10 Weird Sushi You Should Definitely Try

Sushi first appeared, according to the historical account, on the streets of Japan back in the 8th century. The rest of the world had yet to be introduced to this delicacy, but once the concept began spreading across international boundaries, more and more takes on sushi began popping up. Japanese restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have followed suit, offering both incredible and unique sushi.

Today, sushi restaurants are known for serving the classic, traditional offerings of the concept as well as more modern takes on sushi. Here in the UAE, diners can indulge in a variety of weird styles, some of which have become the best sushi in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Let’s take a look at weird sushi you definitely need to try, both here and abroad.

Beef Tartare with Cream Cheese - Sushi Counter, Dubai, UAE

The best sushi in Dubai and Abu Dhabi thinks outside the box, and that is exactly what Sushi Counter has done with their Beef Tartare Summer Roll. We’ve all seen cream cheese used in Philadelphia Rolls around the world, but this is a completely delicious take on a fine dining classic. Enjoy with a lighter roll, perhaps a Moutabel and Cucumber Summer Roll, for a healthy and complementary pairing.

Bentley Roll – Sushi World, Cypress, California

Spicy tuna is the anchor of the luxurious Bentley Roll. This California masterpiece also includes avocado and is topped with seared Salmon, creating a unique blend of flavors that mix well with their sesame dressing.

Sushi Burrito – Sushi Counter, Dubai, UAE, and other locations

The sushi burrito has become an international phenomenon in recent years. Following the rise of quick-service Mexican restaurants, sushi chefs thought, ‘Why not enlarge a sushi roll into a burrito?’ The result is a handheld masterpiece that can be enjoyed in a restaurant or on the go. Sushi restaurants in Dubai have embraced the trend.

Shaggy Dog Roll – various locations

This may not sound like an appealing invention, but once you’ve tasted the Shaggy Dog Roll, there’s no going back. With Shrimp and Crab, alongside avocado and a spicy aioli on top, this roll is simple but incredibly delicious. Perhaps this roll is the result of sushi restaurants around the world getting creative – will the best sushi in Dubai and Abu Dhabi catch on?

Tasmanian Roll – Kunti, Bali, Indonesia

The Tasmanian Roll is a true gem – if you find a Japanese restaurant serving this, you’re in a good spot. It typically features ocean Trout, Salmon, asparagus, yellow onion, green onion, lemon, and chili oil. Add a dose of Wasabi and soy sauce and this roll is sushi heaven! It pairs very well with hot sake, or hot tea for those not wanting alcohol.

Agemono – Hokkaido Sushi, Singapore

You might expect to find something unique and over the top at Japanese restaurants in Singapore. Hokkaido delivers with this tempura dish of deep sea-caught prawns and Grouper fish, served together for a taste unparalleled in fine dining Japanese restaurants. Their menu contains many creative options, but the Agemono is a classic that has withstood the test of time. This restaurant does it as well as any.

Pickled Vegetable Nigiri – various locations in Japan

Due to the steady popularity of pickled vegetables among the Japanese, restaurants across the country are known to offer them on top of rice as Nigiri. These aren’t your traditional hand rolls – Nigiri starts with a ball of moulded rice and finishes with a topping that is typically fish-based. Not in this case, however, and the Japanese have come to embrace the concept.

Ama Ebi Sushi Square – Sushi Counter, Dubai, UAE

Have you tried a sushi square? If not, the time is ripe to do so because they are among the best sushi in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Sushi Counter tops squares of rice and other deliciousness with fresh fish and toppings. In this case, sweet shrimp, donburi mix, edible blue flowers, and basil make for a tempting concoction that will whet the appetite. We suggest ordering more than one, because once you’ve had a taste it’s hard to think of anything else.

New York Subway Roll – Sticks n Sushi, London, UK

This roll looks like an amalgam when it served to the table, and that’s because it is. It’s not often that garlic makes such a profound impact on a sushi roll. At this London establishment, diners enjoy this roll of tempura shrimp, which is harmless enough, but the kicker is this: garlic, Salmon, avocado and spicy sauce. Tail on, game on!

Irish Sushi – various locations

Of course, we need a ‘green’ version for Japanese restaurants in Dubai to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. This roll swaps out the rice for mashed potatoes, the seaweed wrapper for cabbage, and the fish for corned beef. We’ll raise a pint to that!

