Japanese Tea & Craft Guide

Enjoying Japanese Sake at Home – Simple Pairings with Traditional Ware

After discovering beautiful sake cups during your journey to Japan,
you might be wondering—how can I enjoy sake at home?

The answer is simpler than you think.
Many foods you already love with wine can be paired wonderfully with Japanese sake, too.

Here are a few easy ideas you can try right away, using simple ingredients and your favorite sake ware.

1. Marinated Olives

Marinated olives served in a small dish, paired with chilled sake in a traditional sake cup

A perfect match with sake—light saltiness enhances the umami flavor.
Best enjoyed with chilled sake in a simple sake cup.

2. Skewered Tomato, Cheese, and Eggplant Bites

Skewered appetizers of cherry tomatoes, cheese, and eggplant, accompanied by a glass of cold sake

Juicy tomatoes and creamy cheese bring out the gentle sweetness of sake.
Serve with cold sake in a clear glass vessel for a refreshing pairing.

3. Ratatouille-style Vegetable Stew

Ratatouille-style vegetable stew served in a bowl, ideal with room-temperature or warmed sake

Sweetness from the vegetables pairs beautifully with smooth, room-temperature sake or gently warmed sake (nurukan).

4. Sardine and Tomato Farcis (Baked Stuffed Sardines)

Baked sardines stuffed with tomatoes, presented on a rustic plate alongside a sake cup.

Rich umami from sardines and roasted tomatoes pairs well with both chilled and warmed sake.
A rustic dish that brings out the depth of the drink.

5. Matcha Chocolate Truffles

Matcha chocolate truffles arranged on a dish, paired with a glass of chilled junmai ginjo sake.

A delightful finishing touch.
The gentle bitterness of matcha chocolate harmonizes beautifully with chilled junmai ginjo sake.

Green-glazed sake server and shallow cups with natural textures, styled with seasonal foliage.

 

Looking for more ideas?

Assorted appetizers (baguette with smoked salmon, avocado dip, and more)

Assorted appetizers including smoked salmon on baguette slices and avocado dip, served with sake.

Chinese dim sum (steamed buns and dumplings)

A selection of Chinese dim sum, such as steamed buns and dumplings, paired with Japanese sake.

Sake pairs well beyond traditional Japanese dishes—have fun exploring!

Earth-toned sake set with deep black and blue textures, evoking a wabi-sabi aesthetic.

 

Bring home not only a sake cup, but also the quiet joy of sake culture.
Pour, sip, and enjoy small, beautiful moments—right at your own table.

 

Our shop info

TSURU-IPPUKU（つるのいっぷく）


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Located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nijo Castle, we specialize in traditional and modern Japanese tea sets, handmade matcha bowls, Kyoto teapots, Nambu iron kettles, Japanese SAKE set (cup & pot) and tea ceremony accessories. Whether you’re looking for an authentic matcha bowl (chawan) or a high-quality Japanese teapot (kyusu), you’ll find the perfect piece to take home as a Kyoto souvenir. We provide secure packaging to ensure safe transport, and international shipping is available. Visit us and explore the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship!

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