Sushi rolls: the humble, hand-held snack that’s become as Australian as a meat pie at the football game.
Whether you’re dashing through a shopping centre, grabbing a quick bite at the train station, or just looking for a healthy lunch on the go, chances are you’ve wrapped your hands around a long, seaweed-clad sushi roll more times than you can count.
But what if we told you that our beloved sushi roll—that single, chunky cylinder you munch on with one hand—is actually a uniquely Australian phenomenon?
That’s right. While we Australians have embraced the sushi roll as a staple, a recent viral video has revealed that the way we eat sushi is, well, a bit of an oddity to the rest of the world.
Australian sushi: The exception, not the rule
Dietician En Min Saw, who has spent two years living in Australia, recently took to social media to share her lightbulb moment: ‘How did I forget this wasn’t normal?’ she laughs in her now-viral clip, which has clocked up more than 3 million views.
After seeing our sushi rolls everywhere, every day, she’d started to think this was just how sushi was done. But, as it turns out, the single, long sushi roll is a rare sight outside of Australia.
‘I had a feeling the video would gain some traction, because it was such a perspective-shifting realisation for me—I figured others would resonate with it too.
But I didn’t expect it to blow up as much as it did,’ Min said. The comments section quickly filled with Australians who, until now, had no idea their sushi habits were so unique.
‘I thought this was normal. This is just sushi,’ wrote one bemused commenter. Another added, ‘As an Australian, HOW IS IT MEANT TO LOOK?!’
So, what does ‘normal’ sushi look like?
If you’re scratching your head, you’re not alone. In Japan, the birthplace of sushi, the most common forms are nigiri (a slice of fish atop a small mound of rice) and maki (bite-sized rolls sliced into pieces).
Hand rolls (temaki) do exist, but they’re usually cone-shaped and eaten fresh at the restaurant, not as a grab-and-go snack.
In other parts of the world, like the UK and US, sushi is also available as a takeaway option, but it’s typically pre-sliced into smaller pieces and packed in trays—not the long, uncut rolls we’re used to.
And in Japan, if you want a quick, portable snack, you’re more likely to reach for onigiri—a rice ball wrapped in seaweed—than a sushi roll.
Sushi, but make it global
The comments on Min’s video also revealed that Australians aren’t the only ones putting their own spin on sushi. ‘You should look up Chilean sushi,’ one follower suggested.
‘We have sushi burgers…’ Another chimed in, ‘In Brazil we got FRIED sushi.’ Yes, you read that right—sushi, deep-fried and sometimes shaped like hot dogs or pizza, and loaded with cream cheese.
Min says she loves seeing how different countries adapt sushi to suit local tastes. ‘Brazilian sushi in particular caught my attention; one of the comments mentioned they make sushi in the shape of a hot dog or pizza, and with lots of cream cheese, which honestly sounds so wild.’
Why did the Australian sushi roll take off?
So, why did the long, hand-held sushi roll become such a hit down under? Min reckons it’s all about convenience and customisation.
‘I think a huge selling point is that it’s made to suit Australian tastes, with all kinds of fillings—although stuffing your sushi with chicken and avocado may very likely be a crime in Japan! Plus, it’s a convenient, budget-friendly option when you want something quick and tasty.’
It’s true—walk into any Australian sushi shop and you’ll find rolls stuffed with everything from teriyaki chicken to tuna and cucumber, and yes, even crumbed chicken schnitzel. It’s sushi, but not as the Japanese know it.
Cultural fusion or culinary crime?
Whenever a country puts its own twist on another’s cuisine, there’s always a bit of debate about cultural sensitivity.
Min’s take? ‘As long as it’s done with respect and appreciation for the original culture, putting your own spin on it is part of how food evolves and brings people together.’
And isn’t that what food is all about? Sharing, adapting, and creating new traditions—even if it means the rest of the world is left scratching their heads at our sushi rolls.
Have your say!
Did you know our sushi rolls were an Australian invention? Have you tried sushi in other countries, or do you have a favourite local twist?
Maybe you’ve even sampled a sushi burger or a deep-fried roll on your travels! We’d love to hear your sushi stories and see how adventurous your taste buds have been.
Share your thoughts in the comments below—and let’s celebrate the weird and wonderful world of Australian sushi together!
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