 

Article originally published by Sushi Counter. Read the full article here, https://www.sushicounter.com/blog/10-weird-sushi-you-should-definitely-try

 

7 Major Sushi Myths Busted

What comes to your mind first when you think about Japanese food? In most cases, it’s somewhere along the lines of “Jackpot! Sushi it is!” 

This goes to show sushi’s level of popularity even outside of Japan. Sushi is popular all across the globe with some of the best sushirestaurants popping up everywhere from France to the United States, to the UAE and Saudi.

Sushi is beloved and known across the globe and it’s definitely much more than a fad; it’s a long-established traditional dish of global popularity that’s here to stay. 

Despite this, however, there still remains so many misconceptions about this awesome treat—from basics such as what exactly constitutes sushi to how it should properly be served. Well, lucky for you, we intend to dispel some of these myths today.

Myth 1: Sushi is raw fish.

It is the most prevalent parable to hear that in order for something to be sushi it absolutely must contain some form of raw fish. 

Fact: The factual information is that sushi is a method of cooking and presenting vinegary rice with other constituents. 

The toppings and fillings used in preparing sushi can be varied. What we can definitely say for sure is that rice is the basic ingredient in all of the many varied options.

Fish ironically enough is not necessarily the essential ingredient because sushi can very well be served with other types of meat and vegetables.  

Also important to note is that when sushi does contain fish, it doesn’t necessarily have to be raw fish. Unagi and anago (eel) is always served cooked with a sauce and many sushi includes a tempura battered fish which is deep fried. 

California rolls include cooked imitation crab meat and there are many forms of smoked sushi which include meat that is cooked as well such as smoked salmon sushi.

BONUS INFORMATION: Did you know that “sushi” served without rice in the form of very thin slices of raw fish isn’t sushi at all? It’s actually called sashimi.

Myth 2: Sushi is always eaten with soy sauce.

You might have noticed many people dowsing heaps of soy sauce on their sushi before consuming it. 

Fact: So, this is totally not necessary at all. While many people enjoy soy sauce, perhaps almost as much, if not more than the sushiitself, it is quite frequently consumed without. 

To be honest, the rice is already seasoned properly so they really do not require much soy and many “purists” won’t use it at all because they feel it overpowers the natural flavors of the sushi, which is meant to be balanced perfectly all on its own.

Myth 3: California rolls are totally not considered sushi.

I mean, it’s not entirely too hard to understand how a traditional Japanese dish named after a US state could make some feel that it lacks a certain level of authenticity. While you still may find many sushi purists who tell you it isn’t “true” sushi, the fact of the matter is that technically, it is.

Fact: In Japanese, the word sushi refers to well-seasoned grained rice. It means anything made with specially seasoned rice is correct to be called the authentic sushi.

Myth 4: Sushi is pricey.

It might be true that expensive high-class sushi restaurants are pretty popular, but to be honest, sushi can be found at even your local grocery store. So, it’s kind of needless to say that you don’t necessarily always have to dole out the big bucks.

Fact: Most of the sushi dishes are quite reasonable to afford. You can always enjoy the real taste of sushi without worrying much about its price. Places such as Sushi Counter, actually considered one of the best sushi restaurants in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Saudi, remain absolutely reasonably priced. 

Myth 5: Sushi is a daily staple in the Japanese diet.

Since sushi is always associated with Japan, many people just assume that it is a part of their daily diets. 

Fact: The Japanese are known for being very health-conscious individuals in general. Their coastal proximity makes it possible for them to enjoy a wide variety of fresh, healthy dietary staples.

They also traditionally hold a strong belief in consuming balanced meals. That simply makes intake of sushi on daily basis quite impossible. The myth might hold some grounds for sushi aficionados, however, in general, it is not very common in Japanese people.

Myth 6:  Ginger is one of those random garnishes that no one eats with their sushi.

You might have noticed whenever you order sushi, ginger also comes along as a garnish. So why exactly is it there in the first place? You’ll find that a lot of people won’t even touch it, but the fact can be quite surprising to those who aren’t already aware.

