Learn to Make Sushi and Japanese Food with Denmark’s Most Experienced Sushi Chef and Sake Sommelier

Discover exclusive sushi and Japanese cooking classes held in Copenhagen, as well as at private homes and companies across Denmark.
Whether you’re a curious beginner, a food enthusiast, or a company interested in Japanese gastronomy, you’ll learn authentic techniques and flavors from the Japanese kitchen shared with calmness, presence, and many years of experience.

“In Japan, you never stop learning. In 2012, I was introduced to a Japanese nigiri hand technique that takes 20 years to master – I find that fascinating. Sushi is a dish that isn’t cooked; the sharpness of your knife and your technique determine the quality of the finished sushi.” – Zoë Escher

What Customers Say
“It was a pleasure having you visit 😊
I’ve received so much lovely feedback from the participants they had a fun and educational evening.”
– Maria

“Wow! Yet another wonderful evening in your company 😃
You are AMAZING at conveying knowledge, and the results were once again a fantastic experience. All the participants were VERY enthusiastic!”
– Tanja

Recognition
2019: Judge for the daily newspaper Politiken in connection with testing food for their readers.
2016: Held the official opening speech and opened the fair Formland Spring in Messecenter Herning in Denmark. At the opening of the fair there were 49 people from the press, 20 VIP and 271 exhibitors.
2015: Made sushi and Japanese dishes as private dining at home of US ambassador in Denmark Rufus Gifford.
2013: Rated as Denmark’s sushi expert no. 1 by gourmet supermarket chain Irma.
2013: Guest judget at Masterchef Denmark season 3.
2013: Made sushi and Japanese dishes as staff food to the 3 star Michelin restaurant

Zoë is known from Danish magazines and TV such as Copenhagen Food, ALT for Damerne, Berlingske, Femina, IN, Mad & Bolig, TV3 and the consumer council magazine “THINK”.

Reference: Restaurant Geranium***, A.P. Møller – Mærsk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Ikea, Novartis, Capgemini, VELUX, Takeda Pharma, Haldore Topsøe, Dansk Byggeri, Deloitte, Gorrissen Federspiel, Man Energy Solutions, Symphogen and many more.

For the Danish version of this website click on Zoë Escher – Det Autentiske japanske køkken


5 vegetarian Japanese noodles soups for one

See the full selection of mini e-cookbooks with 5 recipes for 1 person here on the website. Price: 45 DKK.


Sushi is your shortcut to more vegetables

Futomaki
Many of us would like to eat more vegetables on a daily basis. Vegetables are full of important vitamins, minerals and fibre, all of which contribute to a healthy body.
In a busy everyday life, it can be challenging to eat the recommended vegetables. If you are looking for a delicious and easy way to get more vegetables into your diet, sushi could be your shortcut.

Although many people think of fish when they hear the word “sushi”, vegetables are also an essential part of this wonderful dish. From fresh cucumbers and avocado to steamed asparagus and marinated radish – sushi offers a world of vegetables presented in a new and exciting way.

Eating raw vegetables is healthier than cooked vegetables. The various raw vegetables used in sushi boost your body with vitamins.

Not only do you get lots of vegetables with sushi, but the seaweed nori, which is often used to make sushi rolls, is full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This makes sushi both tasty and healthy to eat.

Sushi is more than just raw fish.

On the Sushi course for beginners, you learn step by step how to make tasty sushi from scratch.

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Zoë has held sushi courses and cooking classes for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

Course – Japanese Noodle Soup for Beginners

Learn how to prepare delicate and authentic Japanese ramen noodle soup using ingredients and produce commonly used by Japanese chefs.
In Japan, soup is not just soup, it is the nation’s preferred fast food and an essential part of everyday cuisine, rich in vitamins and minerals.

To create the best ramen soup, it is important to master the classic fish stock dashi from scratch, just as Japanese chefs in Tokyo do.
In this course, you will learn how to make dashi from scratch and explore the essential techniques and ingredients of Japanese noodle soup.

Japanese noodle soup for beginnersAbout the Course

By participating in the course, you will learn step by step how to work with Japanese ingredients. These ingredients create the unique flavors and aromas characteristic of authentic Japanese ramen.
You will also be introduced to Japanese food culture and the Japanese people’s favorite dish: noodle soup.

You will work with ingredients such as kombu, bonito flakes, and miso paste.
You will also learn which types of noodles are best suited to different soups.
In addition, you will practice classic Japanese cooking techniques while learning how to properly cut and prepare vegetables, meat, and soy products.

