Denmark's Most Experienced Sushi Chef Zoë Escher

2019: Zoë was the judge for the daily newspaper Politiken in connection with testing food for their readers.
2016: Zoë 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: Zoë has 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. Zoë was also guest judget at Masterchef Denmark season 3. Zoë has 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, Velux, Takeda Pharma, Haldore Topsøe, Dansk Byggeri, Deloitte, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Symphogen and many more.

How is sushi stored in the summer heat?

June 21, 2025 by Zoë Escher

Sushi is a fantastic dish that is enjoyed all year round.
Especially the bright summer evenings offer cold white wine/bubbles with delicious food. Sushi is very pleasant to eat in the summer heat. The body is not warmed by eating sushi as sushi is eaten at room temperature.

In the summer heat, it is important to store sushi in the “right” way, as the fish is eaten raw.
When you buy sushi as a take-away, it is a good idea to transport the food in a cooler bag that will extend the shelf life of the food. As soon as you get home you should put sushi in the fridge.

Sushi should be stored in the refrigerator until dinner time. Approx. 15-20 minutes before dinner time, sushi is taken out of the fridge and placed on the kitchen table without the lid.
During the 15-20 minutes, the temperature will slowly until each sushi piece have reached room temperature. Then they are ready to be eaten. Sushi should always be eaten at sushi room temperature, so you get the full taste experience of the individual pieces.

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.

Sushi class for beginners

June 20, 2025 by Zoë Escher

This course is made for anyone who wants to learn the art of making sushi from scratch.
Regardless of whether you are a beginner or have some experience, Denmark’s most experienced Japanese trained sushi chef Zoë Escher will guide you step by step through the process of preparing delicious and authentic sushi.

You learn how to boil the perfect sushi rice.
You learn about the Japanese ingredients used for sushi.
You learn about what you should be aware of when buying fish from the fishmonger.
You learn to prepare different kinds of raw materials for sushi.
You learn to make several different kinds of tasty sushi rolls.

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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Enjoy the summer with authentic Japanese sushi

June 18, 2025 by Zoë Escher

Sushi is in my opinion a summer dish.
It is the season that abounds with a large selection of fresh vegetables and fish which are perfect for sushi. Vegetables full of flavors, aromas and unique tastes and, in the right composition, offer a gastronomic experience.

At the sushi course for beginners, attendances get a professional knowledge of sushi and sushi preparation. Knowledge is not enough the attendance do also learn to use different Japanese cooking and hand techniques to produce sushi of a quality so it can be served for a dinner.
Last but not least, attendances learn to handle fish for sushi rolls. You also learn about the classic pitfall when buying fish for sushi.

There are still some available spots on Sushi course for beginners which will be held on Sunday 20 May 2018. Do not wait too long if you want to go home with home-made sushi and a glass of cold white wine.

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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.

What is the best way to store sushi in a refrigerator?

June 16, 2025 by Zoë Escher

Sushi is a dish that tends to dry out easily if it is stored the wrong way.

All ingredients used in sushi are fresh and raw.
You know it from tomatoes. If you cut a tomato allow it to lie without being wrapped properly the surface will dry. The same thing happens with sushi. It does not taste very good.

What causes sushi to dry out easily is the direct contact with air.
Sushi should be stored in an airtight container. If that is not possible, let us say you bought sushi for a dinner and it takes up a lot of space in your fridge.

The next best thing to do is to wrap cling film tightly around the sushi so that no air gets in. It is important to wrap in such a way that the individual pieces of sushi do not break.

Sushi should always be eaten at room temperature. It tastes the best.
Approx. 15 minutes before you sit down to eat, you take the sushi out of the fridge and leave it on the kitchen table (without a lid).

You do not always have to buy sushi.

On the Sushi course for beginners, you learn step by step how to make tasty sushi for everyday use and parties.

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.

How to make sushi at home?

June 13, 2025 by Zoë Escher

The most important things you should know before you start

Many people love sushi and it’s no surprise.
It’s healthy, beautiful, and full of flavor. That’s why it’s only natural that more and more people want to try making it at home.

But even though it looks simple – a bit of rice, fish, vegetables, and seaweed – it actually requires precision, knowledge, and technique if you want the result to resemble what you’d get at a good restaurant.

It looks easy – but…

If you’ve tried making sushi yourself, you may have experienced:

That the rice doesn’t stick properly
That the rolls fall apart
That the fish turns out too soft, wet, or tasteless
Or that it just… doesn’t taste the way you hoped

That’s completely normal.
Sushi is a Japanese art form based on precise techniques that have been passed down through generations.
It takes time to learn and even longer to master. But the good news is, you don’t need to be a professional to learn how to do it right.