Fact: Ginger actually has a specific purpose as a sushi garnish and isn’t just plopped on your plate for no reason whatsoever. In fact, it serves as a palate cleanser. Consuming it between the courses enables individuals to better appreciate the taste of the dish that follows. So, ginger is to sushi as coffee beans are to perfume.
 

Article originally published by Sushi Counter. Read the full article here, https://www.sushicounter.com/blog/sushi-myths

The Best Places to Workout for Free in London

If you don’t want to spend silly amounts of money on gym memberships you never use and if you’re on a lookout for free fitness classes in London, then we’ve got you covered! We have thoroughly researched the best free workouts in London to help get you to peak fitness without your finances taking a huge hit!

1. London Midnight Runners
Do you prefer to workout out in the early hours of the morning or do you prefer a late night sweat session? Well, this running club organises a 10k run around the beautiful city landscapes of central London and there is a range of times to suit all needs. London midnight running club happens once or twice a week. After your midnight run, the runners gather for a well deserved social drink. Click the link below if you want to get involved – the first two events are free!


2. Project Awesome
If you want a more regular fitness class, Project Awesome offer their fitness class 3 times a week at 6.30am. The class involves a range of exercises to get you fit from burpees to squats, running to sit-ups, high fives and even hugging! For more information check out their website below.


3. Good Gym
This is a great one if you want to do a good deed as well as keep fit – double the rewards. So, how does it work? You simply pick one of the community projects on offer and get involved – simple! They have a range of activities from planting trees in the local park or community garden project runs to sort cans for a food bank.




If you want to find out more and to sign up click here https://www.goodgym.org/

These three free fitness class options are some of our favourites in London. If you know of any other freebie classes, let us know!

At Areaworks, we are big believers in health and wellness and achieving a work-life balance. We also believe that this doesn’t have to come at a huge cost and have partnered with some amazing brands to bring our members more! To view any of our amazing coworking spaces, book a free tour; we’d love to show you around.

There’s a better way of working, and we’re here to make it happen. Coworking spaces where business balances perfectly with pleasure.

Have Artificial Plants Gone Out of Style?

Why Artificial Plant Industry is Here to Stay?

Gradual Evolution and Lasting Appeal

Are you worried that your artificial landscape from 1982 might be seen as tired or out of date? Maybe just the words “artificial plants” sends your mind reeling with images of terrible looking dusty dollar-store carnations. In the early days of artificial plants, these were mostly used in offices and homes, and most of them didn’t look good. Some of the older artificial plants were even made from tissue paper, and we not at all durable or lasting. In fact, many of them were traps for dust and allergens, essentially worsening their environments. Early artificial plants couldn’t be cleaned with solvents as many of them were made with dyes that simply washed off. 

In this article, you will see some of the ways in which artificial trees and artificial landscapes have endured the test of time as well as some new improvements that can add or replace your current design. The evolution of artificial plant walls has been tremendously useful in the fields of architecture and interior design.

Gone are the days where a consumer could spot a fake arfrom a mile away. New advances in technology have made artificial trees virtually indistinguishablefrom their alive counterparts. Ten years ago, the field of artificial plants and greenery was one of limited materials and little opportunity for growth. At best, artificial plants were seen as tacky, and certainly no respectable business would want to fill their office with the cheap looking models of the 1970’s and 1980’s. Yet times have changed.  

Times change whether we want them to or not, and the reality of this ever-growing world is that now, artificial has become the new real. Businesses across the globe have come to understand the importance of atmosphere, without the need to destroy a tree, or harm the environment. Artificial plants are lower maintenance, one-time investments. Whereas live trees require constant upkeep and can be prone to mold, rot, and can harbor bugs and other pests. Best of all, artificial plant walls can be customized to include each company’s logo or trademark to add a high-end office flair which gives that Wow factor, the moment a new client walks through the door. After all, top paying clients want to know that they’re working with someone conscious of the importance of image: nothing says high-end luxury better than a perfectly tailored intricately designed artificial plant wall. 

