Lettuce Maki Sushi Roll

Crisp lettuce and plump shrimp are wrapped in mellow mayonnaise and rolled with vinegared rice and nori. The salad roll now seen in supermarkets across Japan traces its origin to this lettuce maki born in Miyazaki City. Though a bold combination, one bite convinces anyone of its exquisite balance.

Highlights

Lettuce maki was born in the 1960s at a sushi shop in the Matsuyama area of Miyazaki City. It is said the first generation owner devised it for a composer he was close to. Wanting his vegetable averse friend to eat vegetables happily, he searched for an ingredient that paired well with lettuce, and combining it with shrimp and mayonnaise that happened to be in the display case turned out to be superb. At the time raw vegetables and mayonnaise were thought not to suit sushi, but its novelty won over young people and eventually spread nationwide.

Enjoying the Seasons

Lettuce maki can be enjoyed all year round. Its refreshing mouthfeel is especially welcome in the hot season, when the freshness of the lettuce carries a cool sensation. Easy to carry, it is ideal for lunch by the sea or in a park. Arranged with other nigiri and rolls, it makes a colorful plate. Some shops offer variations that add crab stick or avocado in addition to shrimp.

Access and Basic Information

The founding sushi shop is in the Matsuyama area of Miyazaki City, and a steady stream of visitors come seeking its famous lettuce maki. It is also widely handled at sushi shops and supermarket deli counters throughout the city, so it is easy to enjoy. If taking it home as a souvenir, it is best savored while fresh.

A Quick Tip

If it is your first time, start with the original simple combination of shrimp and lettuce. The harmony woven by the body of the mayonnaise, the texture of the lettuce, and the sweetness of the shrimp will tell you in a single bite why it has been loved for over half a century.