Fun Sushi Making Class With Local Chef in Detroit

Our review covers a unique opportunity to dive into Detroit’s culinary scene beyond the usual fare—a hands-on sushi-making experience hosted by local chef Mary. Designed for beginners and sushi enthusiasts alike, this 2-hour workshop promises to turn you into the sushi chef you’ve always wanted to be, without any pretension or judgment. Whether you’re flying solo, planning a date night, or gathering friends, this class aims to make sushi accessible, fun, and delicious.

Two features stand out immediately. First, Chef Mary’s approachable teaching style makes even the most intimidating parts of sushi preparation—like rice seasoning and tight rolling—feel doable. Second, the focus on interactive learning paired with tasting the results right away makes the experience both educational and tasty. That said, an important consideration is that drinks are not included in the price, so you’ll want to plan for additional purchase if you’re looking to sip while you cook.

This experience is especially well suited for those who enjoy culinary adventures, want a break from traditional Detroit sightseeing, or are simply curious about sushi making. It’s perfect for a casual group, a romantic date, or even a fun girls’ night out. It’s a lively, engaging way to spend an evening, especially if you love learning new skills and eating well.

Key Points

• Beginner-friendly: No prior sushi experience needed; the class is designed to be accessible and fun.
• All-inclusive: Ingredients, tools, and expert instruction are provided, making it simple and hassle-free.
• Hands-on learning: You’ll make three classic sushi rolls from scratch, gaining practical skills.
• Authentic local setting: Hosted at a trendy venue like a brewery or craft bar, adding a social vibe.
• Interactive and enjoyable: Expect laughs, tips, and plenty of tasting during the class.
• Affordable: For $60, you receive a full meal, instruction, and a memorable activity.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

The class kicks off at 6:00 pm at Brewery Faisan, located at 1087 Beaufait St in Detroit. The venue choice adds a lively, relaxed atmosphere, making the class feel more like hanging out with friends than a formal lesson. As you gather around the cooking area, Chef Mary begins by walking you through the basics of perfect sushi rice—a crucial step that can make or break your rolls. She guides you on how to rinse, season, and cool the rice for optimal texture, emphasizing that seasoned rice is the foundation of good sushi.

Next, you’ll learn how to handle nori, the seaweed that wraps your sushi. We loved the way Chef Mary explained the importance of preventing soggy nori—a common beginner mistake—and shared simple tricks to keep it crisp. You’ll get to practice neatly prepping vegetables like cucumber and avocado, which are essential fillings, especially for classic rolls like the California.

Once the prep is complete, the real fun begins: rolling. Chef Mary demonstrates the technique for using bamboo mats effectively, emphasizing pressure and tuck to create tight, uniform rolls. This part is where the class’s no-stress approach shines; everyone gets hands-on, and there’s plenty of laughter along the way. You’ll build three signature rolls: the California roll (with avocado, cucumber, and crab or imitation crab), a spicy tuna roll with balanced heat, and a shrimp tempura roll featuring satisfying crunch. As you craft each, Chef Mary shares professional tips for slicing neatly and plating with sesame seeds and pickled ginger.

Throughout the class, you’ll be tasting your creations, learning to balance flavors like soy, wasabi, and pickled ginger. Chef Mary also shares useful chef secrets—from keeping fillings tidy to ensuring each slice looks Instagram-ready. By the end of the class, you’ll have not only three beautifully made rolls but also the confidence to make sushi at home.

What Makes This Experience Special?

The authenticity of the experience is a big plus. Hosted locally, the venue’s trendy but casual vibe complements the informal, friendly teaching style. Plus, with all ingredients and tools included, there’s no need to worry about carrying anything extra—a rare convenience for such culinary classes.

Another highlight is the personalized instruction. According to reviews, Chef Mary makes everything make sense, breaking down complex techniques into simple, doable steps. One participant commented, “I’ve never rolled sushi before, but Chef Mary’s guidance made it so easy and fun.” The class is designed to be accessible, with no judgment of knife skills or experience level.

The value of this class also can’t be overstated. At $60, you get a complete meal, expert guidance, and a fun activity—often more affordable than dining out at a sushi restaurant for similar quality and authenticity. Plus, you leave with the skills to impress friends or family, or even recreate your favorite rolls at home.

Group Dynamics and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 25 travelers, the class maintains an intimate, friendly feel without feeling crowded. Many reviewers appreciated the social aspect—laughing at missteps, sharing bites, and exchanging tips. The setting at a brewery or craft bar fosters a relaxed environment where you can enjoy a drink (not included) while you cook.

While drinks are available for purchase, the focus remains on the interactive experience and learning. This makes it ideal for those who want to focus on the food and the company rather than just having drinks in the background. Since the activity ends back at the venue, you can extend your evening if you wish, making it a flexible and enjoyable outing.

If you’re someone who enjoys learning new skills in a relaxed setting and loves the idea of eating what you’ve made, this class is a fantastic option. Its approachable approach makes it accessible for those with no sushi experience, while the hands-on nature guarantees you’ll leave with tangible results. It’s especially well suited for casual groups, couples, or solo travelers looking for a fun, interactive activity that combines learning with delicious food.

The value for money is genuine—covering all ingredients, tools, and instruction—making it a smart choice whether you’re interested in sushi, cooking classes, or simply a unique Detroit experience. However, if you’re a seasoned sushi chef or prefer a more formal, wine-paired tasting, this might not be the perfect fit.

In essence, this class offers a great balance of fun, education, and good eats—a memorable way to spend an evening in Detroit that leaves you both satisfied and a little more skilled in the kitchen.

Is this class suitable for complete beginners?
Absolutely. The class is designed to be beginner-friendly, with step-by-step guidance and no judgment of knife skills or prior experience.

Are ingredients and tools provided?
Yes. All ingredients, bamboo mats, and necessary tools are included, so you just need to show up ready to learn and eat.

Can I expect to make three different sushi rolls?
Yes. You will build a California roll, a spicy tuna roll, and a shrimp tempura roll, covering a range of flavors and textures.

Are drinks included in the price?
No. Drinks are available for purchase at the venue, with prices ranging from $3 to $20. Plan accordingly if you’d like to sip while cooking.

What is the duration of the class?
The class lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable and engaging activity for most schedules.

Where does the class take place?
At Brewery Faisan, located at 1087 Beaufait St in Detroit, an environment that’s lively and perfect for socializing.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

In summary, this Detroit sushi-making class offers a fantastic mix of fun, learning, and delicious food. It’s perfect for those wanting to add a new skill to their culinary repertoire in a relaxed, social setting. Whether you’re in town for a short visit or a local looking for a unique activity, Chef Mary’s class promises a memorable evening that leaves you both satisfied and inspired to try sushi at home.