How to Order Sushi Like a Pro — A Practical Guide

A well-constructed sushi meal moves from lighter to richer flavors — you don't want to start with the most intensely sauced roll and then try to taste delicate nigiri. The general sequence: start with lighter rolls or nigiri, move to richer specialty rolls, and use pickled ginger between different fish or rolls to cleanse your palate.

If you're new to sushi, start with familiar flavors and work outward. Our beginner's guide to sushi gives a specific starting framework for first-timers.

A standard sushi meal is 2–3 rolls per person for a moderate appetite, or 3–4 rolls for a larger appetite. Add a starter (Edamame, Crab Rangoon, or Volcano Chicken at Sushi Brokers) to fill out the meal without over-ordering on rolls.

At Sushi Brokers, rolls are above-average in portion size — 2 rolls + a starter is a satisfying meal for most people. During happy hour, the discounted pricing makes ordering an extra exploratory roll an easy decision. Our sushi pricing guide helps set expectations on what a full meal costs.

Ordering sushi for a group is one of the best ways to experience the menu — everyone gets to try more rolls than they would alone. The key is variety: mix cooked and raw, mild and spicy, simple and specialty. Here's a practical framework:

• 2 people: 4–5 rolls + 1 starter. Order 2 cooked, 2 raw, and 1 wildcard.
• 4 people: 6–8 rolls + 2 starters. Add a sashimi plate if the group likes raw fish.
• 6+ people: 10+ rolls + 3 starters. Order the Chef's Plate (pick 3 or pick 5) for built-in variety.

Best rolls for sharing because they're easy to split and broadly liked: Chimichanga (tempura, crowd-pleaser), Hawaiian (fresh, balanced), Rainbow (colorful, variety of fish), Las Vegas (cooked, rich), and California (mild, familiar for anyone hesitant).

If someone in your group doesn't eat raw fish, point them to our cooked sushi guide — or if they don't eat sushi at all, our guide for picky eaters lists burgers, chicken, wok bowls, and other kitchen items.

Soy sauce: Pour a small amount — don't drown your food. Dip the fish side of nigiri (not the rice side — it absorbs too much). For rolls, a light touch is sufficient. Excessive soy sauce overwhelms the fish flavor and indicates low-quality fish that needs masking.

Wasabi: Real wasabi is scarce and expensive — most restaurants use horseradish-based paste. It's meant to complement, not overpower. A small dab on the fish, or mixed lightly into soy sauce. Avoid piling it onto everything.

Pickled ginger (gari): It's a palate cleanser — eat it between different fish or rolls, not on top of them. It's not a condiment or topping, though you may see it used both ways casually.

Ordering sushi for pickup requires a bit of timing awareness — sushi is best eaten within 20–30 minutes of preparation. When you order online, try to time your pickup so you're not waiting long after the order is ready.

All three Sushi Brokers locations support online ordering: Scottsdale, Arcadia, and Gilbert. The full menu is available for pickup at each location.