Big Business Means Larger Expectations

Now more than ever, consumers hold the companies they patronize to high standards of conduct. Those that play in the corporate big leagues are expected to be innovators and leaders. The most successful companies, like Google, understand that their conduct is under a microscope with regard to their treatment of the environment. By using artificial trees, you join ranks with the humanitarian effort to save the environment because artificial plants protect the earth. If you don’t believe that artificial trees are here to stay, take a look at the number of artificial Christmas trees both produced and sold in the US every year. The numbers are staggering. According to the New York Times, around 50 million faux Christmas trees grace living rooms every year… and the numbers are only rising (Rudolf, 2010). 

While alive trees can be recycled, artificial plants never need to be recycled! Additionally, artificial trees can still act as a habitat for wild life like birds and other small creatures. 

Global Economy Means Global Standards

Now that we live in a global economy, expectations are higher. Consumers expect companies to hold futuristic world-views and to be both innovators and leaders. Big businesses are interested in aesthetics, but also would like investment security. The best part about artificial trees and plant walls is that they are customizable and can be changed to reflect the internal growth of each company. Designs are often modular and can be taken down and re-made with great ease. Best of all, artificial plants are generally made from silk and other materials that won’t harm the environment. Plus, if you ever decide that your artificial tree no longer works for your needs, it too can be broken down and recycled. Plus, without the need for leaf blowers, pruning, and watering, you’ll save money on your overall labor cost. In a nutshell, the artificial plant walls of 2017 are win-win investments. 

Space Concerns

Another reason artificial plants are here to stay is because they are so practical. Most businesses want to conserve space, and because tree walls are vertical, they are great space savers. Better yet, they don’t harm or compromise the building’s structural integrity. Because time is money, artificial plant walls can typically be installed in just a few hours. Artificial plants offer all of this, while giving business space a sense of luxury that high-end customers expect. With artificial plant walls, you can even go so far as to use them to make new additions to your space stand out, because virtually all of the designs are eye-catching. 

Article originally published by Planters Artificial. Read the full article here, https://www.plantersartificial.ae/blog/artificial-plants-gone-out-of-style

Expo 2020 Dubai

Taking place from October 20th, 2020 to April 10th, 2021, it is expected that 25 to 30 million visitors will arrive in the emirate to attend. International tourists are predicted to total approximately 62% of that amount.

Themed Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, exhibitors will showcase the latest advances in Opportunity, Mobility, and Sustainability, which address the most pressing issues of our time.

It was in 1851 when London established the first Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations or as we now know it, World Expo. The aim of the exposition was to present the latest ideas and innovations, as well as to encourage collaborations between exhibitors and countries.

Throughout the last 150 years, the world has been introduced to the telephone and Heinz ketchup in Philadelphia, 1876, and the Statue of Liberty in Paris, 1878. In the last half century, we have seen the launch of the first mobile phone in Osaka, 1970, and the world’s first touchscreen in Knoxville, 1982. In addition to the displays within, tourists will also flock to the site to see the latest innovations in architecture and design.


Over a decade ago, 13 architecture firms submitted their proposals to design a trio of pavilions that will become the heart of the 438-hectare site. In March 2016, Foster + Partners, BIG and Grimshaw Architects won the competition to design the Mobility Pavilion, the Opportunity Pavilion, and the Sustainability Pavilion respectively.

Described by the committee chairman, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, as a “festival of human ingenuity”, Expo 2020 will add to Dubai’s short, yet fruitful history, and contribute to its long-term development.

What does this mean for the events and exhibitions industry?
As the first World Expo to take place in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, Dubai has the opportunity to enhance its reputation as a central hub for the entire MENASA region, as well as establish its infrastructure and connectivity.

The industry has already seen a shift with the knowledge that Expo 2020 is on the horizon, preparations are already underway. It is the perfect chance for local companies to gain credibility by demonstrating their services and abilities, sequentially achieving more visibility on a global scale.


Article originally published by Electra. Read the full article here, https://www.electrasolutions.com/2018/08/expo-2020-dubai/

Plantwall Project: Light Space Design

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Plantwall Project: Light Space Design

Updated on 13th Jan 2015 by Planters

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Light Space Design is an interior architecture firm who focus on individualised spaces, so it was their vision from the start to have a large, living green wall installed that would serve as a focal point and demonstrate their unique position within the market.

A stunning forest of 900 plants were installed over two walls that span 35m, taking centre stage within a stylistic minimalist interior. Planters worked closely with the owner to achieve the required plants design combined with their lighting requirements; five different species were systematically planted into the wall to create the dramatic and impactful visual that it is now.

