Guide
Maki vs uramaki
Maki and uramaki both wrap rice and filling into sliced rolls. The difference is the order of the outer layers, not one compulsory filling.
In standard maki, nori is normally visible outside. Uramaki turns that structure inside out, placing rice outside and nori around the filling.
Use the linked category pages and dish cards to compare real examples; sauces, sesame and toppings can still change the final appearance.
How they differ
Maki: nori on the outside
The visible dark nori layer encloses the rice and filling. Thin hosomaki and thicker futomaki are related roll formats, but they have their own catalogue categories.
Uramaki: rice on the outside
The nori sits inside around the filling, while rice forms the outer layer. Sesame, roe or another topping may cover that rice without changing the inside-out structure.
Ingredients do not define the difference
Salmon, tuna, avocado, cucumber or tempura can appear in either family. Look at the construction first and the filling second.
Why menus can be confusing
Some restaurants use maki as a broad label for all rolls, while others separate uramaki, hosomaki and futomaki. The visual structure is more reliable than the menu section alone.
Popular
Uramaki
Ebi Tempura Uramaki
Inside-out roll with tempura prawn and avocado or cucumber. Ingredients may vary depending on the restaurant.
No raw fishBold flavorNot spicy
Western rolls
Tiger Roll
Western-style roll with prawn, avocado, and optional sauce. Ingredients may vary depending on the restaurant.
No raw fishBalanced flavorNot spicy
Western rolls
Crazy Salmon Roll
Western-style roll with salmon, avocado or cream cheese, and variable sauce. Ingredients may vary depending on the restaurant.
Raw fishBold flavorMild
Maki
Salmon Avocado Maki
Maki with salmon and avocado.
Raw fishBalanced flavorNot spicy
Maki
Mixed Maki
Maki with assorted fillings.
Raw fishBalanced flavorNot spicy
Maki
Salmon Cream Cheese Maki
Maki with salmon and cream cheese.
Raw fishBalanced flavorNot spicy
Maki
Tuna Avocado Maki
Maki with tuna and avocado.
Raw fishBalanced flavorNot spicy
Maki
Vegetable Maki
Maki with avocado, cucumber, and carrot.
No raw fishDelicate flavorNot spicy
Maki
Maki Tempura
Maki with tempura filling.
No raw fishBold flavorNot spicy
Uramaki
California Uramaki
Inside-out roll with surimi or crab, avocado, and cucumber. Ingredients may vary depending on the restaurant.
No raw fishBalanced flavorNot spicy
Uramaki
Philadelphia Uramaki
Inside-out roll with salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber or avocado. Ingredients may vary depending on the restaurant.
Raw fishBold flavorNot spicy
Uramaki
Salmon Avocado Uramaki
Inside-out roll with salmon and avocado.
Raw fishBalanced flavorNot spicy
Related categories
FAQ
Is uramaki a type of maki?
It is also a roll, but SushiDex keeps it as a separate menu category because restaurants usually list it separately.