Best Sushi Making Classes NYC: Find Courses & Onsite Training

Learn More About NYC Sushi Making Courses

Sushi is a Japanese dish that consists of a combination of vinegared, cold rice, which is served with ingredients like vegetables, egg, or raw fish. When sushi was first made, it was a combination of fermented fish with rice that was preserved in salt. This fermented dish was a staple of Japanese cuisine for a thousand years, up until the nineteenth century. The word “sushi” translates to “it’s sour,” which reflects the dish’s origins. This fermented form of sushi took a long time to prepare and required many steps to properly ferment.

Over the past 150 years, sushi has transformed into more of a fast food in Japan. Today, sushi is considered a simple dish in Japan that generally focuses on one type of fish or vegetable. In America, sushi takes a slightly different form and includes rolls with additional ingredients and sometimes avocado. Even though sushi no longer requires a long and involved fermentation process, it still requires time, patience, and a creative flair for presentation to create.

Those interested in learning how to make sushi will need a sharp knife to portion raw fish and chop other ingredients. A rolling mat, or “makisu,” is also required for sushi-making to tightly roll and shape sushi rolls. These mats are often bamboo or plastic. Sushi-makers also require cutting boards so fish, vegetables, and sushi rolls can be cleanly sliced before serving. The rice that goes in sushi is typically a short-grain, sticky rice that must be prepared to perfection each time. Most home sushi chefs rely on a rice cooker to prepare rice since they usually include features like a digital timer or “keep warm” setting to ensure that each batch of rice is uniform in consistency and pliable to work with. Additionally, sheets of dry seaweed or nori are also required to make sushi. These can be purchased in bulk and stored in a sealed container.

It’s common in a sushi-making class to explore each of these ingredients, as well as how to work with them to make the three core types of sushi:

Sashimi is sliced raw fish that is served without rice.
Maki are bite-sized rolls that include rice along with fish and/or vegetables on the inside and nori on the outside.
Nigiri is a rice ball with a thin slice of fish placed on top.

Why Learn Sushi Making?

The practice of sushi-making is a great skill to add to your culinary repertoire. Learning to make sushi is a fun, creative craft that provides a way to bring together culture, culinary experimentation, and community. Regardless of whether you’re interested in learning to make sushi for your own personal meal planning or to pursue a career in a restaurant, the skills you’ll learn in a sushi-making class will help you be a more mindful eater, a more creative cook, and a more worldly eater. The more you learn about making sushi, the more skilled you’ll become in combining ingredients to satisfy your personal flavor preferences while still preserving traditions that date back over a millennium. This culinary craft requires an eye for precision and careful attention to preparation, from cooking the rice to slicing the fish to plating the maki rolls. Each step in the sushi-making process is a new opportunity to combine creativity with execution and push your culinary skills to the next level. Sushi-making can be a fun occasion to explore traditional and more contemporary ingredient pairings and cultivate a deep respect for ingredients, tools, and processes.

In addition to the culinary benefits of learning to prepare sushi, the process is also often a social one. Making sushi rolls can be a fun dinner party theme where your guests have the opportunity to learn the basics about sushi ingredients and preparation and try their hand at making sushi rolls or nigiri. Some individuals prefer to stick to traditional sushi preparation, whereas others may be more adventurous and prepare fusion-style dishes that incorporate non-traditional ingredients or those from various other cultures. There are also online communities and in-person meet-ups in which everyone can share their sushi-making experiences, gain insights from others, and even enter competitions.

Another reason to learn to make your own sushi pertains to cost. Enjoying sushi at a restaurant can be an expensive undertaking, especially for those who gravitate regularly toward this type of cuisine. Dining out is estimated to cost five times as much as preparing food at home. Learning to prepare sushi at home can be a cost-effective way to enjoy this delicious cuisine alone or with your family without breaking the bank. Additionally, those trained to prepare sushi at home can select the ingredients they use, including seasonal favorites or organic produce. This can foster a healthier and more informed approach to eating, as well as give you control over the nutritional content in the sushi you prepare.

What You’ll Learn in a Sushi Making Class?

The art of learning to make sushi can be an involved process, one that requires practice and guidance to fully master. A great way to acquire sushi-making skills is to enroll in a class. CourseHorse offers sushi classes for learners at all levels, from those who are new to cooking in general as well as individuals with prior experience making sushi and are interested in taking their skills to the next level. If you’re new to making sushi, you’ll likely want to select a class that starts with the basics, including the history of sushi, the core components of this cuisine, and the tools you’ll need to cook. Those enrolled will acquire practical tips and techniques to ensure the meals they create will be as artful as they are delicious.

