Perfect Pairings

Australia is truly blessed with a global food culture, and modern saké styles, which have a large range of taste, texture and acidity, can match a variety of international cuisines really well. We encourage you to step outside the “Japanese cuisine” box and are excited to share with you our selection of unconventional and delicious pairings. Matching saké with non-Japanese cuisines makes for a unique experience whether you are a saké newbie or an aficionado. It’s a great way to get the conversation going around the dinner table and your guests will be impressed by an unforgettable culinary experience. Be bold and experiment! 

Check in as we share our pairings, recipes with delicious twists and mouthwatering tips for incorporating saké in cooking. Journey into the world of umami with us!

Tips
There is a myriad of ways to pair saké with food. You can follow a complementary ‘like for like’ matching rule using dominant flavour profiles but sometimes using an exception such as two contrasting elements like acidity and richness, takes the tasting experience to new heights.

Saké is also unique in the beverage world because it can be served at a wide range of temperatures e.g. chilled, room temperature, warm or hot. Matching the temperature of a sake to the dish can further enhance the umami factor of your meal.

  • Light / Clean saké styles pair well with light dishes - salads, seafood, fruit.
  • Rich / Bold saké styles pair well with rich flavours - meats (BBQs, grills, stews), oily fish, cheese, cream-based pasta, rich desserts. 

Cheese and Fruit Platter 

Pairing saké and cheese is an incredible discovery. Foods high in umami like cheese and grilled meats are fantastic when paired with some of our richer, full-bodied saké which also retain a sensation of sweetness on the palate. This flavour combination means these saké drink well alongside foods with a savoury umami character plus they also suit the fresh fruity flavours of a gorgeous cheese and fruit platter. Drinking saké in this way will surprisingly enhance the taste experience and is highly recommended. If this tantalises your taste buds, take it to the next level and try saké with fondue!

 

Featured in the picture
FUKUGAO SAKÉ STORED IN BOURBON BARREL 
KUZURYU JUNMAI

Other recommendations

SAKURAMASAMUNE OUKA-ICHIRIN CHO-TOKUSEN DAIGINJO
KAWATSURU SANUKI CLOUDY HONJOZO
ARAGOSHI MOMOSHU
SAKURAMSAMUNE DAIGINJO

--------------------------

Use any of your favourites to create quick and impressive cheese and fruit platters to serve with your saké.

Marinated Goat cheese
1 pack goat cheese
Olive oil, to cover
Zest of one lemon
1 tblsp pink peppercorns
3-4 bay leaves

Roughly cut the goat cheese in large chunks and place in a small jar or bowl. Top with remaining ingredients.

Olive Bread Biscuits
1 medium loaf olive bread
50gm butter, melted

Slice loaf lengthwise into thin slices. Brush both sides of the slices with the butter. Pre-heat oven to 200°C. Place on lined baking trays and bake until golden brown, turning a few times during cooking process.

Finish platter by using any of your other favourite biscuits.