Sushi 101 Series: Beginner’s Guide to Sushi

🍣 beginner’s guide to sushi.

By: Misaki Sushi Bar, Hyannis, MA
April, 19th, 2025 - 8:42pm ET

Ordering Sushi for the First Time? Start Here.

If you’ve never ordered sushi before, you're not alone—and you’re in the right place. Whether you’re feeling curious, a little unsure, or excited to try something new, we created this guide to help you feel comfortable from the moment you sit down.

There’s no right or wrong way to begin—just a few helpful starting points.

🎯 What should you order first?

When you’re new to sushi, we suggest choosing a few items with different textures and flavors. This gives you a feel for what you enjoy.

Here are a few guest favorites that are gentle, balanced, and widely loved:


California Roll
Avocado, imitation crab, cucumber. Soft, crisp, and comforting.

Spicy Tuna or Spicy Salmon Roll
Chopped fish with a hint of heat. Flavorful and smooth.

Sake Nigiri (Salmon)
A slice of fresh salmon on rice. Buttery and clean, it’s one of the most approachable nigiri.

Tamago Nigiri (Sweet Omelet)
Lightly sweet and savory. A soft, layered omelet on rice.

Ebi Nigiri (Cooked Shrimp)
A fully cooked option with a gentle, familiar texture.

Miso soup or edamame on the side makes for a simple, satisfying first order.

🥢 What is sushi?

It’s a common misunderstanding: sushi doesn’t mean raw fish. It actually refers to seasoned rice, often paired with seafood, vegetables, or egg.
Some of it’s raw. A lot of it isn’t. And all of it is prepared with care.

So if you’re not sure about raw fish yet—don’t worry. You’ve got options.

💡 Helpful Tips for Your First Visit

  • It’s okay to use your hands. Sushi is traditionally eaten by hand—you don’t need chopstick skills to enjoy it.

  • Soy sauce? Use just a little. A quick dip is enough to bring out flavor without overpowering it.

  • Ginger is for cleansing your palate. It’s meant to refresh your taste buds between bites—not go on top.

  • You don’t have to know everything. If you’re unsure, ask. We’re happy to guide you.

“Gari (pickled ginger) is meant to cleanse the palate—not go on your sushi.”

✅ A Suggested First Order:

If you want a simple, balanced experience, try this combination:

  • California Roll

  • Spicy Tuna Roll

  • 2 pcs Salmon Nigiri

  • 1 pc Tamago Nigiri

  • Miso Soup

It’s a thoughtful mix of cooked and raw, familiar and new.

🧭 Continue the Journey

This post is part of our Sushi 101 Series—a collection of guides for guests who want to learn, explore, and enjoy sushi at their own pace.

Thank you.

Whether you’re a longtime Cape Cod local or visiting Hyannis for the summer, we hope this guide helps you order sushi with a little more confidence — and a lot more enjoyment.

At Misaki Sushi, we serve carefully crafted sushi and sashimi in the heart of Hyannis, blending traditional Japanese techniques with Cape Cod’s deep appreciation for fresh seafood.

If you’re looking for the best sushi in Hyannis, exploring Japanese food on Cape Cod, or just searching for a thoughtful, elevated sushi experience — we’d love to welcome you.