If you’re a crossword fan, chances are you’ve come across the cryptic clue: “Sushi order topped with salmon” in the New York Times crossword. It sounds straightforward, but it stumps many solvers.
✅ Correct Answer: ALASKAROLL
This clue appeared in the September 12, 2024 NYT crossword puzzle and has since become a trending topic for solvers who love food-related wordplay.
Quick Clue Breakdown
| Clue | Answer | NYT Puzzle Date | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sushi order topped with salmon | ALASKAROLL | September 12, 2024 | A sushi roll commonly topped with salmon in the U.S. |
Why “Alaska Roll”? Here’s the Logic
Let’s dissect the clue:
- “Sushi order” implies the answer is a specific type of sushi.
- “Topped with salmon” tells us the sushi has visible salmon on top, not hidden inside.
- The Alaska Roll is a perfect fit. It typically includes:
- Crab meat or imitation crab
- Avocado
- Cucumber
- Topped with raw salmon slices
So not only is it an actual menu item, but the clue also literally describes it.
The Crossword Setter’s Trick
This clue is a classic example of the NYT’s clever misdirection. Many solvers guess:
- Nigiri
- Sashimi
- Salmon Roll
…but none of them match the letter count or the topping reference precisely. Only Alaska Roll fits all the criteria.
Sushi Culture Meets Crossword Culture
Interestingly, food references in NYT crossword puzzles have increased dramatically over the past few years. Clues now reflect:
- Modern dining trends
- International cuisines
- Culturally relevant dishes
It shows that food, especially sushi, has become a linguistic landmark—both on menus and in puzzles.
Popular Sushi-Related NYT Clues & Answers
Here’s a helpful table of sushi-related crossword clues from NYT and their common answers, including the trending clue “sushi order topped with salmon”:
| Clue | Answer | Meaning / Food Item |
|---|---|---|
| Sushi order topped with salmon | ALASKAROLL | Roll with salmon topping |
| Fish in a sushi roll | TUNA | Common sushi filling |
| Sushi slice | SASHIMI | Raw fish without rice |
| Green sushi condiment | WASABI | Spicy Japanese horseradish |
| Japanese rice-and-seaweed wrap | MAKI | Traditional sushi roll |
What Is an Alaska Roll, Really?
If you’re hungry now, you’re not alone. The Alaska Roll is a Western-style sushi invention and typically includes:
- Imitation crab (or real crab)
- Avocado & cucumber
- Fresh raw salmon on top
It’s not traditional Japanese sushi, but it’s become a staple in sushi restaurants across the U.S. and Canada.
SEO Pro Tip for Crossword Bloggers
If you’re covering crossword clues on your blog, make sure to:
- Include the clue, answer, date, and explanation
- Add related clues for user retention
- Use tables for clear UX
- Target both “nyt crossword clue” and “sushi clue nyt” keyword variations
This structure improves engagement and search ranking.
TL;DR – The Final Word
| Clue | Sushi order topped with salmon |
|---|---|
| Puzzle | NYT Crossword, Sep 12, 2024 |
| Answer | ALASKAROLL |
| Why? | It’s a roll with visible salmon topping |
Never Miss a Clue Again
Want more crossword explanations like this? Subscribe to our daily breakdowns, puzzle hacks, and trending clues to sharpen your solving game.
