Kazari Maki Zushi: Decorative Sushi Roll – Cat & Paw Print

Cats, but make them sushi.

In this hands-on workshop you’ll roll two designs from the world of kazari maki zushi, Japan’s art of decorative sushi: a cat’s face with ears, wide eyes and a little nose, and a cat’s paw print with soft pink pads. Slice the roll and the picture is there — all the way through, in every piece.

Every color comes from food. Black sesame tints the rice a soft gray for the cat’s coat, beet powder turns it pink for the paw pads, nori draws the outlines, cheese sticks become the eyes and yamagobo (pickled burdock root) the nose. No dyes, nothing you can’t eat.

It looks complicated. It isn’t. Kazari maki zushi is built in parts and then assembled — closer to stacking building blocks than to making sushi — so no experience is needed. Chef Hiroyo Belmonte, who holds a Level 1 instructor certification in decorative sushi from the Japan Sushi Instructors Association (JSIA), walks you through every step.

Take your rolls home to show off, or eat them right there. Both are correct.

What the workshop looks like

Photos from past Kazari Maki Zushi workshops at RESOBOX. The designs change each session — September 13th is cats and paw prints.

What you’ll make: A cat face roll and a cat paw print roll
Ingredients: Sushi rice, nori seaweed, beet powder, cheese stick, yamagobo (pickled burdock root), black sesame seed
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly. No sushi experience needed.
What to Bring: Nothing — all ingredients and tools are provided. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little messy, or bring an apron.
Before the Workshop: Please keep your nails short and remove rings and bracelets from your hands and wrists.
Allergens: This session uses dairy (cheese) and sesame. Please let us know in advance if you have a food allergy.

PLEASE NOTE: Registration closes 12 hours before the session. Cancellations made within 72 hours of the session are nonrefundable.