15. California Roll This roll is arguably the most famous interpretation of sushi in the entire world. The funny part is, it has very little to do with its Japanese origins or its namesake.

Out came the six-piece maki roll ($4.50), its insides a blend of finely diced cooked shrimp, Japanese mayonnaise, scallion and smelt roe. But there was a surprise inside.

Of the four rolls in the sampler, we particularly enjoyed the variety of flavors and textures of the crunchy shrimp roll.

Spicy crunchy shrimp roll is the dish of choice in the nation's capital, where residents prefer it 35 more times than average. The average District of Columbia sushi order costs $35.