Sushi is much more than just a beautiful arrangement of rice and fish — it’s a rich tradition that carries centuries of culture, skill, and unexpected stories. Behind every delicate piece lies a world of history, craftsmanship, and culinary secrets that often go unnoticed. From ancient preservation methods to modern-day innovations, sushi connects the past with the present in every bite. Whether you enjoy it as a casual snack or a refined dining experience, these 33 sushi trivia questions will reveal surprising facts and deepen your appreciation for this iconic dish, making every sushi moment a little more meaningful.
1. Question: Who is credited with creating the modern form of sushi we know today in Japan?
Answer: Hanaya Yohei.
2. Question: In Japanese, what does the word ‘sushi’ actually refer to?
Answer: The vinegared rice, not the fish.
3. Question: What does the term ‘sushi’ literally translate to in Japanese?
Answer: ‘Sour-tasting.’
4. Question: When is International Sushi Day celebrated?
Answer: June 18th.
5. Question: Where did the modern form of sushi, known as nigiri, originate?
Answer: In the streets of Tokyo (during the early 19th century).
6. Question: What is the term for sushi that is rolled rather than layered on top of rice?
Answer: Maki.
7. Question: What is the name of the early sushi made with fermented fish and sour rice?
Answer: Narezushi.
8. Question: Where did sushi originate before it spread to Japan?
Answer: In Southeast Asia, likely in the region that is now Thailand.
9. Question: What was the method of preserving fish used in early sushi from Southeast Asia?
Answer: Fermenting fish with rice.
10. Question: Name two non-traditional ingredients or forms of modern sushi.
Answer: Fruits and vegetables, fusion sauces, or sushi cakes.
11. Question: What is the traditional way to eat nigiri sushi?
Answer: With your hands.
12. Question: Which South African restaurant first introduced the Cannafornia Roll?
Answer: Blowfish Restaurant.
13. Question: What ingredients are inside the Cannafornia Roll?
Answer: Prawn, salmon, and cream cheese.
14. Question: What is the Cannafornia Roll topped with?
Answer: Avocado.
15. Question: What unique ingredient is infused in the strawberry mayo served with the Cannafornia Roll?
Answer: CBD oil.
16. Question: In what kind of environment does real wasabi grow?
Answer: In running water.
17. Question: What is sushi rice seasoned with in modern preparation?
Answer: Rice wine vinegar and white sugar.
18. Question: What makes a dish qualify as ‘sushi’ even if it doesn’t contain fish?
Answer: The presence of vinegared rice.
19. Question: What makes pufferfish (fugu) potentially deadly?
Answer: It contains toxic poison in its organs and glands.
20. Question: What is the name of the visually striking sushi roll mentioned as a specialty at Blowfish Restaurant?
Answer: The Zebra Roll.
21. Question: What are some alternative wrappers used in sushi besides seaweed?
Answer: Cucumber, egg, soy paper, and avocado.
22. Question: What is the name of a Blowfish specialty that uses cucumber as a wrapper?
Answer: The Blowfish Cucumber Roll.
