What is the difference between a sushi roll and hand roll?

Sushi Roll:

* Shape: Cylindrical, usually cut into bite-sized pieces.

* Preparation: Rice and fillings are rolled together in a sheet of nori seaweed using a bamboo mat (makisu). The roll is then sliced into individual pieces.

* Examples: California roll, Philadelphia roll, Rainbow roll.

Hand Roll (Temaki):

* Shape: Conical, resembling a cone.

* Preparation: Rice and fillings are wrapped in a sheet of nori seaweed using the hand, creating a cone shape. It is not sliced, but rather eaten whole.

* Examples: Salmon hand roll, tuna hand roll, shrimp hand roll.

Here's a table summarizing the differences:

| Feature | Sushi Roll | Hand Roll (Temaki) |

|------------------|-------------------|---------------------|

| Shape | Cylindrical | Conical |

| Preparation | Rolled with a mat | Wrapped by hand |

| Slicing | Sliced into pieces | Eaten whole |

| Size | Bite-sized | Larger, hand-held |

In addition to the above, some other distinctions include:

* Rice: Sushi rolls typically use vinegared rice that is more tightly packed than hand rolls.

* Fillings: Both types can have various fillings, but hand rolls often have simpler fillings due to their shape.

* Texture: Hand rolls are generally softer in texture because the rice is less tightly packed.

Ultimately, both sushi rolls and hand rolls are delicious and enjoyable ways to experience the flavors of Japanese cuisine. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference.