The Filter Category „Food Pairing“

Our Food Pairing filter helps you discover the perfect harmony between food and sake – easily and intuitively.

Simply select your desired category under “Food Pairing”, and the matching sakes will appear instantly. Whether it’s sushi, cheese, meat, or dessert – you’ll find the ideal pairing in just a few clicks. 

Each product also lists one of eight main Sake Styles (A–H + D*), shown under “Style” in the product description. They guide you through the flavour world of sake and help you navigate easily according to your preferences.

The Golden Rules of Sake & Food Pairing

  • Light sake pairs with light dishes, full-bodied sake with intense flavors. 
  • Both preparation and ingredients influence the harmony. 
  • Consider umami, acidity, fat, and texture for balanced pairings. 
  • And most importantly: follow your own taste – there are endless possibilities! 

Sake Styles (A–H + D*) and Ideal Pairings

8 Sake Styles

  1. A. Sparkling

    Light, effervescent sake with fine bubbles – similar to Prosecco. Slightly sweet to dry, lower alcohol. Best with: Sushi, oysters, tempura, or light desserts.

  2. B. Light & Fresh

    Crisp and clean with fine acidity and low alcohol. Best with: Raw fish, sushi, seafood, or vegetable dishes.

  3. C. Fruity & Mellow

    Soft and smooth with fruity notes like melon or pear. Best with: Eggs, cheese, sushi, or mild vegetarian dishes.

  4. D. Aromatic & Expressive

    Bold, spicy, and rich – adds depth to flavorful food. Best with: Grilled fish, meat, BBQ, or aged cheese.

  5. D*. Rosé & Nigori (Unfiltered) - also Aromatic & Expressive

    Rosé: fruity and full-bodied; Nigori: creamy and mild. Best with: Antipasti, cured ham, spicy vegetables, or blue cheese.

  6. E. Complex & Refined

    Elegant, layered sake with floral tones and fine acidity. Best with: Fish or meat in butter sauce, refined cuisine.

  7. F. Traditional & Umami

    Rich Classic Junmai style with deep umami and rice notes. Best with: Hearty dishes, miso, soy, ramen, or poultry.

  8. G. Aged

    Amber sake with notes of nuts, caramel, and dried fruit. Best with: Game, cheese, BBQ, or chocolate desserts.

  9. H. Sweet

    Naturally sweet and rich sake. Best with: Chocolate, fruit desserts, blue cheese, or tiramisu.

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Food Pairing Categories & Matching Sake Styles

Use our food pairing filter to find the ideal sake to go with your dish. Simply choose a food category and discover harmonious combinations!

Sake Food Pairing – Find Your Perfect Match | UENO GOURMET

Category Examples Recommended Sake Styles Why These Styles Work
1. Sushi, Raw Fish & Seafood Sashimi, sushi, ceviche, oysters, caviar A – Sparkling, B – Light & Fresh, C – Fruity & Gentle Light, refreshing sakes highlight delicate flavors and balance acidity.
2. Cooked / Grilled Fish & Seafood Grilled fish, scallops, lobster, eel with miso B – Light & Fresh, C – Fruity & Gentle, E – Complex & Refined Elegant sakes complement butter sauces and grilled notes beautifully.
3. Fried Dishes Tempura, karaage, tonkatsu, gyoza A – Sparkling, B – Light & Fresh, D – Aromatic & Expressive, F – Traditional & Umami-Rich Effervescent or umami-rich sakes cut through oil and enhance crispiness.
4. Poultry Yakitori, duck à l’orange, curry, chicken fricassée D – Aromatic & Expressive, E – Complex & Refined, F – Traditional & Umami-Rich These styles add depth and balance to roasted or umami-rich poultry dishes.
5. Meat & Game, BBQ & Burger Steak, lamb, veal, pork, BBQ, burger D – Aromatic & Expressive, E – Complex & Refined, F – Traditional & Umami-Rich, G – Aged Full-bodied or aged sakes match the richness and umami of meats perfectly.
6. Raw & Cured Meats Carpaccio, tartare, ham, roast beef C – Fruity & Gentle, D – Aromatic & Expressive, D* – Rosé & Nigori Fruity or creamy sakes balance saltiness and spice of cured meats.
7. Vegetarian – Mild, Creamy, Umami Quiche, potato gratin, mushroom dishes, tofu C – Fruity & Gentle, E – Complex & Refined, F – Traditional & Umami-Rich Soft, refined sakes pair beautifully with creamy textures and umami.
8. Vegetarian – Spicy, Fermented, Acidic Miso vegetables, kimchi, antipasti, pickles D – Aromatic & Expressive, D* – Rosé & Nigori, F – Traditional & Umami-Rich Expressive or Nigori sakes round out acidity and fermentation notes.
9. Spicy Dishes & Curries Thai, Korean, Indian cuisine, chili dishes D – Aromatic & Expressive, D* – Rosé & Nigori, F – Traditional & Umami-Rich Aromatic or Nigori styles balance chili heat and add smoothness and body.
10. Noodles, Dough & Street Food Ramen, pasta, pizza, okonomiyaki, gyoza C – Fruity & Gentle, D – Aromatic & Expressive, F – Traditional & Umami-Rich Umami-driven or slightly fruity sakes work well with noodles, sauces, and dough-based dishes.
11. Cheese Mozzarella, comté, gorgonzola, munster A – Sparkling, C – Fruity & Gentle, D – Aromatic & Expressive, G – Aged, H – Sweet Sparkling for soft cheese, aged or sweet sakes for blue or strong cheeses.
12. Desserts & Sweets Wagashi, mousse, fruit tart, chocolate, tiramisu A – Sparkling, C – Fruity & Gentle, G – Aged, H – Sweet Sweet or aged sakes harmonize with chocolate and fruit desserts; sparkling adds freshness.

Tip:

Use the “Food Pairing” filter in our shop to explore which sake pairs best with your favorite dishes. You’ll also find the Sake Style (A–H + D*) listed under each product’s “Style” section to help you navigate by flavor.
Sake Shop