Last year around this time, I got wind of a Halloween-themed event taking place that provided an unconventional way for me to celebrate this festival of Western origins. It was making this –

Decorative Halloween-themed sushi!

Now I love eating sushi, but like most others who consume the Japanese dish, I had never attempted to make it before. This was just too cute an opportunity to pass up!

The sushi-making master who made these is certified in making these culinary treats and other decorative baked goods that, if you’re lucky, you just might get to see on display at her place when you take part in the class. I am still personally entranced by the little ballerina tutus made of icing that were there the last time I was!

When you sign up for the class, you’ll be treated to a glimpse of culinary artist Yuka’s elegant home and meticulously-curated kitchen. Everything you need has been carefully weighed and measured, and she even writes out the recipe and directions by hand, providing participants with the photocopies.

I know it doesn’t look like it but it’s all going to turn out fine.

The sushi-making class generally lasts about two hours, depending on how many individuals there are and how quickly they work. Decorative sushi chef Yuka is extremely accommodating and takes the time to come around to each and every person’s corner of the table to check on how you’re doing throughout the session.

Pro Tip: Many a time, I discovered that a very tiny miscalculation at the beginning will roll into a much bigger mistake later, so do your best to minimise the margin for error right from the start! But even if it looks like it’s not quite right, it really does turn out fine in the end…

Not bad for a first try right?

As they say about cooking and baking, it really is a marvelous feeling to create something out of some bare ingredients with your own two hands. If you’re interested to try it for yourself, there is an upcoming opportunity this Friday, Oct 22 to join the limited class for adults. And for the first time ever, Yuka is conducting a kid-friendly version of her Halloween sushi class on Oct 25 10.30am. This will be suitable for kids from 3 – 6 years old. Add her on WeChat at yukatanabeburkhardt or 130 7116 2962 to sign up!

KEEP READING: The Best Chinese Horrorween Costumes Inspired by Local Myths and Culture

Images: Yuka, Vivienne Tseng-Rush

I took a trip to Euro Plaza this week, for the first time in a while. It was 11.45am and I was ready for an early lunch. What I was really craving was sushi. I’ve heard a lot of great stuff about Kyo-Sakura Japanese restaurant, so I decided to give it a try. Sandwiched between Costa Coffee and Starbucks, it’s in a prominent position on the ground floor of the shopping mall. You have a choice of dining inside the bright and very comfortable restaurant, or out on the terrace. I opted for inside, to escape the lingering summer heat, and chose a table beside the open plan kitchen.

There’s a choice of two menus, the lunch sets and the main menu. Lunch sets include tempura, sashimi, sushi, pork cutlet, and chicken teriyaki. Sets include soup, rice, salad, and pickled vegetables and are good value at RMB 88-108. There’s a children’s set too for RMB 58, plus a range of grilled dishes, sashimi, tempura, sushi, and plenty of sea urchin. Tempura is a weakness of mine, so without hesitation I ordered the shrimp tempura. At RMB 40 for two pieces I had high expectations. Those expectations were not only met, they were exceeded. The tempura pieces were huge, with a crisp and incredibly light batter enveloping two perfectly cooked shrimp. I was in tempura heaven, only wishing I’d ordered more.

Sushi rolls include California, tempura shrimp, eel, and a duck liver parfait (RMB 68-88). The salmon and mango roll incorporated soft avocado, crab, and shredded radish, rolled and topped with smoked salmon, mango, and roe. The salmon was delicately flavored, and the thin slice of mango gave the roll a wonderfully fresh and light taste. Looking at other dishes the chefs were putting out, presentation is very impressive, with a real attention to detail.

Wait staff were polite and very efficient. The restaurant has its own bathroom, so you don’t have to use the ones in the mall, great if you’re dining with kids. Only a few tables were occupied when I arrived, by the time I left there was a queue of hungry diners waiting to be seated.

Kyo-Sakura
1/F Euro Plaza, 99 Yuxiang Rd, Shunyi District (8046 1397/1398, 138 1187 2809)

beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos: Sally Wilson

Bento is a single-portion take-out or home-packed meal common in Japanese cuisine. A traditional bento holds rice, fish or meat, with pickled or cooked vegetables. I only really got into Japanese food when I moved to Beijing five years ago. I can safely say I now have a real love of all things bento. Bento boxes are a great way to enjoy Japanese food and are a healthy option for lunch or dinner. As we eat with our eyes as well as our mouths, a bento box offers a colorful and attractive meal. Japanese restaurant Hagaki at East Beijing, serves up a fine selection of California-inspired Japanese cuisine. With signature sashimi, tempura, udon, and a lively sushi bar. Hagaki also provide a bento delivery and take-out service.

I ordered the salmon bento, which included grilled salmon, rice, salad, pickles, and tamago RMB 98. Other bento’s include sautéed kimchi and pork RMB 78, teriyaki chicken wing RMB 88, or grilled short-ribs with black pepper RMB 108. Hagaki’s bento boxes all include rice, tamago (Japanese omelet), salad, and pickles. The salmon was cooked beautifully, still soft and just the right side of done in the middle. Three generous pieces of sweet and soft tamago, sat alongside fresh salad which had a very tasty soy dressing. The pickles were crunchy and crisp and the rice perfectly cooked. The bento boxes offer a good portion size, with ingredients that are fresh and very well prepared.

For delivery, place your order between 9.30-11.30am. The minimum order is five boxes. For larger orders, call one day in advance. I chose the take-out option and only had to wait 15 minutes for it to be ready. During which time I enjoyed complementary tea, use of their Wi-Fi, and the chance to relax in their very cool restaurant.

If you’re not in the mood for bento, they also do delivery or take-out of lunch sets. The stewed soft shell crab and papaya, with rice, pickles, salad, and egg custard RMB 128 is very popular. Other sets include assorted sashimi and chicken karaage RMB 118, stewed tofu and beef with shichimi rice RMB 78, or grilled sea bass with Dijon mustard RMB 78. The lunch sets include rice, pickles, salad, egg custard, and miso soup. Add RMB 10 and enjoy a soft drink.

Hagaki at East Hotel
Lunch daily 11am-2.30pm, dinner daily 5.30-10pm
For delivery call 8414 9816

beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos: Sally Wilson