Perspectives
The American Sushi
Sushi is closely associated with rice, sea laver, and of course, raw fish. Other Asian cultures have been enjoying these for a very long time, although perhaps not exactly in the form of sushi as we know it. However, today's sushi has evolved into something more complex and unique, emerging into our own American Sushi.
The Japanese in the 20th century has been well-known for re-developing and improving foreign inventions and concepts. Take the automobile, for instance. Although a true American invention, the Japanese has re-conceptualized and improved its practical efficiency, becoming one of the best-selling automobiles in the world. The same goes with the television among other things.
Well, cultural exchange is a two-way street. I can only imagine the circumstances in which sushi was introduced to the United States. Sushi is such a foreign concept in the early days in America that sushi chefs had to adapt to the market they serve. The idea of eating raw fish was just too "progressive." Rolls were a perfect buffer for the beginner. The original sushi roll, however, is in the form of makizushi, with the seaweed (sea laver) outside rolling on the rice and other ingredients. With the seaweed exposed, the idea of eating it was just another barrier for beginners. Hence, the California Roll was born, with the rice on the outside and replacing the raw tuna with avocado.
Note how the sushi roll has evolved from 50 years ago with the birth of the California Roll. As you already know, the variety we see today are based upon layering different ingredients on top of the base California Roll. And it doesn't stop there. Now we have other varieties of base roll, such as Shrimp Tempura Roll base and others. We now see endless combination with great selection of sauces.
The Japanese aren't the only ones who can re-invent things. Today's sushi has become a true American cuisine. There are those who are purists as well that would like to remain true to the original form of this dish. The beauty of the American way is that while re-developing something into what's uniquely American, it also embraces and appreciates the diversity of something foreign and keep its original form. We still serve the originals here, don't we?
The American sushi has gained popularity around the world. The variety it provides helped globalize this cuisine. Although we often associate sushi as Japanese food, giving its proper credit, its current form is truly an American masterpiece.