in America
The situation came to the attention of Newington, New Hampshire Police when they were called to an Olive Garden restaurant on Saturday morning by a Pennsylvania woman who told authorities her daughter was being held against her will.
New Hampshire Police Order Residents to Shelter in Place
When the police learned the suspect had firearms, a shelter-in-place order was enacted in the area surrounding the restaurant.
New Hampshire officers encountered the woman when she ran out of the restaurant and told them she wanted to file an emergency restraining order against Oullet.
KRCG-TV reports the police allegedly saw cigarette burns on her legs.
Scary Road Trip from Maine to New Hampshire Involved an Alleged Forced Marriage
The story that followed Ouellet’s arrest is bizarre and frightening.
Police say he allegedly pointed a gun at the woman while she was driving on Friday, telling her they were being followed by a satanic cult.
The victim told the police that Oulett allegedly forced her to marry him, and then cut her hand when they were in Kittery, Maine, as part of a satanic ritual.
According to WMUR-TV, investigators found a satanic bible, a sweatshirt, and a bag inside Ouellet’s vehicle.
Ouellet denied in court the allegations against him, stating that he would never force the woman into marriage, or harm her in any way.
Prosecutors say Ouellet has a criminal history of domestic violence and driving while intoxicated.
19 Maine News Stories That Went National in the Last 20 Years
We live a quiet life in Maine, but sometimes our state hits the national news, for both good and not-so-good reasons.
Gallery Credit: Cindy Campbell
9 Major Maine Stories That I Still Remember All These Years Later
Some news stories stick with you because they were shocking, or because it was just a cool moment in time.
Gallery Credit: Cindy Campbell
The New Hampshire Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Monday, June 8, 2026 results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from June 8 drawing
03-24-34-43-49, Powerball: 20, Power Play: 3
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from June 8 drawing
Day: 7-0-1
Evening: 1-4-7
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from June 8 drawing
Day: 1-6-5-2
Evening: 0-7-1-3
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Megabucks Plus numbers from June 8 drawing
05-10-25-27-40, Megaball: 05
Check Megabucks Plus payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Gimme 5 numbers from June 8 drawing
05-07-08-28-34
Check Gimme 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from June 8 drawing
20-25-40-50-55, Bonus: 01
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the New Hampshire Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Pick 3, 4: 1:10 p.m. and 6:55 p.m. daily.
- Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Megabucks Plus: 7:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
- Gimme 5: 6:55 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a New Hampshire managing editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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