love that there are so many “mommy and baby” events in Tokyo. Unfortunately for me, they’re nearly always on a weekday morning. (It took me forever to find a weekend “mommy and baby” swimming class and even then, it’s 40 minutes away).
So, when I had the opportunity to work with Local Bites and participate in one of Tokyo’s toddler-friendly sushi making classes, I jumped at the chance.
I had a fantastic time making temari sushi with Shihomi and Ayumi. They’re the lovely and wonderfully talented (and bilingual!) twin sister chefs of Japan Cross Bridge.
READ: O-kuizome: An Elaborate Feast for Baby
Sushi Lovers Unite
Little Kaiju and I met Shihomi and Ayumi at the Central Gate of JR Meguro Station. It wasn’t hard to spot them. After all they’re twins. Plus, they had a sign that said, “SUSHI LOVER?”
Shihomi and Ayumi’s classes are held in their cooking studio, a 5 minute walk from Meguro Station.
The stylish interior is accented with handmade hints of Japan crafted by Shihomi and Ayumi.
They offer a variety of cooking lessons, based on their 10+ years of preparing sushi and Japanese cuisine around the world.
And for you vegans out there — don’t worry! Shihomi and Ayumi also have vegan options available!
I love sushi but have several allergies, so they prepared a fantastic array of fresh ingredients tailored to my needs.
They also prepared a samue, a traditional Japanese uniform, to complete my sushi-making experience.
What’s more, they even went out of their way to prepare a lunch for little Kaiju!
I should mention that Ayumi herself is a mom of one. So, when little Kaiju when into full “monster mode,” the sisters were extremely accommodating (even though I was extremely mortified!).
READ: Behaving in Japan: A Primer on Japanese Customs and Etiquette
Temari Sushi
The instructions were clear, concise and very easy to understand. I had never made temari sushi, or any kind of sushi for that matter. Yet, I quickly got used to the process.
As we adults made sushi, little Kaiju was busy playing with Ayumi’s daughter.
However, any parent will know that a little one seeing you in action inevitably means that they will soon want your attention.
When little Kaiju when into “mama mama” mode, the sisters were perfectly understanding.
Eventually, I was able to finish making my sushi:
At the end of the lesson, we decorated the sushi bites and rounded off our meal with freshly-made miso soup and hot tea.
See more behind-the-scenes photos of our time with Shihomi and Ayumi over on their blog!
I definitely recommend trying a temari sushi class. Think of it as a way to break free of your usual routine and enjoy something new with your child.
Each class can accommodate up to 6 adults, so it’s even a great activity for a group of mama tomo (ママ友, “mommy friends”) Plus, older kids (2+) might be able to roll a few temari sushi of their own with their parents’ help.
Ready To Book A Lesson?
Don’t miss out on a chance to have an unforgettable experience cooking authentic Japanese food in Tokyo. Check out Local Bites for a complete listing of cooking classes. Use my code 8L4R-XL48 to get 5% off your booking (coupon is valid until January 2019).
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