Step by step, you will prepare two delicious and healthy soups from scratch using dashi.
You will make one ramen and one udon.

Read more about the cooking course Japanese noodle soup for beginners

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Zoë has held sushi courses and cooking classes for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Capgemini, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

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Is porridge suitable for sushi?

Sushi chef & sake sommerlier Zoë Escher

There are many different types of rice, and pudding rice is just one of them.
A question I am frequently asked is whether pudding rice can be used for sushi. My immediate answer is no even though pudding rice also falls into the category of short-grain rice.

That said, I should mention that I have not personally tried making sushi with pudding rice. However, I have made rice pudding many times, and the texture of cooked pudding rice is noticeably different from that of properly cooked sushi rice.

While it might not be something most people think about, the texture of the rice has a significant impact on the overall taste experience. If the sushi rice does not have the right consistency, it can affect the entire dish. Sushi rice plays a key role in the quality of sushi. It should be tender yet firm, never undercooked in the center, and certainly not overcooked. Achieving this requires a specific type of short-grain rice that is cultivated especially for sushi.

In our beginner sushi course, you will learn which types of rice are best suited for sushi and how to cook them properly to achieve sushi rice of the highest quality.

Read more about Sushi course for beginners

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Zoë has lectured and held sushi courses for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

What Scandinavian fish do the Japanese love?


Yep, it’s good enough.
There is a fish species in Scandinavia which is imported to Japan. It is the fish that most people in Denmark like, namely salmon.

In Scandinavia, the selection of high quality salmon is very large freshly caught salmon from the Faroe Islands and Norway land daily in Denmark and wild salmon from Iceland on a regular basis.
The salmon is of such a good quality that Japanese fish importers have visited Scandinavia to take a closer look at the fish.

Salmon is a fish that is not found in the wild in Japan. It is a tropical climate in the latitudes where completely different fish species thrive and which are not available in Denmark.

The Scandinavian salmon is very popular in Japan and, found in the refrigerated counter at supermarkets throughout the country.

At the Sushi course for beginners, you learn how to make delicious and tasty sushi with the coveted Faroese salmon. Of course, it is not just any Faroese salmon it is the best in the world.

Read more about Sushi course for beginners

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Zoë has lectured and held sushi courses for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

What’s the difference between sushi in Denmark and Japan?

Sushi chef & sake sommerlier Zoë Escher

Sushi in Denmark: Full of Variety and Flavor

There’s a big difference between the sushi you’ll find in Denmark and the traditional sushi served in Japan.

In Denmark, sushi is typically made with 3–6 different types of fish and seafood, used to create both sushi rolls and nigiri. The selection of rolls is large, and at most restaurants, there’s something for every taste.

It’s also very common for Danish sushi to be topped with various ingredients anything from chili mayo to seaweed adding extra flavor and visual appeal.

Most sushi chefs in Denmark are trained locally, which means that the techniques, ingredients, and overall approach differ from what’s used in Japan. That’s why sushi in Denmark often tastes quite different from the kind you’d find in, say, Tokyo.

Sushi in Japan: Focused on Quality and Simplicity

In Japan, sushi is all about quality and simplicity. The focus is first and foremost on perfectly prepared rice and the freshest, highest-quality fish.

That’s one reason why it takes many years to become a skilled sushi chef in Japan, because there’s nothing to hide behind. Every detail must be just right and in perfect balance.

Japanese sushi restaurants follow the seasons closely and use fish, seafood, and vegetables that are in season. You’ll often find 15–25 different types of fish and seafood used for nigiri, which is the most popular type of sushi in Japan.

Toppings are used sparingly perhaps just a touch of salt or a bit of grated lime to enhance the flavor without overpowering the fish.

Japanese sushi chefs are trained in Japan and use different techniques and ingredients to highlight the pure, delicate flavors. This is exactly why sushi tastes different in Japan.

Learn to Make Sushi Like in Tokyo

At our Beginner Sushi Course, you’ll learn step-by-step how to make sushi using the same ingredients and techniques as Japanese chefs in Tokyo and with the most popular types of fish for sushi.

That way, you can enjoy delicious, homemade sushi whenever you’re in the mood!

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Zoë has lectured and held sushi courses for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

Sushi Course for Beginners – Learn Sushi Like Japanese Sushi Chefs in Tokyo

sushi

Do you want to learn how to make sushi using the same techniques mastered by sushi chefs in Tokyo?
Then this course is for you!

