Sake Seafood Sensations
The perfect match for seafood.
Sake with seafood really is an unbeatable combination!
Its pure flavour profile and diverse range of styles ensure that whatever seafood dish you’re enjoying – from oysters to fish & chips – there’s a type of Sake that will complement it perfectly.
Produced by carefully polishing and fermenting sakamai rice, Sake has been brewed in Japan for over 2,000 years. Today’s brewers merge tradition and innovation to craft high quality, versatile Sakes that come in a range of styles and flavours, and that complement virtually any seafood dish.
As an island country surrounded by water, with a national diet rich in fish, it should come as no surprise that Japan’s national drink goes so well with seafood. It’s about more than just geography though – Sake’s incredible versatility is very much rooted in science.
The science behind Sake’s versatility
Whereas wine draws on the sugars contained in grapes for fermentation, Sake brewers use koji mould to help convert the rice starch into sugar, which in turn produces alcohol. The koji mould also breaks down the rice protein into amino acids, creating a high umami factor in the Sake.
Often called the ‘fifth taste’ (alongside sweet, sour, bitter and salty), umami means ‘essence of deliciousness’ in Japanese. It is a savouriness that deepens flavour, which is one of the many reasons why Sake is so food-versatile.
In addition, and in contrast with many white wines, Sake has very low levels of iron and sulphur dioxide, both of which can react with lipids in seafood to produce an unpleasant fishy smell. It has no tannins either and is made using only the purest water, so you can be confident that its clean palate will work in perfect harmony with your food.
It’s no wonder really that more and more UK restaurants are adding Sake to their drinks menus – regardless of the type of cuisine they serve.
Brought to you by JFOODO - the organisation responsible for promoting Japanese agricultural, forestry, fishery and food products – the Sake Seafood Sensations campaign aims to highlight the great versatility of Sake, provide information to help you discover the wonder of Sake, and find a Sake style that’s the perfect match for your meal, whatever you’re eating.
If you’re not already familiar with Sake, we hope the information on this site will guide you on your Sake discovery – or if you’re already a Sake lover, perhaps we can help you find a new favourite brewery or explore a different style.
The Sake Seafood Sensations campaign sees a host of top London restaurants celebrating all things Sake this autumn. Having launched on 1st October – World Sake Day – participating restaurants are pairing a range of delicious dishes with a selection of Sakes, showcasing the exceptional harmony and compatibility of Sake with seafood. A wonderful opportunity to sample a number of different Sake styles and indulge in some of the best food on offer in the capital!