For the uninitiated, sushi restaurants can be intimidating. But no more. Just like its irresistible predecessor Dim Sum, Sushi can be tucked into a purse or pocket for instant-expert reference. Fifty of the most popular sushi items are presented as colorfully as a Japanese restaurant's display case with clear photographs for easy identification, descriptions of flavors and textures, and phonetic pronunciations. Icons distinguish whether sushi is cooked (like unagi) or is vegetarian (like the cucumber roll). Covering nigiri, maki, and a few unusual sushi items (blowfish, anyone?), Japanese foodophiles can take it easy by ordering the crowd-pleasing California Roll, or go for broke and sample uni (sea urchin), an acquired taste, but a favorite of any sushi-lover worth their tobiko. With a short history of sushi, ordering and eating etiquette, and a simple glossary of out-of-the-ordinary ingredients, Sushi is the definitive guide to one of Japan's most intriguing culinary specialties. Itadakimasu! (enjoy).


Minori Fukuda is a graphic designer living in Japan. Her favorite sushi is hotate.

Kit Shan Li became friends with Minori when they attended the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Uni is her favorite.