This inspiring living green wall stands proudly in the Light Space Design showroom, providing an impact that not only lets their clients know they have come to the right place, but also leaves them with a lasting impression that they cannot help but share.

Light Space Design expressed their happiness with their finished and matured Living green wall that sits beautifully in their Al Quoz showroom in Dubai. Planters continue to maintain the Green wall to keep it in top condition and replace any plants that fall below their high standards.

Greenery - Living green walls and Wires in particular - significantly lifts an environment, transforming an everyday space into an impressive outlet and a very pleasant experience. Green walls themselves provide an impressive way to incorporate greenery within interiors and utilise otherwise unused vertical spaces.

Please contact Ryan Ramos of Planters for more information on how a Living green wall could transform your commercial space: call +971 4 388 3283, email contact@planters.ae or visit www.planters.ae.

Article originally published by Planters. 

Sushi Burrito - Millennials Favourite Food Trend in 2018

When sushi burrito was first released in the market, its creator had no idea the level of buzz it would cause both in the media and fast food industry arena. It was just a simple idea that would later revolutionise the way sushi was consumed.

Typically, Sushi is eaten with bare hands and takes quite some time to enjoy the meal while seated. But this is not convenient for the working class and especially for the millennials to whom time is a scarce thing. It is for this reason that sushi burrito has become so popular. It provides the much-needed flexibility and convenience to have your food on the go without taking much time in a restaurant.

Sushi Burrito is a combination of the Asian and Latin cuisine concepts of sushi and burrito respectively. It is essentially a sushi roll rolled under the edible seaweed, Nori, layered with Japanese short rice, a mix of various ingredients including raw fish, carrots or cucumbers, avocado, other cooked meat, or various vegetables. The roll is then served in a grease-proof aluminium foil and can be eaten on the go without the need for a plate.

Sushi burrito is a healthy food and therefore, is a darling for many of the people looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle but do not have much time to prepare food. This makes it a go-to option that is much healthier than most fast foods. It is also equally delicious and serves as a healthy substitute for most unhealthy meals.

Since its inception, its popularity has been growing by the day as a top millennial food trend and was recently ranked among the top food trends of 2018 by Foodora alongside poke bowls and the dark kitchen concepts. This growth has been motivated by the millennial's love for quick but healthy food. There's no saying to when the bubble will burst, but certainly not any time soon.

Worldwide 2018 Food Trends and a Focus on Sushi Burrito

2017 was arguably one of the best years for the food industry in the world. The year saw the success of sushi burgers, development of new technologies in the food industry, the growth of various fast food restaurants built with the consumers and millennial food trends as the main focus.

2018 will be an even better year for the food industry, especially for sushi burrito. Several trends have already sprung up that may shake up the way we envision food in general. The following list includes some of them.

1. Mindfulness of what we eat

This was named number one trend in the food industry by Innova Market Insights. The year will see the influence of body-mind connection to new food introductions. 70% of US and UK Consumers, especially millennials want to understand what each food constitutes, the ingredients used, and understanding anything possible about the food. They then align their values with the producers and support them through purchases. Sushi makers will be in a haste to provide the most healthy and nutritious sushi burritos than their competitors to tap into this market.

2. Multi-sensory

Food is no longer just something for the tongue. A new trend is emerging where food selection will be based on all the senses of the body: touch, smell, sight, and hearing. This is especially true for those who want to feel the food in all aspects. Sushi burritos come with tactile seaweed, a mouth-watering aroma, and are formed into attractive shapes. 

3. Environmental consciousness

People are becoming more environmental-conscious consumers nowadays because of the easy access to news and other information. With the increase of awareness of what’s happening in the world, millennials are now leaning towards sustainability. Unlike most fast foods and junk foods, sushi burritos, as well as most of Sushi Counter’s offerings, are packed with eco-friendly packaging and are wrapped with healthy seaweed. 

4. Healthy Eating

Another millennial food trend will be healthy eating. Millennials are the most health-conscious consumers according to a 2017 study by Eventbrite. They're more paranoid about their health and are more concerned with healthy foods and fitness routines. This will shape how the food industry will look in 2018 as more and more fast food joints shift their focus from providing fast foods to healthy diets that will be incorporated in their menu. Sushi burritos stand to benefit from this development as it is a quick, healthy, and easy to eat item, hence, fitting the millennials' preferences.