While the content you’ll encounter in a sushi-making class varies depending on the length of the course you select, its difficulty level, and the provider, there are several core skills you’re likely to learn during training. Most programs teach students how to make the three staple types of sushi: nigiri, maki, and sashimi. Since the core components of most sushi dishes are rice, fish, vegetables, egg, and nori, courses typically prepare participants to work with each of these core ingredients and use them together in the proper proportions. Instruction covers how to prepare rice in a consistent manner to ensure each batch is perfectly cooked and sticky enough to form into rice balls or spread onto nori. Additionally, students learn the proper balance of rice to vinegar so it will complement the fish and vegetables it’s served with.

Sushi-making classes also often teach students best practices for selecting fresh, sushi-grade fish and slicing it into thin, consistent pieces. Knife skills are also essential for prepping vegetables for sushi rolls to ensure they’re of the proper thickness and length. These classes provide practical training in how to use mats to roll nori, which is important when making sushi rolls. More advanced sushi classes may provide learners with additional instruction in skills such as how to sharpen and care for sushi knives. Other programs teach participants how to work with a whole fish, which entails cleaning and gutting it before it can be sliced and transformed into sashimi or nigiri.

Not only is making sushi a culinary practice but a mindful one as well. Repetitive tasks like spreading rice and slicing vegetables require continued focus, an eye for detail, and a drive for precision. Mindful cooking is an excellent way not only to connect with the ingredients you're preparing but also to work with your hands and devote your energy to creating a delicious and beautiful meal. During your sushi studies, you’ll likely become a more mindful, aware cook, which is a skill set that can translate to a range of other culinary tasks or even beyond into other practices.

How Long Will It Take to Learn Sushi Making?

The art of making sushi is a process that can take many years to fully master. The old adage that it takes three years to learn to make sushi rice and eight years to perfect the art of making sushi may intimidate some home cooks who don’t have more than a decade to invest in learning to make spicy tuna rolls. However, not all home chefs aspire to a sushi-making career. This is why the length of time it will take you to learn to make sushi is largely dependent on how proficient you ultimately want to become with your skills. For home cooks interested in learning the basics of how to make nigiri, slice fish, or create maki rolls, beginner-level training courses are an excellent option. These classes often take just a few hours to complete and not only provide an overview of the history of sushi-making but also introduce you to a range of best practices, time-saving techniques, and skills you'll need in the kitchen. Short courses also provide an excellent way to master one or more specific techniques, such as making California rolls or inside-out maki rolls. Since training options are available for chefs at all levels, no matter what your ultimate cooking aspirations are, you can find in-person courses in New York City or online resources that can help you be a better sushi cook.

What Are the Advantages of Taking a Sushi Making Class?

Enrolling in a sushi-making class in New York City isn’t only a great way to learn the art of making sushi; it’s also an excellent way to connect with others who have a passion for creating culinary masterpieces. As you master the art of preparing sushi, you’ll also be simultaneously connecting with a local and global community with a passion for this culinary art form. Those in your cooking community, whether they’re alongside you in an in-person class or following along virtually from their own kitchens, are there to provide encouragement and share tips. This sense of community you’ll gain in a class environment is an excellent opportunity to engage with sushi lovers from across town or across the world and celebrate the diversity this exchange of ideas brings.

While it’s possible to learn to make sushi on your own through online resources like YouTube videos or tutorials, or to try and follow recipes independently, live training is a great way to gain in-the-moment guidance as you practice. It can be difficult for some novice cooks to become comfortable working with a sharp sushi knife or figure out the exact ratio of rice to add to a nori roll. Like any skill, mastering basics like these can have long-term benefits that will save you time as you cook and improve your overall technique for many meals to come. In sushi-making classes, the instructor can watch your technique and offer real-time feedback in this highly interactive environment, which will ensure you’re getting the most out of your training. Best of all, as you follow along with the class, you’ll have the opportunity to make your own sushi, which you can enjoy as you cook.

Best Sushi Making Classes in NYC

Once you’ve decided that you want to learn to make sushi, you may not be certain which class is the perfect match for your culinary needs. You can explore sushi-making classes in New York City to find the in-person or online course most suited to your cooking goals.

In Sushi & Dumplings Making For Two People, which is available from Taste Buds Kitchen, students have the chance to learn how to create their own delectable dumplings and sushi rolls. This hands-on class provides learners with an overview of the art of making sushi. Instruction begins with basics such as how to create sushi rolls that look as good as they taste. Students also explore how to fold dumplings and prepare a honey soy dipping sauce. By the end of this short class, participants will be able to make their own colorful veggie dumplings using fresh ingredients. They also will be able to make a variety of sushi rolls, including temaki, uramaki, and maki, as well as a special spicy mayo sauce to serve with them. The menu is dairy-free.

Participants can also bring their own alcohol to enjoy as they cook. Those interested in participating attend this class with one other person and are seated at a table with them. This course is available in-person in New York, New York.

