A group of Oxfordshire youngsters have made culinary history by creating the world’s first sushi recipe book designed exclusively by children.
The budding chefs, aged 6 to 11, spent a day at Jessie’s Art Shed in Eynsham bringing to life imaginative sushi characters such as ‘Seaweed Sid’ and ‘Unicone’. Each creation came complete with its own personality, favourite activities, and step-by-step recipe instructions.
Their colourful and quirky designs have been transformed into Seaweed Sid & The Sushi Squad, a new recipe book commissioned by Japanese food brand Yutaka. The book aims to show families that sushi really is child’s play.
The project was a collaboration between the children, English singer and mum-of-two Alexandra Burke, Oxfordshire-based artist Jessie Whealy, and Japanese chef Yuki Gomi, who helped turn the playful ideas into accessible recipes for families to make together at home.
Speaking about the project, Alexandra Burke said:
“Being a parent of two, I’m always looking for ways to maintain wonderfully nutritious meals while keeping kitchen time lots of fun. I love Japanese food, so it is a dream to work on this sushi book with all the talented young foodie artists and Yutaka. Sushi really is child’s play, it’s quick, healthy and interactive – all the ingredients for very happy children in my household!”
The launch coincides with new research from Yutaka showing a generational shift in British kitchens. A survey of 2,000 parents revealed that 89 percent believe traditional children’s recipes, such as flapjacks and rice crispy cakes, are giving way to healthier and more adventurous dishes like sushi, ramen, and fresh pasta.
Lisa Harris, food trends expert and co-founder of Harris and Hayes, commented:
“What really stands out in Yutaka’s research is how home cooking has transformed into a lifestyle choice, as well as being a practical necessity.
“It indicates a genuine generational shift towards making the kitchen a space for bonding, creativity, and healthier choices.”
Ken Furukawa, CEO of Tazaki Foods, which owns Yutaka, added:
“Kids’ cooking skills may be changing, but the heart of these family foodie moments remains the same – connection and joy.”
The recipe book Seaweed Sid & The Sushi Squad is available to download for free on Yakuta’s website.