5. Food technology

Technology has been progressing by the day. The internet penetration is in an all-time high and new technologies are springing up every day. The food industry stands a chance to benefit from this development and especially in the fast-food space. 2018 will see the rise and growth of home delivery technologies as millennials want flexibility and convenience.

Being able to order food from the comfort of their home is definitely on the priority of every millennial. Apps such as Zomato, UberEats, Deliveroo will become even more popular. Sushi Counter also jumped into the trend a few years back, allowing their consumers to order their favourite sushi dishes, and improving their online ordering system to satisfy their customers’ demands. Other Japanese restaurants in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh are looking at how they can have delivery-only kitchens that will specialise in take-out foods only. Thinking about sushi burritos, you can see where this is heading. 

6. Security

A new emerging food trend is the need to have security in food places. Millennials are very sceptical about their security. They will not go to a restaurant that does not have enough security. This year, we’ll see most food joints beef up their security to encourage more consumers to come in. With the current state of the world security, it is obvious why this will be a trend in 2018.

The History of Sushi Burrito

In 2011, Peter Yen, the founder of Sushirrito, wanted to have a bite of sushi but did not have the time to sit down and enjoy the meal. He came up with the idea of making sushi in the form of a burrito where consumers could have their sushi on-the-go. This is what led him to establish his restaurant. Sushirrito is arguably one of the first restaurants to prepare sushi burrito and sell it to consumers.

His idea received a lot of accolades from the media, food bloggers, and celebrities. This led to the rise of sushi burrito with big food chains across America and now, around the globe, embracing the idea and selling the cuisine. Being delicious, an easy-to-eat food on-the-go, it soon gained a lot of fans and has been a trending food since its inception.



Article originally published by Sushi Counter. Read the full article here, https://bit.ly/2M7KFyJ

California Rolls – Top Myths and Facts about Your Favourite Sushi

What exactly is a California roll?

Known as a makizushi sushi roll by the Japanese, the California roll as we have come to know and love it as, is an inside-out sushi roll. The original ingredients of this delicious dish were cucumber, avocado and either real or imitation of crab meat, all coated in an outer layer of rice. The popularity of the California roll has been credited as being one of the biggest causes of global interest in the Japanese cuisine. It is said to have influenced many of the subsequent fusion dishes seen in kitchens across the globe, and can now be found in an overwhelming array of flavours and variations. 

These days, you can find California rolls in cities everywhere, from London to Saudi and the UAE. Not only that, but they are now available with different types of rice and a whole selection of fish and meat choices as your filling. Some new favourites are the Black Tuna California Roll where Tuna is surrounded by a black rice mix, and the Black Garden California Roll which sees a full black rice wrapping around an asparagus and carrot filling with avocado laid on top. The choices seem endless in this day and age.

The California roll has, since its first appearance, become one of the favoured choices for sushi lovers all over the word. It first showed up on the menus of sushi restaurants in America and Canada where the love for and interest in sushi was booming.

So who invented the California roll?

The exact beginnings of the sushi dish are a little hazy as there are several different chefs who each claim to have invented the popular dish. The two competing chefs come from Vancouver in British Columbia, and Los Angeles, California. No one can be sure who is telling the truth but one story starts almost ten years before the other one. 

In Little Tokyo, Los Angeles during the 60’s a Sushi chef at the Tokyo Kaikan called Ichiro Mashita was said to have used a Tuna called ‘toro’ in the place of the avocado, and after more experimentation, the first California Roll was born. It is the inside-out feature of the California Roll that are more widely credited to him though, as his rolls began life this way. The California Rolls made by his counterpart in Canada were a slightly different story.

It was August of 1971 when Chef Hidekazu Tojo moved to Vancouver from his homeland of Japan. He had originally made the dish for his customers back in his country. In his recipe for California Rolls, Hidekazu used cooked crab (namely King Crab leg meat), avocado and cucumber. He said that it was very popular with his customers from LA and therefore became known as California Rolls. The main difference between his California Rolls and the ones that we see worldwide today is that his original rolls had a seaweed covering. This seaweed was almost always removed by his customers from the west so after a while they were just served in their now common inside-out fashion.

