How many types of sushi are there?

It's impossible to give an exact number for how many types of sushi there are. Here's why:

* Endless Variations: Sushi is constantly evolving, with chefs creating new and innovative combinations of ingredients and techniques.

* Regional Differences: Each region of Japan has its own unique sushi styles and preferences.

* Personal Preferences: Sushi chefs often cater to individual tastes and preferences, creating custom rolls and variations.

However, we can broadly categorize sushi into a few main types:

* Nigirizushi: This is the classic sushi we often think of, with vinegared rice topped with a piece of raw fish or other ingredients.

* Makizushi: This includes rolls like the popular California roll, where rice and fillings are wrapped in seaweed (nori).

* Temaki: Hand-rolled cones of seaweed filled with rice and ingredients.

* Inarizushi: Deep-fried tofu pockets filled with seasoned rice.

* Chirashizushi: A bowl of rice topped with various ingredients, often served for celebrations.

* Gunkanmaki: "Battleship rolls" with a seaweed wrap filled with rice and topped with something like uni (sea urchin).

Beyond these categories, there are countless variations, such as:

* Sashimi: Thinly sliced raw fish served without rice.

* Nigiri-zushi: Rice formed into a ball, topped with various ingredients (not just fish).

* Oshizushi: Pressed sushi, where ingredients are layered in a mold.

So, while a specific number is elusive, the world of sushi offers a vast and diverse range of flavors and styles to explore.