The kids are beginning to take an interest in cooking so when they were invited to take part in a Mini Ninja Sushi School at Yo!, they were really excited. They’ve never had sushi before, so it was a completely new experience for them.

We headed to our nearest branch of Yo! in Chester, where we were very warmly welcomed by Nikki and Beth. Another little girl joined Harrison and Alex at the table (Benjamin was off having a sulk!), and they were all given a cup of squash and a sushi chef hat. The workshop started with an ice breaker game – who could transfer edamame beans from one dish to another using chopsticks. Alex showed a real talent for chopsticks – no idea where that comes from because neither Graham or I have ever got to grips with them!

The first of the three sushi dishes they created was a cucumber maki, which involved rolling rice and a sheet of nori (seaweed) around a strip of cucumber. Nikki and Beth were so patient with the kids, explaining really clearly and helping them when they needed it.

They then went on to make what I think was tofu nigiri and a Californian sunshine handroll. Tofu and crab are foods they’ve never been exposed to so it was really good for them to handle them.

All the way through the session, which lasted around an hour, Nikki asked them questions and talked to them about sushi and its origins, which has led to both of them developing an interest in all things Japanese!

At the end of the workshop, their creations were carefully put into boxes for them to take home. They were also given goody bags which they loved!

The kids tried the sushi when they got home, and although they didn’t like some of it (typical chicken nugget and pasta kids!), they were really keen to try some more and have a go at making it again. I ended up eating some of it – it was delicious!

The Mini Ninja Sushi School classes are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11 am at 50 sites across the UK until the end of August and cost just £15 per child. To book one, click here.

*We were invited to this event for the purpose of this review. All words and opinions are our own.