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

Rice and ingredients rolled in seaweed and sliced into bite-sized pieces.

Usually the most approachable for beginners.

Nigiri

Slices of fish served over rice.

Simple. Fresh. More “traditional.”

Sashimi

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.