Sushi Course with Sushi Chef Zoë Escher

Japanese Noodle Soup – A Beloved Dish with a Rich Tradition

October 8, 2026 by Zoë Escher

In Japan, noodle soup holds a special place in the food culture. The Japanese love for noodle soup can be compared to the Danish love for traditional meatballs. It is a classic everyday dish that many people grow up eating. It can be enjoyed all year round.

Japanese chefs are often familiar with noodle soup and the techniques used to create a delicious bowl. The broth is especially important, as it provides the rich and deep flavors that make the soup so special.

There is not just one type of Japanese noodle soup. In fact, there are many different varieties. Each noodle shop often has its own recipe and special way of preparing the broth. Just like Danish meatballs, chefs have their own little secrets that make their version unique.

Although recipes vary, Japanese noodle soups share some common traditions. Balance, umami, and high-quality ingredients are at the heart of Japanese cooking.

Japanese noodle soups are also different from Chinese and Vietnamese noodle soups. Each country has its own food traditions, ingredients, and flavor combinations. These differences give each soup its unique character.

Learn more about the Japanese Noodle Soup Cooking Class for Beginners

_
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.

Japanese Noodle Soup Course for Beginners

October 5, 2026 by Zoë Escher

Learn how to make delicious and authentic Japanese ramen using ingredients commonly used by Japanese chefs.

In Japan, noodle soup is much more than just soup. It is a popular dish and an important part of Japanese food culture.

To make delicious ramen, it is essential to master the classic Japanese fish stock, dashi, from scratch – just as Japanese chefs do.

During the course, you will learn how to make dashi from scratch. You will also be introduced to the techniques and ingredients that define Japanese noodle soup.

About the Course

Step by step, you will learn how to work with Japanese ingredients that create the unique flavours and aromas of authentic ramen. You will also gain insight into Japanese food culture and the special place noodle soup holds in Japan.

You will work with ingredients such as kombu, bonito flakes and miso paste. You will learn which noodles are best suited to different types of soup. You will also practise classic Japanese cooking techniques and learn how to prepare and cut vegetables, meat and soy products correctly.

Step by step, you will make two delicious noodle soups from scratch using dashi – one ramen and one udon noodle soup.

Read more about the Japanese noodle soup for beginners

_
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.

Gem

What is the most popular type of noodle soup in Japan?

October 1, 2026 by Zoë Escher

There are many different types of noodle soup in Japan. But one of the most popular is without a doubt ramen.

Ramen is served all over Japan, from small and cosy ramen shops to larger restaurants. Small ramen shops are especially popular because they are easy to find and offer a quick and tasty meal. It often takes just a few minutes from placing your order until a hot and delicious bowl of ramen is served.

One thing that makes Japanese ramen shops so special is their recipes. Many shops have their own way of preparing ramen. Some recipes have been passed down through generations and refined over the years. This means that the taste and experience can vary greatly from one ramen shop to another.

On our Japanese noodle soup course for beginners, you will learn how to make two different noodle soups from scratch. One of them is a classic ramen. You will learn about the flavours and techniques used to create the kind of ramen you can enjoy in Tokyo.

You do not need any previous cooking experience. The course is for anyone who would like to learn more about Japanese cooking and make a delicious bowl of noodle soup full of flavour.

Learn more about our Japanese noodle soup course for beginners

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

What Makes Japanese Sushi Authentic?

September 23, 2026September 22, 2026 by Zoë Escher

At first glance, authentic Japanese sushi may look a little plain. You rarely see many ingredients, elaborate garnishes, or strong sauces. Instead, the focus is on simplicity. Fish, rice, and skilled craftsmanship are at the heart of Japanese sushi.

This simplicity places high demands on the sushi chef. When only a few ingredients are used, there is little room for error. The rice needs the right texture, flavor, and temperature. The fish must also be cut correctly. Japanese cutting techniques vary depending on the type of fish.

Preparation is just as important. Traditional Japanese techniques help bring out the best in each ingredient. They also influence the flavor, texture, and appearance of the sushi.

This is one reason why it takes many years to become a skilled sushi chef. A simple dish can require a great deal of technique, precision, and experience.

In the Sushi Course for Beginners, you will discover the Japanese approach to sushi. You will learn about Japanese ingredients and essential cooking techniques. You will also learn how to prepare sushi rice correctly and make delicious sushi at home.

