Let’s explore some of the most recent trends in the sushi scene.
Sushi started becoming a part of the “Western culture” in the 1960s and 70s. Dishes like the California roll introduced a somewhat Westernized take on traditional sushi. This adaptation was pretty successful, and it helped make sushi more appealing to European and American tastes. But, while sushi’s popularity has continued to rise towards the 90s, its deep roots in Japanese tradition have remained pristine, as it should be.
But what’s hot in the world of sushi today, in 2025? The experts today agree that today’s sushi trends reflect a dynamic between honouring the original craft and adapting to ever changing consumer preferences.
1. Plant based sushi
This has become one of the most significant shifts in the sushi industry! Sushi is traditionally dominated by seafood but nowadays sushi chefs are creating rolls using vegetables, fruits, tofu, and even plant-based “fish” products that feel and taste like tuna, salmon, and eel. Chefs are now brave enough to use jackfruit, roasted bell peppers, avocado, and marinated mushrooms to replicate the textures of fish. This goes hand in hand with a global trend of reducing meat consumption in general and offers an interesting new approach. This trend might stay and evolve since the matters of overfishing and carbon footprint remain pretty important.
2. Sushi Burritos
Can you believe this one? Basically oversized sushi rolls, sushi burritos are stuffed with rice, fish, vegetables, and sauces, then wrapped in seaweed or rice paper and served like a burrito. They remind of Temaki in a way that they represent a “fast food” version, but still sushi burritos are something new and exciting. They are visually appealing, social media loves them, and they represent a great blend of – flavour variety on one, and a substantial portion size on the other side.
3. Sushi Tacos
This is a cross-cultural dish, a beautiful fusion of Japanese and Mexican cuisine, more or less involving seaweed or wonton taco shells filled with tasty
sushi rice, raw fish, avocado, spicy mayo, and other sushi ingredients. Sushi burrito is very popular in fusion restaurants and food trucks where chefs combine ingredients and techniques from different cultures always searching new ideas and culinary adventures. Just like sushi burritos they are probably not going to become a part of sushi mainstream but still they offer a fresh approach and a fun way to dine.
4. Omakase Dining Experiences
We have recently written about Omakase – Omakase Guide – Fukuro Sushi & Sashimi Bar, and for a good reason.
Omakase means “I leave it up to you,” and it is a special dining experience where diners trust the chef to create a multi-course meal that’ll blow their minds. The chef crafts each dish on the spot, explaining the origin and preparation of each course. This creates the level of intimacy between the guests and the chef, thus enhancing the whole experience. The meal becomes more than just food—it’s an immersive experience, an unforgettable journey, personalized and authentic trip to the world of sushi delights. Communication is important, just as the food is. Try Omakase and realize why is it on the “Hot 2025 Sushi Trend List”, even though Omakase is certainly much more than a trend. It is a staple of Japanese cuisine, deeply rooted and here to stay.
5. Sushi Bowls
Sushi bowls, or “deconstructed sushi,” are just what it sounds like – bowls filled with sushi rice and topped with ingredients like raw fish, avocado, cucumber, and soy sauce. Essentially, they offer all the components of a sushi roll in a more casual, different format. Poke Bowls which originated in Hawaii helped popularize this trend and what makes it a total hit is the simplicity and flexibility combined with nutrition. It is a quick and easy solution for a high paced day!