In Hand-Rolled Sushi, which is available from CocuSocial’s Cooking Classes, participants enjoy a hands-on, social cooking class in which they explore how to hand roll sushi. Students begin by learning how to prepare sushi rice and select sushi-grade fish. They then explore how to spread, layer, and tuck sushi rolls, as well as how to add additional ingredients to the rolls to enhance their flavor profile. This class focuses on three kinds of sushi rolls: traditional veggie maki rolls, California rolls, and a chef’s choice tempura roll, which uses the catch of the day. All participants also learn how to make ponzu sauce. This class is open to participants 21 years and older and is taught in-person in New York City. Outside drinks are prohibited. This provider also offers Make Your Own Sushi, which is available in NYC. Participants who are 21 and older have the chance to explore sushi-making in this interactive and fun course. Instruction is provided on how to create veggie hand rolls, salmon rolls, and California rolls. All learners explore how to work with nori and cut mango, cucumber, scallion, and avocado.

Those who are just getting started making sushi can learn the core skills needed by enrolling in Abigail’s Kitchen’s Sushi Basics. This short course teaches students how to work with the essential equipment and ingredients needed to make sushi rolls. Those enrolled focus on norimaki in this class, which includes how to work with fish roe, salmon, tuna, and vegetables to make gunkan maki, as well as how to make temaki and uramaki. There are no age restrictions on this course. Class is taught in-person in NYC.

In Sushi Making Class with Unlimited Sake, which is available from Sushi-teria in New York City, participants have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in sushi-making skills. This hands-on class covers sushi essentials, including how to spread, layer, tuck, and roll. This social course also teaches students how to pick the freshest, sushi-grade fish and other ingredients, as well as how to season and prepare sushi rice. At the end of this class, all participants get to enjoy the food they’ve created. This event is perfect for corporate team building, group parties, or private events. Participants all receive unlimited edamame, water, and sake, as well as delicious kani, spicy tuna, avocado, carrots, cucumber, pickled squash, and pickled radish. Home chefs at all levels of cooking expertise are welcome to enroll. This class is provided in-person in NYC; those interested in partaking must satisfy the minimum group size requirements.

Did You Kando’s Hand Rolled Sushi is another in-person cooking course available to NYC residents. This class teaches students the secrets behind making perfect sushi rolls. Hands-on training is provided on how to create fish-free sushi rolls that are guaranteed to impress family and friends. Professional chefs provide instruction on techniques for cooking sushi rice, spreading and layering it, and tucking rolls. This course focuses on two types of sushi rolls: California rolls and maki rolls. Learners also learn about ingredients that can be added to their sushi to enhance taste and provide culinary variety. The small class size ensures all students can ask any questions they have and receive immediate guidance. No prior sushi-making experience is necessary to enroll. All equipment and ingredients are provided. This program is taught in Jamaica, NY.

For teens who have a flare for cooking, Home Cooking New York offers Sushi + Dumpling Workshop for Teens. This culinary class teaches students how to create their own vegetarian and meat/seafood takes on dumplings and sushi rolls. Those enrolled receive instruction on how to craft a range of nori maki and make pork-cabbage gyoza and vegetable gyoza. Students focus on knife skills and learn tips for prepping core sushi ingredients. This class is available in-person in NYC and live online; those who attend in-person can BYOB and will enjoy the meal they create as a sit-down dinner at the conclusion of instruction. All learners receive a recipe packet.

Aspiring sushi chefs can also learn the basics by enrolling in Osanka’s Hands On Sushi Class. This program is available for those who live in or near the East Village in New York. Students receive instruction from master chefs who are familiar with all forms of sushi such as temari, temaki-zushi, and oshi-zushi. Learners work with the highest-quality ingredients to bring their culinary creations to life. They explore the history of sushi and learn expert tips on how to purchase and prep raw fish from their own house. Those who attend eat the dinner they prepare. This course is a semi-private class intended for between one and six participants.

Live Online Sushi Making Classes

In addition to the exciting in-person sushi cooking options available to NYC residents, live online sushi-making classes are also available for beginners, intermediate-level, and expert cooks. Cozymeal offers a range of virtual, live cooking classes for aspiring home chefs. In its Essentials of Sushi Rolling, participants learn alongside a chef who is there to guide their strategy and provide insights and tips for how to make professional-quality sushi from home. Students start by learning the basics of how to prepare sushi rice to achieve optimal stickiness and texture. They then learn about how to properly sharpen knives and prepare California rolls and spicy salmon rolls. This class is taught on Zoom and is fully interactive. Cozymeal also offers Sushi Rolls Two Ways, which is also available on Zoom. This hands-on program teaches students how to work with a variety of fresh ingredients to prepare two types of sushi rolls. Students in this class begin by preparing edamame and matcha green tea, then move into skills like how to make a hosomaki skinny roll using ahi tuna and assemble a dragon uramaki roll with avocado and tempura shrimp. All learners are given an ingredient list prior to this class and can order what they need online and have it all delivered to their door 10-14 days prior to the class meeting.