What should you know before you start?

Here are a few things you might not be aware of:

Sushi rice must be treated using a special technique to achieve the right consistency
Your knife and cutting technique directly affect both the flavor and appearance
The type of fish you choose and how you store it is crucial for both taste and food safety
There are different styles of sushi, and each requires its own technique

These details are often overlooked in online recipes and videos and that’s exactly why many people lose motivation quickly.

Learn sushi the Japanese way – with me

In my beginner’s sushi course, you’ll learn:

How to choose and prepare sushi rice properly (it’s absolutely essential)
How to buy fish that’s suitable for sushi
How to understand the ingredients and how they work together
How to shape and roll sushi using professional techniques
How to make beautiful and flavorful sushi you’ll be proud to serve

I’ve taught thousands of students from curious home cooks to professionals and I’ll guide you through the entire process with confidence and care.

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.

What is the benefit of eating sushi rolls?

June 10, 2025 by Zoë Escher

One of the biggest advantages of sushi rolls is the unique taste experience they offer.
Each sushi roll is like a small work of art with a harmonious combination of taste and texture.
From the fresh fish to the carefully prepared rice and crisp vegetables, every bite gives you an exciting experience.

Sushi rolls are not only a delicious meal, but they can also be a healthy part of your diet. Fish used in sushi rolls such as salmon and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the body.

Another advantage of sushi rolls is the endless variety and possibility of customization. From classic rolls such as California Roll and Sushi roll with salmon to more experimental combinations, sushi rolls can be adapted to suit every taste.

Whether you are vegetarian, vegan or have specific dietary requirements, there is always a sushi roll that suits you.

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.

What types of vegetables do sushi chefs use in Tokyo when making sushi rolls?

June 9, 2025 by Zoë Escher

Japanese sushi chefs in Tokyo use different kinds of vegetables when making sushi rolls.

In Japan, local vegetables are often used when making sushi rolls.
There are some vegetables that are more popular than others. They are part of Japanese culture and have a very special meaning for the people.

Shiitake mushrooms and pickled Japanese plums are often used in sushi rolls.

Shiitake mushrooms are marinated before being used for sushi. In sushi restaurants in Tokyo, they are used in large sushi rolls also called futomaki.

Pickled plums with a slightly salty taste are a delicacy in Japan. It adds unique flavors and aromas to food. Pickled plums are also used in sushi rolls. In sushi restaurants in Tokyo, they are used in the smallest sushi roll also called hosomaki.

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.

Which countries produce sushi rice?

June 6, 2025June 6, 2025 by Zoë Escher

There are several countries in the world that produce sushi rice. Japan of course and China, Korea and the United States do also produce sushi rice.

There is quite a big difference between the sushi rice produced in the different countries. The rice grain itself can vary in size and, of course, it has an influence on cooking the rice.

However, I have most experience with using sushi rice which is either produced in Japan or also in the USA. Since these types of sushi rice varieties I learned to cook to perfection when I was trained for Japanese sushi chef.

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.

How many different kinds of tuna do sushi restaurants have in Japan?

June 3, 2025June 3, 2025 by Zoë Escher

In Japan, sushi restaurants have several different kinds of tuna on the menu. In Japan, fish is the main source of protein and fish oil. During a week, the Japanese eat a lot of fish. They eat as much fish as meat is eaten in Europe.

Like so many others, the Japanese are happy to be able to choose from several different fish. One of the fish that stands out is the tuna. The meat on the tuna tastes very different depending on where it sits on the fish. Tuna from the stomach is called toro, it is fat light pink tuna and, is an exclusive eat.
Low-fat tuna which is bright red in color is called Akami, it sits at the spine. That piece is used for sashimi and nigiri pieces. That way, the meat pieces can be prepared and eaten in different ways.

The reason why sushi restaurants in Japan have several different pieces of tuna to choose from is that most of the tuna in the world lands at the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo, which is the largest 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 is the purpose of pickled ginger for sushi?

May 30, 2025 by Zoë Escher

Most people enjoy pickled ginger when eating sushi. It is a regular accompaniment on the sushi plate.

In Japan, ginger is a staple in the Japanese kitchen, much like salt and pepper in Danish cuisine.

Thousands of years ago, the Japanese began pickling ginger. At that time, refrigerators did not exist, and pickling was the best way to preserve vitamins and extend shelf life.

The purpose of pickled ginger with sushi is to cleanse the palate between pieces. This happens naturally when eating ginger. Its strong and spicy flavor stimulates the senses and leaves the mouth ready to enjoy the next piece of sushi.

However, it is not a must to eat ginger between sushi pieces.

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.