Hello, I’m Mana! This time, I want to share about the best pairings of sake and food that I’ve learned through my studies for the Sake Sommelier exam. Sake, with its rich aromas and flavors, shows exquisite compatibility with various dishes. As I studied, I found several favorite pairings myself, and I would like to introduce some of them to you now.
The Four Types of Sake and Their Food Pairings
First, sake is divided into four types: Kunshu (aromatic), Soushu (refreshing), Junshu (rich), and Jukushu (aged). Each type has its perfect culinary match. Let’s look at the food pairings that go well with each type of sake.
1. Kunshu – Aromatic Type
Kunshu is characterized by its fruity and floral aromas. Particularly, Daiginjo and Ginjo types of Kunshu are excellent with light appetizers and fruity dishes. They are also recommended as aperitifs.
Good pairing dishes:
- Marinated octopus with herbs
- Fresh cheese and fruit tomato salad
- Carpaccio of white fish
These dishes enhance the aromatic quality of Kunshu, where the freshness of the food and the lightness of the sake match exquisitely. Dishes using citrus particularly go well with Kunshu.
2. Soushu – Light and Smooth Type
Soushu is noted for its clean and crisp taste, best served chilled. It pairs well with simple flavored dishes and light appetizers, especially recommended for hot summer days.
Good pairing dishes:
- Cold pasta
- Chicken breast tataki with sudachi lime and salt
- Cold tofu
The light flavor of Soushu refreshes the palate, making it a perfect match with refreshing vegetable dishes and cold pasta during summer.
3. Junshu – Rich Type
Junshu allows you to enjoy the most quintessentially Japanese taste, feeling the umami and richness of rice. It pairs exceptionally well with hearty dishes and those using rich sauces.
Good pairing dishes:
- Pork and radish stew
- Shutou (fermented fish entrails)
- Sukiyaki
Junshu’s rich umami flavor pairs well with salt-enhanced dishes and rich meat dishes. Particularly, well-seasoned dishes like stews and pizzas bring out the best in the sake.
4. Jukushu – Aged Type
Jukushu features a complex and deep flavor from extended aging. It pairs well with robustly flavored dishes, spicy meals, and can also complement desserts—a truly versatile type.
Good pairing dishes:
- Mapo tofu
- Grilled eel (Unagi no Kabayaki)
- Sautéed foie gras
Jukushu’s rich and profound flavors make it a great companion for spicy dishes, fermented foods, and rich cheeses. Particularly, its compatibility with fermented foods allows for perfect pairings with miso and rich cheese flavors.
Pairing Sake with Local Japanese Dishes
Pairing local Japanese dishes with local sake is also one of the great pleasures of enjoying sake. For example, the robust flavors of Tohoku region dishes pair well with slightly rich Junshu or Jukushu.
Examples of local sake and dish pairings:
- Niigata Prefecture: Noppei soup × local sake (Junshu type)
- Akita Prefecture: Kiritanpo hot pot × Hiyaoroshi
- Hiroshima Prefecture: Oyster nabe × Kimoto Junmai sake
- Kyushu region: Horse sashimi × Jukushu
Enjoying these regional dish and sake pairings can give you a taste of the unique flavors of the land. Especially, try local sake with local dishes when traveling.
Enjoying Sake Pairings at Restaurants
When enjoying sake and food pairings at a restaurant, one good approach is to consider the pairing suggestions listed on the menu. Many restaurants offer suggested pairings, which can provide a more diverse tasting experience than dining at home.
Additionally, restaurants with a wide variety of sake often serve sake by the glass to match with dishes. This allows you to enjoy various pairings in small quantities, which is a great way to experience different flavors.
Conclusion
In this article, we introduced food pairings suitable for the four types of sake (Kunshu, Soushu, Junshu, Jukushu). Each type has its appropriate dishes, and the right combinations can make both the sake and the food more enjoyable.
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