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.

From which country does the world’s best salmon come?

August 30, 2023 by Zoë Escher

All countries in Scandinavia have tasty salmon.
At the moment, the salmon comes primarily from Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Some salmon are better than others.

As a sushi chef, I am very particular about the quality of fish, only the best is good enough.
I use only the best fish when I hold Sushi course and Japanese cooking course. It tastes the best, but it also minimizes the risk of diseases.

The Faroe Islands are the country in the world that has the best salmon.
Salmon that have lived in the sea under the best conditions and that have had the best food throughout their upbringing.

This particular salmon is used when we make the popular Japanese dish teriyaki salmon from scratch on the course Traditionel Japanese cooking class for beginners.

Read more about the course Traditional Japanese cooking class 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 type of sushi is eaten in Europe?

August 25, 2023 by Zoë Escher

In Europe, many different types of sushi are eaten, but some of the most popular varieties are;

Nigiri Sushi is one of the most common types of sushi in Europe. It consists of a small lump of rice that has been shaped and pressed together, with a slice of raw fish, shellfish or other filling on top. It is often served with wasabi and soy sauce.

Maki sushi is rolled sushi and is popular in Europe. It consists of rice and filling that is rolled in seaweed. There are different variations of maki sushi depending on the filling and the rolling technique.

The California Roll is a western adaptation of sushi that typically contains imitation crab, cucumber and avocado. It is often rolled with rice on the outside.

Although not traditional sushi, sashimi is very popular in Europe. It consists of slices of fresh, raw fish or shellfish served without rice. It is a favorite among those who want a pure fish taste.

In Europe, there is also a growing trend to experiment with fusion sushi, combining Japanese flavors with local ingredients and techniques. This can lead to unique and exciting flavor combinations.

On the Sushi course for beginners, you learn step by step how to make tasty sushi like Japanese sushi chefs in Tokyo.

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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 are the benefits of eating Japanese food?

August 21, 2023 by Zoë Escher

There are many benefits to eating Japanese food.

Japanese cooking is rich in vegetables, fish, shellfish and whole grains, which contribute to a healthy diet.

Traditional Japanese food generally contains less fat compared to many European dishes and, this helps to maintain a healthy body weight.

Many Japanese dishes are prepared as little as possible, such as steaming, boiling or grilling, which preserves the nutrients in the food.

Japanese food, especially vegetables such as sweet potatoes, spinach, cabbage and seaweed, are often rich in antioxidants.

The Japanese food culture offers a wide range of ingredients and raw materials provide a healthy variety in the diet.

Traditional Japanese diet usually contains less red meat and more seafood.

In the Traditional Japanese Cooking Course for Beginners, you will learn step by step how to make tasty classic Japanese dishes 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.

What is a maki sushi roll?

August 2, 2023 by Zoë Escher

A maki sushi roll is defined as a rolled nori seaweed with sushi rice added with tasty ingredients.

Maki sushi rolls are made in several different sizes.*In Denmark we have two sizes. The small ones are called hosomaki and the big roll is called futomaki.

In Japan, maki sushi rolls are even larger.
At exclusive sushi restaurants in Tokyo, a maki roll is served that is 3 times as large as a classic Danish futomaki. Futomaki of that size does not contain fish, the Japanese do not eat large quantities of fish at once. It usually contains several different vegetables, omelet and other plant-based proteins.

Maki sushi rolls are known for their versatility as they allow for a wide range of flavor combinations and variations. They are also perfectly suited as take-away food, as sushi pieces keep their shape even if they are exposed to vibrations along the way.

Maki sushi rolls are one of the most popular forms of sushi and are enjoyed by sushi lovers worldwide.

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 widespread is teriyaki sauce?

July 27, 2023 by Zoë Escher

Teriyaki sauce is a popular Japanese sauce that is used for many different dishes in Japanese cuisine.

The sauce is known for its sweet and salty taste with its characteristic shine, which is achieved during cooking. It is often used to add a unique flavor to dishes with meat or fish.
The sauce is popular all over the world and is enjoyed in various contexts.

There is a big difference in the quality and taste of teriyaki sauce. The best quality and taste is obtained by making the sauce. It is not enough to make the sauce from scratch, it is just as important to use the Japanese ingredients that are suitable to making teriyaki sauce in order to create the perfect balance between sweet and salty.

In the Traditional Japanese cooking cladd for Beginners, you will learn step by step how to make this delicious sauce with the world’s best salmon.

Read more about Traditional Japanese cooking course for beginners and the tasty Japanese dishes we are making.

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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.

