Take a bit of cucumber, imitation crab and avocado. Wrap in rice and sprinkle with fish eggs. Chop into six pieces and serve with soy sauce.

The California roll, indeed a vile-sounding concoction, was actually the catalyst that helped transform sushi from an obscure Japanese delicacy into a mainstream treat for US masses. It is the reason why a sushi counter can be found inside the Wal-Mart Supercentre in Plano, Texas.