Gifts for Sushi Lovers

Sushi gifts for beginners

A kit is the easiest place to start. Our DIY Sushi Starter Set brings together sushi rice, nori, rice vinegar and a bamboo rolling mat, with wasabi and sushi ginger for the table, so all they need to add is their favourite filling. If they’d like some guidance along the way, choose the version with the Sushi At Home cookbook.

For a smaller present, a bamboo rolling mat, a bottle of aged sushi vinegar or a bag of premium sushi rice makes a thoughtful top-up for someone who already rolls their own. Sanpuku nori from the Ariake Sea is a lovely treat too, with a rich, savoury depth that lifts every roll.

Gifts for experienced sushi makers

Seasoned sushi makers know that great sushi starts with the rice. A hangiri, the wide, shallow tub chefs use to cool and season freshly cooked rice, makes a beautiful gift they’ll use for years. Ours is crafted from cypress wood bound with copper, and the wood draws away excess moisture so every grain stays glossy and distinct. Add a hinoki rice spatula for gently folding in the vinegar.

Then there’s the wasabi. Freshly grated real wasabi has a clean, aromatic heat and a natural sweetness you’ll never find in a tube, and the Hagane-zame grater turns a fresh rhizome into a smooth, fragrant paste. Pair it with one of our fresh wasabi kits from the UK’s only commercial growers of fresh wasabi, and they’ll taste the difference straight away.

For the fish itself, a Japanese yanagiba sashimi knife is a gift to treasure. Its long, slender blade slices through fish in a single smooth stroke, keeping every piece clean and glossy.

Sushi tableware and finishing touches

Presentation is half the pleasure of sushi. A sky blue Minoyaki sushi plate, a handmade Shigaraki sashimi platter or a soy sauce dish turns a homemade spread into something worth sharing. Add a pair of chopsticks and a chopstick rest, and the table is set.

For a taste of something new, our own Wasabi Label organic soy sauce and yuzu soy sauce come together in a smart twin pack. Still not sure? The Wasabi Company gift card, available from £10, lets them choose their own favourites.