The sushi itself is pretty self-explanatory, but many kinds of sushi are not so appealing to the picky eater unfamiliar with raw fish and other ingredients. The good news? Sushi isn’t just raw fish! There is a whole world of sushi that caters to milder flavors, simple textures, and cooked ingredients—anything even the most discerning palate will accept. This guide lists the best sushi to introduce to kids, picky friends, or your reluctant self: tasty, approachable, and all from proud sushi lovers.
What Makes Sushi Appealing to Picky Eaters?
Picky eaters often judge foods based on texture, flavor intensity, and/or showing name. Lucky for us, sushi offers many different rolls that cater to these very preferences: Look for rolls that:
- Have cooked/ familiar ingredients (shrimp, crab, or chicken)
- Skip raw fish with exotic textures
- Simple and recognizable sauces
- Tightly rolled for a clean bite
Sushi Rolls for Picky Eaters to Try
1. California Roll
Famous for a reason. Imitation crab, avocado, and cucumber; this roll is 100% cooked and usually topped with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Creamy, crunchy, and a safe pick for Sushi newbies.
2. Shrimp Tempura Roll
Crispy shrimp fried in batter, wrapped with rice and seaweed, sometimes with avocado or cucumber. Crunchy and umami; this is more comfort food than sushi.
3. Cucumber Roll (Kappa Maki)
Simple and refreshing. Good for those gradually introducing sushi to their diet. Vegetarian—an indispensable option for anyone easing into sushi.
4. Avocado Roll
Mild, creamy, and mushy; for people who would like to avoid meat or seafood entirely. Usually dipped in soy sauce or drizzled lightly with sweet sauce.
5. Chicken Teriyaki Roll
Not always available, but oh boy, when it is, people go crazy for it. Grilled or fried chicken in teriyaki sauce, all wrapped up in rice and seaweed. Might taste rather like your favorite Asian takeout, not so much like sushi.
Summing Up!
Sushi can be confusing and scary. There are many variations that even picky eaters can choose the rolls they love. Start with cooked options, stay simple, and develop at one’s own pace. Quite soon, probably one of the greatest and final converts from being a picky eater to a sushi lover would be you!
If you are found in Downtown St. Petersburg, please pay a visit to Sushi Incorporated- where we serve palates of all types, including those of picky eaters!
https://sushiincorporated.com/ is a vibrant restaurant that offers what is considered the best sushi in St Pete. Opening its doors in 2013 and becoming a local staple by offering live music, traditional hand-rolled sushi, and a friendly atmosphere, our guests always have a top-notch experience. Customers love our award-winning, fresh, and creative Sushi rolls, Nigiri, and Sashimi. With a larger selection of tempura, non-Sushi, and teriyaki options, we can accommodate every taste.
