Celebrate International Sushi Day: Classic, Vegan, and Perfectly Paired

Every year on 18 June, food lovers across the globe mark International Sushi Day—a celebration of one of Japan’s most iconic and artistic culinary exports. 

From delicate nigiri to colourful maki rolls, sushi brings together flavour, precision, and presentation in perfect harmony. 

And thankfully, this celebration isn’t just for fish lovers—vegan sushi has taken centre stage in recent years, making sushi more inclusive, diverse, and creative than ever.

Here’s how to celebrate International Sushi Day in style, whether you're planning a dinner party, heading to your favourite sushi bar, or trying your hand at homemade rolls.

The Many Faces of Sushi

Sushi isn't just raw fish on rice—it’s a category of food with endless variations. The most popular types include:

Nigiri – slices of fish or toppings over hand-formed rice

Maki – rolled sushi wrapped in nori (seaweed)

Temaki – cone-shaped hand rolls

Uramaki – inside-out rolls with rice on the outside

Sashimi – thin slices of raw fish served without rice

Vegan Sushi for Everyone

Vegan sushi is more than a substitute—it’s an evolution of sushi artistry. Here are some popular and easy-to-make vegan fillings:

Avocado and cucumber maki – light, crisp, and creamy

Sweet potato tempura rolls – crunchy and comforting

Tofu or tempeh nigiri – protein-packed and flavourful

Pickled radish and carrot rolls – tangy and vibrant

Mushroom “scallop” nigiri – pan-seared king oyster mushrooms mimic the texture of shellfish

Top tip: Use sushi rice seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, and experiment with ingredients like sesame seeds, vegan mayo, sriracha, and fresh herbs to elevate the flavour.

Drink Pairings to Complement Your Sushi

Pairing sushi with the right beverage enhances the experience. Whether you're serving traditional rolls or vegan delights, here are some drinks to try:

Classic Pairings:

Sake – Junmai or Ginjo varieties pair well with clean, simple sushi flavours.

Japanese beer – Crisp lagers like Asahi or Sapporo cut through the richness of oily fish or fried components.

Green tea – Refreshing, palate-cleansing, and caffeine-boosting.

Vegan-Friendly Favourites:

Sparkling wine – Light and bubbly prosecco or cava works beautifully with vegan tempura rolls.

Chilled white wine – Sauvignon blanc or dry riesling pair well with citrusy or pickled fillings.

Kombucha – Adds a probiotic kick and goes well with spicy vegan rolls.

Alcohol-Free Options:

Yuzu soda – Bright and citrusy with a uniquely Japanese twist.

Coconut water – Mild and cooling for spicy or salty sushi combinations.

Make It a Celebration

Whether you're dining solo or hosting a group, here’s how to make International Sushi Day extra special:

Host a DIY sushi night – Lay out nori, rice, fillings, and rolling mats for a hands-on experience.

Try something new – Visit a sushi restaurant and order something you’ve never tried before.

Support local makers – Order from independent or artisan sushi chefs, especially those offering vegan or fusion options.

Share the love – Post your sushi creations on social media with the hashtag #InternationalSushiDay.

Final Thoughts

International Sushi Day is the perfect excuse to indulge, experiment, and celebrate the incredible versatility of sushi. Whether you’re sticking to tradition or embracing bold vegan twists, it’s all about enjoying beautifully crafted bites with good company and a great drink in hand.

乾杯 Kanpai! Or Cheers as we say!