Another virtual sushi-making class option is offered by Class Pop in Rainbow Pride Sushi. This program is intended for those who want to celebrate Pride Month by enrolling in an interactive online sushi-making class. Those enrolled enjoy learning about how to prepare their own beautiful rainbow tiradito appetizer that incorporates snapper, salmon, and tuna. Learners are also taught how to make a Pride roll filled with vibrant colors and topped with tuna, snapper, salmon, and avocado. The dessert course is also covered and is a fruit nigiri sushi. This class is taught on Zoom.

In Sushi at Home, which is offered from Yuki’s Kitchen, participants have the opportunity to learn the core components of making delicious sushi at home. This live, interactive, online class teaches students simple techniques to make sushi such as techniques for hand rolling and sushi rolling. During this program, those enrolled learn how to make a cucumber or tuna hosomaki roll, futomaki, a salmon or red pepper and avocado inside-out California roll, and a spicy tuna hand roll. An ingredient list is sent to all students before the class meeting so they can purchase what they need beforehand. This class is conducted on Zoom in real-time.

In Hartley’s Events Virtual Sushi Making Experience, home chefs get to connect with other home chefs and a leading chef via Zoom to create their own culinary creations. Those enrolled in this program receive instruction on how to create uramaki, nigiri, maki sushi, and temaki. This class begins with a demonstration by a Micehlin-Star chef on how to garnish sushi, plate and present it, and safely work with a sharp sushi knife. This class is perfect for those interested in learning new skills or improving on their prior sushi-making knowledge.

Those who want to learn how to make vegetarian-friendly sushi can do so in Kits by Food Craft’s Sushi Rolling Class. This Zoom-led class covers essential sushi-making skills such as how to make the perfect rice, chop vegetables for sushi, and perfect knife skills. This host is able to accommodate groups as big as 100 participants, which makes this a great course for those interested in an online group sushi event. Before this class, all participants receive a kit with the tools and ingredients they’ll need. It’s important to have rice prepared beforehand, though. Dietary restrictions like nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dietary considerations can all be supported.

Janelle Davis

Janelle Davis has spent over a decade crafting content that breaks down technical subjects for various audiences. With a Master's in Literacy Education from SUNY Oswego, she combines educational expertise with clear writing. Through her work at Noble Desktop, she has explained course materials covering programming concepts and design principles. Her experience includes developing content on Python programming, Building Information Modeling (BIM), artificial intelligence, software engineering, CAD systems, and data analysis. Janelle quickly grasps technical topics through thorough research, then transforms specialized information into content that connects with both technical and non-technical readers.

Featured Classes from Noble Desktop

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Featured Classes from Noble Desktop

Top Certificate Programs

Featured Classes from Noble Desktop

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Featured Classes from Noble Desktop

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Sushi Making Classes NYC

CocuSocial Cooking Classes Hand-Rolled Sushi

Taste Buds Kitchen Sushi & Dumplings (BYOB)

CocuSocial Cooking Classes Make Your Own Sushi

Abigail's Kitchen Sushi Basics

Learn Sushi Making

Home Cooking New York Sushi + Dumpling Workshop for Kids

Key Insights

Learn More About NYC Sushi Making Courses

Why Learn Sushi Making?

What You’ll Learn in a Sushi Making Class?

How Long Will It Take to Learn Sushi Making?

What Are the Advantages of Taking a Sushi Making Class?

Best Sushi Making Classes in NYC

Live Online Sushi Making Classes

NYC Sushi Making
Corporate & Onsite Training

Sushi Making Training Locations in or Near NYC

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Top Certificate Programs

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

CocuSocial Cooking Classes Hand-Rolled Sushi

Taste Buds Kitchen Sushi & Dumplings (BYOB)

CocuSocial Cooking Classes Make Your Own Sushi

Abigail's Kitchen Sushi Basics

Learn Sushi Making

Home Cooking New York Sushi + Dumpling Workshop for Kids

Key Insights

Learn More About NYC Sushi Making Courses

Why Learn Sushi Making?

What You’ll Learn in a Sushi Making Class?

How Long Will It Take to Learn Sushi Making?

What Are the Advantages of Taking a Sushi Making Class?

Best Sushi Making Classes in NYC

Live Online Sushi Making Classes

NYC Sushi Making Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Sushi Making Training Locations in or Near NYC

NYC Sushi Making
Corporate & Onsite Training