At Denmark’s only sushi course taught by a Japanese-trained sushi chef, you will be taught by Zoë Escher, who was trained by a Japanese sushi master from Tokyo. She brings the authentic Japanese sushi tradition directly to your kitchen in Copenhagen.

You won’t just learn how to roll sushi, you’ll learn to understand the ingredients, techniques, and philosophy behind sushi, exactly as sushi chefs in Tokyo do.

On the course, you will learn, among other things:

  • How to prepare sushi rice so it has the perfect consistency and flavor.
  • How to use Japanese ingredients that give sushi its authentic aroma.
  • How to choose fish and shellfish using the same criteria sushi experts look for.
  • The most important cutting techniques and ingredient preparations.
  • How to make three classic types of rolls:
    • Hosomaki (small rolls)
    • Uramaki (inside-out rolls)
    • Futomaki (large rolls)

… and much more.

The course takes place in Copenhagen, where you’ll enjoy a cozy and educational afternoon – and of course, plenty of sushi to enjoy afterwards.

Please read more about the cooking class  Sushi for beginners
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Zoë has held sushi courses and cooking classes for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

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Therefore, Japanese sushi seaweed is so healthy!

Most people have heard that eating seaweeds are healthy. And that’s it.
There are more and more companies that sells seaweed to consumers.

However, I am a little skeptical.
It does matter where the seaweed are picked. There are areas that are contaminated.

Therefore, I continue to eat seaweed Nori for sushi.
Seaweed for sushi is grown as oats grow on a Danish soil. That’s why I know that the quality is okay.

In addition, sushi seaweed is the vegetable in the world that contains most minerals and vitamins.

At Sushi course for beginners I talk a lot more about seaweed.

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Zoë has held sushi courses and cooking classes for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

Sushi course – A tasty start to the new year with health

The New Year is a time when many of us set goals to improve our lifestyle and health. A great way to kick-start the new year is by taking a sushi course. Not only is sushi delicious, but it is also a healthy and nutritious way to eat.

Sushi is known for being light, low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals and omega 3 from tasty fish. By learning how to make sushi yourself, you not only get the pleasure of enjoying this delicate dish, but you also get the opportunity to decide which ingredients are used and adapt the sushi to your favorites.

During a sushi course, you will be introduced to the art of preparing rice, cutting fish and rolling sushi. It is not only fun, but also a nice way to acquire skills that you can benefit from for the rest of the year.

Sushi course is also a social experience where you can participate with friends or family.

So why not make it your New Year’s resolution to explore the art of sushi?

Read more about Sushi course for beginners

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Zoë has held sushi courses and cooking classes for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

In Japan, sushi restaurants only uses fish that are in season

In Japan, Japanese sushi chefs have a different view of fish. From childbirth Japanese children learn to eat all the ocean has to offer.
As a restaurant guest in Japan you will find that the menu in sushi restaurants looks different.

It is very normal that there are approx. 20 different kinds of seafood on the menu. In addition, the Japanese sushi restaurants replace the menu card several times a year.

This is because many fish can only be obtained in certain months over a year. Some fish species have to swim many kilometers every year, for example, to spawn.

If a fish is not in season it is not on the menu card.

At Sushi course for beginners you learn to cook tasty sushi with the most sought after fish for sushi in Denmark.

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Zoë has lectured and held sushi courses for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

Which fish is the healthiest to eat?

Sushi chef & sake sommelier Zoë Escher
Salmon is the healthiest fish. There are several reasons for this.
It is a fish that is described as fatty fish in the healthy way. It has a high content of omega 3, which belongs to the healthy fatty acids that are vital for the body.
Salmon also has a high content of protein 200 grams of salmon contains 44 grams of protein. Salmon is a booster for your health.

The Japanese population eats as much seafood as Europeans eat meat. In Japan, the variety of different types of fish is large, so most Japanese follow the season for fish.
During the year, the Japanese eat fish with a high content of omega 3 and at other times, they eat fish and shellfish which are not fatty, but instead contain other types of vitamins and minerals.

As a side dish, the Japanese eat many vegetables and cabbage prepared in different ways.

On the Sushi course for beginners, you learn step by step how to make tasty sushi with the most popular fish.

Read more about Sushi course for beginners

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Zoë has lectured and held sushi courses for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.