Fun Sushi Making Class With Local Chef in NYC

Imagine spending an afternoon in Brooklyn learning how to craft your own sushi—yes, from scratch, with guidance from a talented local chef. That’s exactly what this sushi-making class offers: a friendly, hands-on experience that combines culinary skills with the lively vibe of a Brooklyn craft bar. Whether you’re a complete newbie or a sushi enthusiast looking to hone your skills, this class promises a relaxed environment, expert tips, and homemade sushi to be proud of.

What immediately caught our eye was the casual, approachable atmosphere and the focus on practical skills you can actually use at home—no complicated techniques or intimidating kitchen setups here. Plus, the class is hosted at a well-chosen local venue, adding a dash of Brooklyn charm to your culinary journey. One thing to consider: drinks are available for purchase, so you might want to budget a little extra if you plan to sip while you roll.

This experience is perfect for travelers who enjoy interactive activities that go beyond sightseeing, especially food lovers eager to explore local flavors and techniques. If you’re after a memorable, authentic experience that results in tasty, homemade sushi and some new skills, this class will serve you well.

Key Points

• Beginner-friendly: No prior experience needed; perfect for first-timers.
• Authentic local hosting: Led by Chef Shota, a talented Brooklyn-based chef.
• Includes all ingredients: Everything needed to make two classic sushi rolls is provided.
• Focus on skills: Sharpen knife skills and learn presentation tips.
• Relaxed setting: Hosted at a Brooklyn craft bar or brewery, adding local flavor.
• Full meal: The sushi you make is yours to enjoy, making the class both fun and delicious.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Venue and Atmosphere

The class takes place at Wandering Barman, located at 315 Meserole Street in Brooklyn. This isn’t a fancy restaurant but a laid-back craft bar or brewery that embodies Brooklyn’s casual, artsy spirit. The setting is informal, which encourages you to relax and enjoy the process. As you settle in, you’ll notice the friendly vibe—ideal for those who prefer learning in a no-pressure environment. The venue’s lively but cozy ambiance makes it easy to focus on your sushi, while also soaking in some Brooklyn local flavor.

The Itinerary and What You’ll Learn

In roughly two hours, Chef Shota will guide you through the essentials of sushi rice preparation—a key to delicious sushi—and teach you how to slice fresh fillings like cucumber, avocado, and mango. You’ll also learn the art of layering ingredients and rolling—the core skills that turn simple ingredients into beautifully presented sushi.

The class covers the making of two popular types of rolls: a classic California roll loaded with crab, cucumber, and avocado, and a vibrant veggie roll featuring mango and other fresh vegetables. The focus is on beginner-friendly techniques, so even if you’ve never cut raw fish or rolled sushi before, you’ll come away with confidence and competence.

Hands-On Experience

The best part? You’re not just watching; you’re actively involved. All ingredients and tools are provided, and you’ll be encouraged to get your hands dirty (or, more accurately, sticky with rice). The chef will share tips and secrets—like how to slice fillings evenly and what to look for in presentation—that you can use at home. We loved the way Chef Shota kept the mood light, making mistakes part of the fun.

Tasty Bites and Homemade Sushi

Once you’ve finished rolling, the best part begins: tasting your own creations. The sushi you craft will be served fresh, and you get to enjoy your own handiwork. It’s a rare opportunity to actually eat what you’ve made and savor the flavors, which makes the experience all the more rewarding.

The Cost and What It Gets You

At $75 per person, this class offers good value, especially considering it includes all ingredients and tools and results in a full meal of homemade sushi. The price is reasonable given the personalized guidance and the chance to learn a skill you can repeat at home. Keep in mind, drinks are extra—priced from $3 to $20—so budget accordingly if you want to toast your success.

Booking and Practicalities

Most bookings are made about 28 days in advance, which is sensible given the popularity of such classes. The activity is scheduled for around two hours, a manageable length that allows for a thorough yet relaxed experience. It’s designed for groups of up to 25 people, offering enough space for everyone to participate comfortably.

Why This Experience Stands Out

While many cooking classes focus on more elaborate or traditional cuisines, this sushi class emphasizes approachability and fun. The host, Chef Shota, brings a local touch that makes the experience feel genuine and accessible. The setting at a Brooklyn craft bar adds to the charm, giving you a taste of Brooklyn’s vibrant food scene while learning a skill that’s both practical and impressive.

A few reviews mention that participants appreciated the expert tips and the fact that they left with not just recipes but real skills. One learner noted, “I now feel confident enough to try making sushi at home,” which is a testament to the class’s effectiveness.

Practical Tips for Participants

• If you’re someone who enjoys social environments, this class is a fantastic way to meet fellow travelers or locals.
• Since drinks are available for purchase, consider bringing some extra cash if you want to indulge.
• The class is accommodating of dietary needs—just inform the organizers in advance, and they’ll do their best to adapt.
• Remember, the experience is about having fun and learning, so don’t worry about getting everything perfect; focus on enjoying the process.

Who Will Love This Class?

This sushi-making experience is ideal for foodies eager to learn a new skill but don’t want to spend hours in a restaurant or a professional kitchen. It suits beginners and those curious about Japanese cuisine, as well as travelers looking for a local, engaging activity that’s both educational and delicious. If you’re traveling with friends or family and want a memorable, interactive activity, this class hits the mark.

It’s also perfect for curious cooks who want to build confidence in the kitchen or anyone interested in Brooklyn’s food scene beyond just visiting restaurants. The focus on home-style sushi ensures you’ll leave with practical skills, recipes, and a sense of achievement.

This sushi-making class offers a relaxed, authentic way to spend a couple of hours in Brooklyn, combining culinary fun with local flavor. Led by Chef Shota, it offers hands-on instruction, all ingredients included, and a full meal of sushi you’ve made yourself. It’s excellent value for those wanting to learn a new skill or simply enjoy a different side of New York City’s vibrant food scene.

The setting at Wandering Barman adds Brooklyn charm, and the class’s focus on approachable techniques makes it suitable for absolute beginners. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a couple, this experience provides not just sushi lessons but also a memorable cultural moment.

If you’re looking for a fun, interactive activity that results in tasty homemade sushi and some new skills, this class is a worthwhile addition to your NYC itinerary. It’s best suited for curious, food-loving travelers who appreciate a relaxed atmosphere and want to take home not just photos but actual sushi skills.

FAQs

Is this class suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is designed specifically for beginners with no prior sushi experience. You’ll learn foundational skills in a relaxed environment.

How long does the class last?
The class lasts approximately 2 hours, providing enough time for instruction, practice, and tasting your sushi.

Are all ingredients provided?
Yes, all ingredients and cooking tools are included in the price, ensuring you can focus on learning and having fun.

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

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are available for purchase at the venue, with prices ranging from $3 to $20.

Where does the class take place?
It starts at Wandering Barman, located at 315 Meserole Street, Brooklyn—a casual Brooklyn craft bar or brewery.

What kind of sushi will I learn to make?
You’ll learn to make a California roll with crab, cucumber, and avocado, and a colorful veggie roll with mango and other fresh vegetables.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your schedule shifts.

This class is a wonderful way to add a culinary twist to your Brooklyn visit, blending local vibe, expert guidance, and practical skills into a memorable experience.