Sushi is a wonderful food that combines vinegared rice with fresh ingredients, making every bite tasty and special on its own. But if you’re curious about making your sushi meal even better, the secret is in what you serve with it. So, what should you eat or drink with sushi? There are many side dishes, sauces, and drinks that help clean your mouth, mix up the flavors, and add different textures, making your meal both fun and satisfying. Whether you want something simple on the side or a large mix of options, there are plenty of choices to go along with your favorite maki, nigiri, or sashimi.
Sushi’s biggest strength is how flexible it is, and the same can be said for what you can put with it. Whether you prefer classic Japanese sides or something new and creative, the right extras can help you taste different sides of sushi. Think about your meal as a mix of tastes and textures where every piece has an important, supportive role. Let’s take a look at the best things you can serve with sushi to make your next meal even better.
What goes with sushi? Main types of pairings
If you’re planning a sushi meal, either just for you or a group of friends at home, it helps to think about the main types of foods and drinks you can add. It’s not about just piling on more food; it’s about picking items that match well with the simple flavors of sushi.
You get to pick from important sauces that add flavor, warm soups, cool salads, and even heartier meat dishes. The idea is to provide a mix of tastes, textures, and temperatures, so everyone can find something they like, and the meal feels put together and enjoyable.
Classic sauces and palate cleaners
No sushi meal is complete without its traditional set of sauces: soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger (gari). These are more than extra dips or toppings; each one has a job to do, helping balance or boost the taste of the rice and fish.
Other sauces like ponzu, spicy mayo, or unagi (eel) sauce also work well with sushi. There are also different types of Japanese pickles. Their crunchy texture and tart taste help clear your mouth for the next bite of sushi.
Soups and warm starters
Serving a warm soup or hot dish with sushi can be just the thing, especially when the weather is cooler. These foods add a different temperature to the meal and make the eating experience warmer and cozier.
Miso soup is the usual favorite, but you can also try clear seafood broths or simple noodle soups for a more filling option that won’t overwhelm the light flavors of sushi.
Vegetable, tofu, and seafood sides
Side dishes with vegetables, tofu, or cooked seafood are a good way to add more colors, flavors, and healthy nutrients to your sushi meal. These dishes might be crunchy salads or richer, savory foods. There are also lots of vegetarian options.
They add something different to raw fish, giving the meal more variety. Grilled veggies, tofu with sauce, or cooked seafood all make great choices.
Rice and noodle side dishes
While sushi is already made with rice, other rice or noodle dishes can be a good addition, especially if you want more filling food on the table. These dishes are a bit heavier and give you a different kind of starch than sushi rice.
Fried rice or stir-fried noodles, for example, soak up the flavors of the meal and make sure no one leaves hungry.
Meat options
If you want to offer something for people who prefer cooked foods, meat dishes are a good pick. Japanese food has lots of chicken or pork options that go well with sushi.
These foods give the meal more protein and a heavier flavor, so guests who like their food cooked will have a satisfying option too. Skewers or fried cutlets work well here.
Salads and pickles
Fresh, crunchy salads and Japanese pickles help bring a bright, fresh taste to your meal. They cut through any heaviness and clean your mouth for the next bite.
These options are light, add more vegetables, and make your table look more colorful and inviting.
Drinks for sushi
The right drink can really help round out your sushi meal, making everything taste better and resetting your palate. Besides water, consider Japanese drinks for a more genuine touch.
Green tea is a classic, but Japanese beer or sake also go well with sushi. Non-alcoholic drinks like barley tea can be nice, too.
Desserts for a sweet finish
Ending your meal with a sweet treat is a nice way to finish. Japanese desserts are usually lighter and rely on gentle flavors and fun textures, instead of being heavy or super sweet like some Western sweets.
Finishing with dessert gives your meal a soft, pleasant ending.
How to pick the right side dishes for your sushi meal
Picking the best sides for sushi is a bit like making the sushi itself – you want to think about how each part works with the rest. It’s smart to look for balance, so the meal is tasty, satisfying, and feels put together.
Whether it’s for a group or just a simple dinner, a good mix of sides ensures there’s variety without anything covering up the sushi’s flavor.
Balancing flavors and textures
Balance is very important when serving sushi. Sushi mixes flavors like fresh fish, vinegared rice, and sometimes salty or sea tastes. It’s a good idea to add sides that provide something different – like a hot soup with cold sushi or a crispy item with something soft.
For example, if your sushi is rich, serve a light, tangy salad. If your sushi is mild, try something with a little spice. The idea is to keep every bite interesting and enjoyable.
Matching different diets
These days, people can have many different diets. Sushi on its own is great for pescatarians, but having a range of sides means vegetarians, vegans, or anyone else with a special diet can enjoy the meal, too.
- Plant-based options: vegetable salads, tofu dishes, veggie tempura
- Cooked proteins: chicken or beef teriyaki, fried cutlets
- Mix of raw and cooked foods for everyone
This way, all your guests can enjoy their meal, no matter what they usually eat.
Which sauces and palate cleansers go with sushi?
Sauces and palate cleaners with sushi aren’t just there for looks – they complete the meal and add layers of taste. Each one has a purpose, from boosting flavor to cleaning your taste buds for the next piece.
These pairings grew out of years of tradition, making sure there’s a good balance of flavors and that each bite of sushi tastes fresh.
| Condiment | Purpose/Notes |
|---|---|
| Soy Sauce | Adds salty, umami taste; use in small amounts to avoid masking the fish’s flavor. |
| Ponzu | A citrus-flavored soy sauce, great for light fish. |
| Wasabi | Adds sharp heat, use sparingly; often not real wasabi but horseradish dyed green. |
| Pickled Ginger (Gari) | Eaten between pieces to clean your mouth; not meant to go on top of sushi. |
| Japanese Pickles | Pickled veggies like radish, cucumber add crunch and clear the taste buds. |
Soy sauce and types
Soy sauce is the main side for sushi, giving a salty, rich taste. In Japan, you usually brush it on the fish instead of dipping the rice to keep everything together and keep the flavors light. Dipping rice too much can make it fall apart and cover up the sushi’s taste.
