Why Japanese Sushi Rice Deserves More Respect Than the Fish

At Tomono Sushi Party, we love fresh fish and colourful rolls. But in Japan, sushi begins with rice. Not just any rice—Japanese sushi rice, carefully chosen, cooked, and seasoned. It’s quiet, but essential. Like the base note in a song.

The quiet hero of Japanese cuisine—short-grain sushi rice, warm and glistening, ready to carry the flavour

What Makes Japanese Sushi Rice So Special?

Japanese sushi rice is usually short-grain, with a soft and slightly sticky texture. Some popular varieties are Koshihikari, Sasanishiki, and Hitomebore. What makes them special?

• Stickiness: Just enough to hold shape, not too much to feel heavy.

• Chewiness: Soft but with a little bite—very important for sushi.

• Flavour balance: Seasoned with vinegar, sugar, and salt to match the fish, not overpower it.

  
  

Even the temperature matters. Good Japanese sushi rice is slightly warm, never cold from the fridge. It’s not just technique—it’s feeling.

Why Chefs Treat Rice Like Royalty

In Japan, many sushi chefs spend years learning only rice. How to wash it, how to cook it, how to season it. It’s a ritual of respect. At Tomono, we follow this spirit. Even for a party, we treat the rice with care. Because sushi is not just decoration. It’s connection.

Tomono’s Tip: Don’t Over-Rinse the Rice

Some recipes say rinse the rice many times until water is clear. But in Japan, we often rinse just two or three times. Enough to remove extra starch, but not too much. Over-rinsing can make the rice lose its natural flavour. So: gentle rinse, not too long. That’s our way.

Where to Buy Japanese Sushi Rice in the UK

If you want to try making sushi at home, here are some places we like for buying good Japanese sushi rice:

• Japan Centre – London and online. Many types of Japanese rice, including Koshihikari.

• Japanese Rice Shop – Online only. Specialises in Hitomebore rice from Miyagi.

• Oriental Mart – Online. Offers Yumenishiki and other short-grain rice.

• Rice Wine Shop – Soho, London. Small shop with authentic Japanese ingredients (I go here a lot!).

• TK Trading - London and Online. A huge variery of Japanese food including rice.

Look for short-grain rice from Japan or grown in California with Japanese methods. Long-grain rice won’t work for sushi—it’s too dry and doesn’t hold shape.

Whether you're curious about rice varieties, seasoning secrets, or how temperature transforms flavour, there's no better way to learn than with your hands—and chopsticks—in motion.

Join a Tomono Sushi Party public workshop at one of our many locations in Bucks, Berks, Herts and Oxon or book a private sushi party, where we dive deeper into the art of Japanese sushi rice. You’ll learn, laugh, and leave with a new respect for every grain.