Food & Drink · 1

Which fish is used in traditional sushi?

Answer

Salmon, tuna, and others

Authentic sushi employs diverse fish varieties, including salmon (sake), tuna (maguro and toro), mackerel (saba), and seasonal selections depending on the region and season. Different fish contribute distinct flavors, textures, and colors to sushi preparations, with premium grades commanding high prices. The choice of fish is crucial to Japanese sushi chefs, who develop relationships with fishmongers to source the finest specimens.

💡 Did you know?

Premium bluefin tuna belly (otoro) commands hundreds of thousands per fish at Tokyo auctions—liquid gold for sushi masters.

Other options people guess

  • Only salmon
  • Only tuna
  • Only mackerel

Topics

  • sushi
  • Japanese
  • fish

Know your food & drink trivia?

Play a free Food & Drink quiz and see how many you get right — no signup needed to start.

More Food & Drink facts