Chirashi Sushi Ritual
Chirashi sushi, meaning “scattered sushi,” is a simple Japanese dish of seasoned rice topped with fish, vegetables, and egg, often made for celebrations and shared occasions. Its beauty is in its flexibility, using what’s fresh and meaningful.
Here, it becomes more than a recipe. It’s a way to slow down, cook side by side, and create space to connect.
Chirashi Sushi
Total time: 75mins
If you’re cooking with someone, we suggest one person reads while the other cooks.
Feel free to swap these roles when it feels natural.
When you’re ready
Step 1 — Rinse and soak the rice
Slow it down:
Try noticing the feeling of the grains between your palms
What to do:
Measure ½ cup (100g) of rice per person
Place in a bowl and cover lightly with water
Gently rub the grains, then drain
Repeat 3–4 times, until the water runs mostly clear
Add fresh water (same volume as rice) and let soak for 10 minutes
Food for thought:
What’s a memory between you that makes you feel good?
Step 2 — Cook the rice
Slow it down:
Try noticing the heat of the steam rising from the pot.
What to do:
Bring rice and water to a gentle boil over medium heat
Reduce to low heat and cover
Cook for 12 minutes (lid stays on)
Turn off heat and let it steam (lid on) for 10 minutes
Food for thought:
What’s changing in you recently that hasn’t been spoken out loud?
Step 3 — Season and rest
Slow it down:
Try noticing the movement of each slice and fold of the rice.
What to do:
Transfer hot rice into a wide bowl
Add 1 tablespoon (15ml) of sushi seasoning per person
Mix gently using slicing and folding motions
Gather into a mound and cover with a damp cloth
Let cool to room temperature
Food for thought:
What’s something you do every day
that you’d like to be more present with?
Step 4 — Toppings and Sashimi
Slow it down:
Try noticing the change in texture as you slice through each ingredient
What to do:
Slice cucumber and avocado in your preferred shapes
Slice any other topping that you may have
For Sashimi
Slice in one smooth motion, pulling the knife toward you
Wipe the blade between cuts if needed
If you want to share:
What’s a small way you’ve felt cared for recently?
Step 5 — Build your sushi bowl
Slow it down:
Japanese plating draws inspiration from the natural world. Feel free to use the images below as inspiration for your plating.
What to do:
Add rice to your bowl
Arrange your toppings simply
Food for thought:
What’s something about each other that you are in awe of?
Mt Fuji, Japan
Manarola, Italy
Weeli Wolli Creek, Western Australia
Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Before you eat
Pause.
Take a breath.
Try this:
Pick up your utensil’s consciously
Take your first bite slowly
Notice texture, temperature, flavour
Carefully your utensils down and reset
If you want to share:
What did this feel like, compared to how you usually eat?
If this felt different…
This is just one part of the experience.
The full Mindful Maki ritual is designed to guide you through:
deeper conversation
a more structured flow
moments that bring you closer, without forcing it
It’s something you can return to again and again.
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