 Whoever did invent the California Roll can be thanked for creating a dish that was somewhat easier for first time Sushi eaters to understand. This has since led to Sushi being one of the most favoured cuisines on earth. Now, you can enjoy the great selection of California Rolls Dubai has to offer, or the California Rolls Abu Dhabi Sushi restaurants are creating as the craze finally takes hold in the UAE.  

California Rolls and the myths surrounding them

Although Sushi has been growing in popularity for years in the food world and continues to do so in a massive way, there is still a lot that is not widely known about it. This had led to there being widespread misconceptions as to what exactly makes a dish Sushi as well as a long list of myths that surround specific pieces like the California Roll.

Myth No. 1 – California Roll is not a Sushi

It has been said before, more than a few times on record, that a California Roll is not technically Sushi. Its authenticity has been called into question time and time again, with people claiming that due to its somewhat contemporary nature, it cannot be considered ‘authentic sushi’. This is in fact a myth. The term Sushi is used when talking about any short-grained rice that is seasoned using vinegar or as is more commonly used nowadays, a small amount of salt and a small amount of sugar. It does not matter how big it is or what is its shape, if this type of seasoned rice is used to make it then technically, it is sushi. 

Now, we have already seen that the California Roll is definitely classed as Sushi, and as for its authenticity, both chefs who claimed to have invented the dish are of Japanese heritage so there can be little argument there.  

Myth No.2 – California Rolls are not safe for pregnant women

Many pregnant mothers find that they are suddenly confronted with a list of items that they are no longer allowed to consume. So many limitations, and up until recently, Sushi was high up on this list. The idea being simple, some Sushi contains raw fish which is not safe for a pregnant woman to eat, and some fishes are not believed to be safe even if they are cooked. But it is now more widely known that as long as the fish is ‘pregnancy-safe’ and it is cooked (as it is in dishes like the California Roll) then it is perfectly safe for a pregnant woman to consume. Others on this list of safe-to-eat-when-pregnant sushi are Shrimp Tempura and Spider Rolls.

California Rolls; here are the facts

As the appreciation for sushi grows, so does the need for fact-based knowledge to take the place of the myth and misconception that once surrounded this cuisine. Here is all that you need to know about one of the world’s favourite sushi dishes:

Fact No.1 – Though there has been debates as to who invented California rolls, the Japanese officials has appointed Hidekazu Tojo to be one of the goodwill ambassadors of Japanese cuisine – making us reach the conclusion that our favourite dish is not originally from California but Vancouver.  

Fact No.2 – The original ingredients of a California Roll included King Crab leg meat, cucumber, avocado, rice which was all wrapped in an optional sheet of seaweed.

Fact No.3 – For pregnant women the California Roll is one of the better and safer options to choose from a Sushi menu.

Fact No.4 – The California Roll is one of the most popular dishes in the whole Sushi range and is possibly one of the reasons that Sushi as a whole is so popular around the world.

Fact No.5 – The ingredients in a California roll were chosen carefully so that when the rolls are sliced, the customers could see its artistic form, while giving equal importance to the taste and texture.

How healthy are California Rolls?

As with almost all Sushi dishes, California Rolls can be one of your healthier choices if eating out or ordering online. That is as long as you eat a reasonable amount. Since California Roll mainly consists of cucumber, avocado and sesame seeds along with your chosen meat or fish, and it is all wrapped in rice, the whole dish is low in both fat and calories. A California Roll is not just one piece of sushi itself but is made up of six pieces in total. The California Roll calorie count is low at only 255 calories for the whole serving of six. The fact that the California Roll is low in calories show whys that it is one of the most chosen dishes on the Sushi menu today by health enthusiasts. The sodium levels in California Rolls, while not exactly low, are fairly reasonable for a Sushi dish. There are 80 milligrams of sodium in each piece of a California Roll. If salt is an issue for you but you still enjoy California Rolls, then one even healthier option is to eat your California Rolls without the addition of soy sauce. Also certain fresh ingredients will have far less sodium than the more processed, like the usual crab meat.   


Article originally published by Sushi Counter. Read the full article here, https://bit.ly/2X3dRIj