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

Seaweed for sushi – why nori is so special

September 18, 2026 by Zoë Escher

Most people have heard that seaweed is good for you. But did you know that the seaweed used for sushi is also a very interesting ingredient? It offers both flavour and nutrients.

More and more restaurants in Europe are using seaweed in their dishes. One reason is its unique flavour. Seaweed can also be used in many different ways.

The seaweed most commonly used for sushi is called nori. It is grown in the sea. After harvesting, it is processed into the thin, dark sheets that most people associate with sushi.

Nori is known for its distinctive umami flavour. It plays an important role in the overall taste of sushi. Seaweed also naturally contains a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Not all nori is the same. Quality, flavour, colour and texture can vary. The nori you choose can therefore make a difference to the overall sushi experience.

Seaweed is not simply something that holds a sushi roll together. It is an important ingredient that deserves a little more attention.

On my Sushi Course for Beginners, you will learn more about the seaweed used for sushi. You will also discover what to look for when choosing nori and how different ingredients contribute to great sushi.

How long can sushi be kept in the fridge?

August 27, 2026 by Zoë Escher

Sushi has a much shorter shelf life than many other Japanese dishes. For this reason, it is best to eat sushi on the same day it is bought or prepared.

There are several good reasons for this.

Raw fish is an important ingredient in many types of sushi. It is highly perishable and needs to be kept properly chilled. Just like beef tartare, it is best enjoyed fresh. This is better for both quality and food safety.

Avocado is another ingredient that quickly loses its freshness. Most people have seen half an avocado turn brown after a night in the fridge. The same can happen to the avocado in sushi.

Sushi rice also changes over time. After a day in the fridge, the rice often becomes harder and less pleasant to eat. This can affect the overall taste and texture.

In a Sushi course for beginners, you will learn how to make fresh and delicious sushi. You can enjoy it for lunch or dinner and, of course, while it is at its best.

Can you use any fish for sushi?

August 11, 2026 by Zoë Escher

Yes and no.

Many different types of fish can be used for sushi. However, not all fish are suitable for sushi.

When making sushi, it is not enough to simply consider the type of fish you buy. There are several things to keep in mind when fish is going to be eaten raw.

Which fish should you choose for sushi?

Salmon and tuna are probably the fish most people associate with sushi. But there are other types of fish that can be used as well.

However, this does not mean that you can buy just any salmon, tuna, or other fish and use it raw for sushi.

Fish can vary greatly. How the fish has been handled before it reaches you also matters. That is why it is important to know what to look for when choosing fish for homemade sushi.

This is one of those areas where a little knowledge can make a big difference.

In my Sushi Course for Beginners, you will learn more about the fish used for sushi. You will also learn what to consider when buying and preparing fish for sushi at home.

This will make it easier to make the right choices when buying fish for your homemade sushi.

Which countries produce sushi rice?

July 31, 2026 by Zoë Escher

Several countries around the world produce rice for sushi.

Japan is, of course, at the top of the list. In addition to Japan, China, South Korea, and the United States also produce sushi rice.

There are significant differences between the rice varieties grown in these countries. The size of the rice grains can vary depending on where the rice is cultivated. It is important to keep this in mind, as it can affect how the rice should be cooked.

My experience is mainly with sushi rice produced in Japan and the United States. This is largely because these are the varieties that have been available in the stores where I shop in Copenhagen.

Read more about Sushi course for beginners

_
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.

Can pudding rice be used for sushi?

June 25, 2026 by Zoë Escher

There are many different types of rice, and pudding rice is just one of them.

A question I am often asked is whether pudding rice can be used for sushi. My immediate answer is no, even though pudding rice belongs to the category of short-grain rice.

That said, I have never 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 cooked sushi rice.

Although it is not something most people think about, the texture of the rice plays a major role in the overall eating experience. If the sushi rice does not have the right texture, it can affect the entire dish. Sushi rice is a key element in the quality of sushi. It should be soft while still retaining a slight bite. It should be neither undercooked nor overcooked, and achieving this requires a specific type of short-grain rice that has been cultivated especially for sushi.

In our Sushi course for beginners, you will learn which types of rice are best suited for sushi and how to prepare them correctly to achieve the highest-quality sushi rice.

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

Gem

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

April 3, 2026 by Zoë Escher

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.

_
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.