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.


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.

Mini E-book: 5 Date and Oat Balls with Chocolate for One

Mini ebook: 5 date and oat balls with chocolate for one
Do you enjoy small, sweet snacks you can feel good about?

I have released a mini e-cookbook featuring 5 recipes for date and oat energy balls with chocolate, all made for one person.
The recipes are no-bake and require neither an oven nor advanced techniques.

The focus is on quality ingredients such as dates, oats, chocolate, nuts, and fruit, which together create small, satisfying bites full of flavor. You’ll find variations with both dark and white chocolate, as well as fresher, fruit-based combinations.

The e-book guides you step by step, making it easy to achieve the right consistency and a good balance between sweetness and richness.
You’ll also get inspiration for coatings and decoration, so your chocolate balls look just as inviting, whether served as a snack, dessert, or a quick energy boost during the day.

This mini e-book is ideal for anyone who loves homemade snacks in small portions and wants to indulge at just the right moment without leftovers and without waste.

Read more about the Mini e-book: 5 Date and Oat Balls with Chocolate for One

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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.

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

Sushi Chef & Sake Sommelier
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.

What kind of sushi do the Japanese prefer to order as take-away?


Well, both nigiri sushi and the large futomaki sushi rolls are popular among the Japanese. When it comes to take-away, many choose sushi rolls. However, it is not just any sushi roll.

There are many people who buy the large futomaki rolls. In the large rolls, there is room for several different types of filling. With just a few futomaki rolls you embrace the entire food pyramid.
Due to the size of the pieces, they are also easy to transport, they do not tip over so easily.

Nirigi sushi is very popular among the Japanese who are interested in eating several different fish during a meal.
Most often, nigiri sushi boxes are sold with 8 pieces of sushi.
3 of the pieces will be with 3 different kinds of fish. One will be with squid.
The last 2 will most often be vegetarian; it can be Japanese omelet and tofu.
A mixed Japanese nigiri box ensures that proteins come from several different sources without compromising on the healthy fish oil.

On the Sushi Course for Beginners, you learn step by step how to make tasty sushi that can be enjoyed on a daily basis and on special occasions.

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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.

How long can soy sauce last?


Soy sauce is fermented soybeans.

In Japan, there are as many different types of soy sauce as there is cheese in a Danish supermarket.
Yep, that’s true.

There are different types of soy sauces for the many styles in Japanese cuisine. For sushi, a specific Japanese soy sauce is used, a soy sauce that is not used for Japanese noodle soups.

All bottles naturally display a recommended expiration date indicating when the soy sauce should be used.
Since soy sauce is made from fermented soybeans, it has a very long shelf life and can usually be consumed even after the expiration date. If you’re unsure, you can always taste it to check the quality.

I store soy sauce outside the fridge too even though the bottle is open, I have always done that. So do Japanese sushi restaurants in Tokyo.

In the Sushi course for beginners, I talk more about which soy sauce is best suited for sushi.

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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.