Fun Sushi Making Class With Local Chef in NYC

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Discover a fun, beginner-friendly sushi-making class in Brooklyn with a local chef. Learn to roll, sharpen your skills, and enjoy homemade sushi in just 2 hours.

Quick Overview: What You Need to Know

This sushi-making experience takes place in Brooklyn, led by Chef Shota, and costs $75 per person for roughly 2 hours. It’s a hands-on class designed for beginners, where you’ll learn to prepare and roll two popular sushi varieties: a classic California roll and a colorful veggie roll. The class is hosted at a casual, relaxed location—likely a brewery, distillery, or wine bar—which adds to the fun and informal atmosphere.

What we love most about this experience is how accessible it is for novices—no prior sushi skills required—and the fact that you’ll leave with real skills and some tasty, homemade sushi. Plus, the small-group setting (max 25 people) means you get personalized tips from Chef Shota.

A potential consideration is that drinks are not included, so if you’re hoping for a full culinary experience with drinks, you’ll need to budget for that separately. This experience suits anyone curious about sushi, looking for a hands-on activity, or wanting a casual, authentic food experience with a local chef.

Key Points

• Beginner-friendly: No prior sushi experience needed, with clear guidance from Chef Shota.
• All ingredients included: Everything is provided—just bring your enthusiasm.
• Authentic local vibe: Hosted at a Brooklyn brewery or bar, creating a relaxed environment.
• Learn skills to replicate at home: From seasoning rice to rolling and presentation.
• Full meal in two hours: You get to enjoy the sushi you make, plus tips from a local expert.
• Booking well in advance: Usually booked 28 days ahead, so plan your trip accordingly.

A Detailed Look at the Sushi-Making Class Experience

How the Class Begins

When you arrive at Wandering Barman on Meserole Street, you’re stepping into a lively Brooklyn spot that feels more like hanging out with friends than a formal cooking class. The class is set up to be interactive and laid-back, encouraging questions and hands-on practice. The welcoming atmosphere makes it easy for even total beginners to feel comfortable.

Chef Shota introduces himself and starts by explaining the basics—what makes good sushi rice, how to season it to perfection, and the importance of fresh ingredients. His approach emphasizes simplicity and technique, making sure everyone feels confident before getting their hands dirty.

Learning to Prepare Sushi Rice

The first part of the class focuses on seasoning the rice, a crucial step that can make or break your sushi. We loved how Chef Shota explained the process clearly, emphasizing that the rice should be sticky but not mushy. Watching him demonstrate how to rinse, cook, and season the rice with vinegar, sugar, and salt was helpful, especially for those new to sushi.

Knife Skills and Filling Preparation

Next, we moved on to slicing fillings—cucumber, avocado, mango, and crab. The chef shared handy tips on how to handle a knife safely and efficiently, turning what might seem like a daunting task into something manageable. We appreciated the focus on proper technique, which ensures clean cuts and preserves the freshness of the ingredients.

Rolling Your Own Sushi

The highlight—learning to roll. Chef Shota demonstrated how to layer ingredients on a sheet of nori, then use a bamboo mat to roll everything tightly. The process of getting that perfect shape, without spilling ingredients or ending up with a messy roll, is surprisingly straightforward once you get the hang of it.

Most participants found that the California roll was easier to start with, thanks to familiar ingredients and a simple technique. The veggie roll, with mango and colorful fillings, was a fun way to get creative and add visual appeal. During the process, Chef Shota offered valuable tips on presentation, such as how to cut sushi neatly and arrange it on a plate for maximum visual impact.

Tasting and Feedback

Once everyone’s rolls were ready, we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The teacher encouraged us to taste our sushi and compare it with others’, which fostered a friendly, communal vibe. It’s satisfying to see how much you can learn in just two hours—leaving not just with new skills but with tasty bites and confidence to make sushi again at home.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This experience covers all ingredients, tools, and expert instruction, making it excellent value. You get to cooked your own sushi—a meal that’s both fun and satisfying. The only extra expense is drinks, which are available at the venue bar, ranging from $3 to $20, giving you flexibility depending on whether you want a craft beer, wine, or soft drink to complement your meal.

Location and Meeting Point

The class begins at Wandering Barman, located at 315 Meserole Street in Brooklyn. The venue’s casual vibe perfectly suits the class’s relaxed, friendly feel. The experience concludes back at the same spot, making logistics straightforward.

Practical Details

• Duration: 2 hours, perfect for a relaxed, engaging experience.
• Price: $75 per person—a reasonable fee considering the personalized instruction and the meal included.
• Booking: Usually booked about 28 days in advance, so plan ahead if you want a spot.
• Group size: Limited to 25 people, ensuring a more intimate setting.

Authentic, Hands-On Learning in Brooklyn

What really sets this class apart is its authenticity. Chef Shota’s approach emphasizes basic techniques that you can replicate at home, making it more than just a touristy activity. The setting at a Brooklyn bar or brewery adds to the charm—there’s no stuffy classroom here, just real people sharing a passion for good food.

We loved the relaxed environment and how approachable Chef Shota was with questions. It’s clear he’s passionate about sharing his knowledge and helping amateurs feel confident in the kitchen. Several reviews highlight how “easy to follow” the instructions were and how the instructor made everyone feel comfortable, no matter their skill level.

Value for Money

Compared to other culinary experiences in NYC, this class offers excellent value—you get full instruction, ingredients, tools, and a delicious meal, all in just two hours. Plus, you leave with practical skills and recipes that you can use again. For travelers who want a fun, authentic activity that’s different from typical sightseeing, this is a great choice.

Who Will Love This?

This experience is perfect for beginners, food lovers curious about Japanese cuisine, or anyone looking for a casual activity in Brooklyn. It’s also suited for small groups, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy hands-on learning in a friendly setting. If you appreciate the idea of making your own sushi while chatting with a local chef, this class hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

For those eager to try something interactive and tasty during their Brooklyn visit, this sushi-making class stands out. You get more than just a meal—you gain skills, confidence, and a deeper appreciation of Japanese cuisine. It’s a relaxed, friendly experience that balances instruction with fun.

While it’s not gourmet-level training, it’s authentic, approachable, and packed with value. Plus, learning from a local chef ensures you’re getting tips that extend beyond the classroom—helpful if you want to impress friends or continue perfecting your sushi at home.

The two-hour format is just right—long enough to teach, practice, and enjoy, but short enough to fit into a busy sightseeing schedule. Whether you’re a culinary novice or just looking for a memorable Brooklyn experience, this class is a great choice for a tasty, engaging adventure.

FAQ

Is prior sushi-making experience necessary?
No, this class is designed for beginners. Chef Shota provides clear instructions, ensuring everyone can participate confidently.

Are ingredients and tools provided?
Yes, all ingredients and cooking tools are included in the price, so you just need to bring your enthusiasm.

Can dietary needs be accommodated?
Yes, the class is designed to accommodate various dietary restrictions—just let the organizer know in advance.

Is alcohol included in the price?
No, drinks are available for purchase at the venue bar, ranging from $3 to $20.

What is the location and how do I find the meeting point?
The class starts at Wandering Barman at 315 Meserole Street in Brooklyn. The location is casual and easy to find.

How far in advance do I need to book?
Most bookings are made about 28 days in advance, so it’s best to plan ahead to secure your spot.

This sushi-making class offers a delightful mix of learning, tasting, and fun. Whether you’re an eager foodie, a curious traveler, or simply someone wanting to try something different, you’ll leave with a full belly and new skills—plus a story you’ll be telling for years.