Other versions include tamari (gluten-free), ponzu (with a citrus kick), and nikiri (a flavored soy sauce brushed on by the chef), each adding their own twist depending on the kind of sushi.
Wasabi: Use and tips
Wasabi provides a quick, sharp heat that fades almost right away, so it doesn’t cover up the next sushi piece. Most wasabi outside of Japan is actually just horseradish with coloring.
Don’t use too much – a dab on the fish is enough. Mixing wasabi into soy sauce is common, but in Japan it’s considered better to keep them separate.
Pickled ginger (gari) use
Pickled ginger is for eating between different sushi types. Its sweet and sharp flavor helps clean your mouth, so you taste each new fish like it’s your first bite.
Japanese pickles
Other Japanese pickles (tsukemono) like pickled radish or cucumbers also clear your mouth and add fun color and texture to the meal.
Best starters and small bites with sushi
Appetizers and smaller dishes help start off your sushi meal and add new tastes and textures. They’re usually lighter, easy to share, and make the meal feel more varied and special.
| Starter | Description |
|---|---|
| Edamame | Boiled or steamed soybeans, sprinkled with salt, eaten from the pod. Light, nutritious, and fun to eat. |
| Gyoza | Japanese pan-fried dumplings filled with pork, vegetables, or both; served with a vinegar-soy dipping sauce. |
| Tempura | Lightly battered and fried shrimp or vegetables; crispy without being heavy. |
| Agedashi Tofu | Crispy fried tofu in warm, flavorful broth, topped with green onions and grated radish. |
| Yaki Onigiri | Grilled rice balls, sometimes brushed with soy or miso, with a crispy outside and soft inside. |
Popular soups to have with sushi
Soups are a staple of Japanese meals and fit well alongside sushi by adding a warm, comforting element. They can also help refresh your taste between sushi pieces.
| Soup | Details |
|---|---|
| Miso Soup | Made from dashi and miso paste, with tofu, seaweed, and green onions; savory and light. |
| Dobin Mushi | Clear seafood soup with mushrooms, shrimp, and sometimes yuzu, served in a small teapot. |
Vegetarian and seafood sides
Sushi gets even better with a mix of vegetarian and cooked seafood sides, which add new tastes, nutrition, and crunchy, fresh, or savory notes to your meal.
- Sesame cucumber salad (Sunomono): Thin cucumbers in a tart, slightly sweet dressing, sometimes with sesame.
- Wakame seaweed salad: Bright green seaweed with sesame and mild vinegar flavor.
- Spinach salad (Gomae): Soft spinach with a rich sesame sauce.
- Kani salad: Shredded crab, cucumber, and sometimes mango or corn with a creamy, spicy dressing.
- Grilled or marinated vegetables: Items like miso-glazed eggplant or grilled peppers add depth and warmth to your meal.
Noodle and rice dishes for sushi meals
Sushi is about rice, but adding other rice or noodle dishes can help fill you up and add more flavors and textures to the meal.
- Stir-fried noodle dishes (like Yaki Udon): Thick noodles with vegetables and protein in a savory sauce.
- Steamed rice or seasoned rice: Plain steamed rice or fried rice can make your meal more filling and balance out stronger sushi flavors.
Meat and cooked seafood with sushi
If you want your sushi spread to be more filling or appeal to everyone at the table, add some cooked meats or fish for variety and a warm contrast to cool sushi.
- Chicken teriyaki or chicken skewers (yakitori): Pieces of chicken in a sweet and salty sauce, or grilled on sticks for sharing.
- Chicken katsu or pork tonkatsu: Breaded and fried chicken or pork cutlets, sliced and served with tangy sauce.
- Seared salmon or miso-glazed fish: Lightly cooked fish with sweet or salty glazes, warm and tender.
- Grilled yellowtail collar (Hamachi Kama): Juicy, fatty, and full of flavor, simply seasoned and grilled.
Best drinks for sushi
The right drink can tie the whole sushi meal together, helping with both taste and digestion. Aim for options that are light and not too sweet or rich.
- Green tea: Popular, hot or cold, it cleans your mouth and helps with digestion.
- Specialty teas: Matcha lattes or roasted barley tea give different flavors and can be enjoyed warm or cold.
- Japanese beer: Light and crisp beers like Asahi, Sapporo, or Kirin balance the meal without overpowering the sushi.
- Sake or plum wine (umeshu): Japanese rice wine ranges from dry to sweet; pick what suits your sushi types.
- Non-alcoholic drinks: Barley tea or sparkling water are simple and refreshing options.
Desserts to finish your sushi meal
After a sushi meal, Japanese desserts are a gentle, tasty way to end. They focus on soft flavors, fun textures, and aren’t too heavy.
- Mochi ice cream: Chewy mochi filled with smooth ice cream in flavors like green tea, chocolate, or strawberry.
- Other mochi treats: Daifuku (mochi with sweet bean paste) or fruit-filled mochi for something soft and slightly sweet.
- Jellies: Low-calorie, fruit-flavored jellies give a cool, light end to the meal.
- Matcha desserts: Cakes, parfaits, or muffins made with matcha add a unique tea flavor to your dessert.
- Seasonal fruit: Fresh, perfectly ripe fruits like melon, apple, or mango finish the meal on a clean, healthy note.
With this guide, you can easily mix and match sides, soups, drinks, and desserts to create a full, balanced, and fun sushi meal for yourself or your guests.
