The name Sushi needs no introduction. It is perhaps the most popular Japanese dish that is eaten both as a casual daily meal as well as on occasions such as celebrations. It is a dish that is made of rice with a sprinkling of vinegar. There is another Asian dish that is fast becoming popular in America, and that is Kimbap. There are many similarities in Kimbap and Sushi, so much so that many who eat Kimbap for the first time think of it as a variation of sushi. However, despite similarities, there are differences between Kimbap and sushi that will be talked about in this article.
Sushi
The rice dish of Japan called sushi is very popular across the world. The main ingredients of sushi are rice and vinegar though seafood, mostly fish, is found in sushi prepared to be consumed during celebrations and in restaurants serving it. Sushi means sour, and it reflects the historical fact that fish was fermented in sour tasting rice. This ancient dish was called narezushi which is what is eaten with fervor all over the world as sushi.
Kimbap
Kimbap, also called Gimbap, is a dish made in Korea using steamed rice. Rice is wrapped inside gim and served as a single bite dish. It is a casual dish that is taken as a snack by people during picnics and also in the form of light lunch. Kimbap is not a very old Korean dish and is evolved during the time of Japanese rule in the early part of the 20th century. There are many different varieties of Kimbap made and eaten in Korea, but the basic ingredient of all Kimbap remains the rice and the seaweed that is called Gim. One can find fish, eggs, and even vegetables inside the wrapping called Kimbap. Different rice varieties can be used to make this dish. Rice is usually seasoned with salt and oil.
Kimbap vs Sushi
• Kimbap is a Korean dish whereas Sushi is a dish of Japanese origin
• Sushi is more popular across the world than Kimbap
• Sushi is very ancient, whereas Kimbap evolved in Korea under Japanese rule in the 20th century
• Because of sushi’s popularity, there are many people who label Kimbap as Korean sushi
• Sushi makes use of large quantities of vinegar that added to rice whereas in Kimbap sesame oil is used
• Kimbap does not contain raw fish like sushi
• Kimbap is seaweed rice, whereas sushi is vinegar rice