New – Ebook: 5 Japanese Sushi Handrolls for One

July 21, 2023 by Zoë Escher

Mini eBook: 5 Japanese Sushi Handrolls for One, will send you on a journey to the flavorful streets of Japan with five irresistible sushi handrolls made for one person.

This book is filled with simple, authentic recipes that allow you to enjoy the refreshing flavors of Japanese sushi handrolls at home. The recipes are made in such a way that it is easy to make sushi handrolls for several people.

Whether you are a sushi enthusiast or just curious about exploring Japanese culture through food, this ebook is for you.

With our mini ebook: 5 Japanese Sushi Handrolls for One, you can bring the authentic taste of Japanese sushi handrolls into your own kitchen.

These five handrolls are just the beginning of an exciting culinary journey that awaits you. Whether you are on your own, want a different dining experience or want to impress your guests, these little Japanese delights are the ideal choice.

Read more about mini ebook: 5 Japanese Sushi Handrolls 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, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

How many types of tuna can be used for sushi?

July 17, 2023 by Zoë Escher

There are several types of tuna that can be used for sushi, depending on where in the world you work as a sushi chef. Some types of tuna are not available in Europe.

Bluefin tuna is one of the most sought-after types of tuna for sushi because of its flavorful meat and fine texture. It is usually divided into different grades based on fat content, with the fattest part known as otoro and the leaner part as chutoro.

Yellowfin tuna is another popular type of tuna for sushi. It has a slightly milder flavor than bluefin tuna, but still a bit fatty with a firm texture.

Bigeye tuna is similar to yellowfin tuna and is also often used in sushi. It has a rich flavor and a firm meaty texture, but with a little more fat.

Skipjack tuna is also known as bonito. It has a meatier and firmer texture, but tends to have less fat compared to other types of tuna.

These are just some of the types of tuna that are popular in 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.

What characterizes Nigiri sushi hand technique?

July 7, 2023 by Zoë Escher

Nigiri sushi is a popular form of sushi which is known for its simplicity and elegance. Technique is used to make small hand rolled pieces of sushi consisting of a rice ball topped with fresh seafood.

It is important to use sushi rice to make nigiri sushi.

A nigiri rice ball is shaped by hand in a special way. To get a specific shape, the experienced sushi chef creates a small air bubble inside the rice ball. The sushi chef makes sure that the texture of the rice is firm enough to hold its shape. It should still soft enough to be edible and not too compact.

The sushi chef adds a small amount of wasabi directly onto a slice of fish. The slices of fish must have the correct size before placing it on the rice ball. With a few fingers and pressure the fish and rice are combined into a piece of tasty nigiri sushi.

Nigiri sushi hand technique requires care and skill to achieve the best result. An experienced sushi chef can create nigiri sushi that melts in your mouth. The perfect balance between the texture of the rice, the freshness of the fish and the taste of wasabi and soy sauce.

Read more about Sushi Chef & Sake Sommelier Zoë Escher

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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.

Should sushi be eaten in one piece?

June 28, 2023 by Zoë Escher

When it comes to eating sushi, there are different opinions on how it should be enjoyed.

Should you take one bite at a time or try to eat in one piece?

Historically, sushi in Japan has always been prepared to be eaten in one mouthful.

One of the purposes of eating sushi in one piece is that you experience the fusion of the different ingredients. By eating sushi in one piece, you get to enjoy all the ingredients at once. Sushi often contains several raw materials such as rice, seaweed, vegetables and the texture of the fish.

By taking smaller bites, you can experiment with different combinations of soy sauce and wasabi and adjust the taste to your preference.
If you eat large pieces of sushi, it can be difficult to eat the whole piece at once.
If you are not used to eat sushi, it may be more comfortable to take smaller bites at first to get used to the taste and textures.

Although sushi is traditionally prepared to be eaten in one piece, there are no set rules for how to enjoy it.

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 pieces of sushi does a sushi meal contain?

June 20, 2023 by Zoë Escher

If you’ve ever wondered how many pieces of sushi make up a full meal, you’re not alone.

Generally speaking, a typical sushi meal can consist of around 10-20 pieces of sushi. This can include a combination of sashimi, a selection and nigiri and several different sushi rolls.

It is important to note that it is not only about the number of pieces of sushi, but also about the quality and variety of the different types of sushi served. A well-balanced sushi meal will have different flavors, textures and ingredients to create a harmonious dining experience.

If you visit a traditional high-end sushi restaurant in Japan, an omakase menu is served where the chef selects a variety of sushi of his choice based on freshness, season and taste.

This can be a great way to experience different types of sushi in a composite meal.

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.