Sake & Food Sake - Pairing: Discover endless possibilities
Forget Wine – experience Sake
Sake is much more than just a beverage for Japanese cuisine. With its fine umami, mild acidity, and often fruity to spicy aromas, premium sake is a true shape-shifter – and the perfect pairing drink for dishes from around the world.
Sake Food Pairing – a new dimension of enjoyment
Whether with sushi, seafood, meat, or vegetarian dishes: the right combination of dish and sake elevates both components to a new level of flavor. Unlike wine, sake doesn't dominate with tannins or strong acidity – making it the ideal partner even for challenging pairings like asparagus, tartare, or soy sauce.
5 convincing reasons to serve sake instead of wine
- A universal umami companion
Sake pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes – from sushi and tartare to aged cheese. Its natural umami brings flavors together where wine often struggles – especially with soy sauce, fish sauce or fermented foods. - No tannins, no acid shock
Sake is tannin-free and significantly lower in acidity than wine – offering a smoother mouthfeel and making it the perfect match for delicate foods like asparagus, artichokes or raw fish. - Flexible in temperature, friendly to food
Sake can be enjoyed chilled, at room temperature or gently warmed – allowing it to match the character of the dish. Ideal for complex menus or seasonal ingredients. - A graceful bridge between cuisines
Whether Asian, Mediterranean or German – sake connects global flavors with elegance. It’s not just for Japanese food: it also complements ceviche, tapas, game, mushrooms or desserts effortlessly. - Curiosity meets experience
For many guests, sake is still a new discovery. Serving it creates surprise, conversation and lasting impressions. A glass of sake can make an evening feel truly special – without clichés.
Sake-Pairing Contest
Surprise your guests with a pairing beyond sushi. Discover over 200 pairing recommendations from renowned sommeliers at www.sake-pairing-contest.com:
Food Pairing & Sake-Stil-Guide
Learn about the main sake styles – from light & fresh to bold & complex – and find out how to reinterpret your favorite dishes with sake...
Book recommendation
SAKE – The Art and Craft of Japan’s National Drink is the new book of renowned sake expert Yoshiko Ueno-Müller, offering a unique insight into Japan’s national drink...
Sake Pairing
Sea bream with bouillabaisse sauce and breaded zucchini
Sake Pairing