Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic drink, which you will find in many San Diego Japanese restaurants on their bar menus. Sake is brewed by being fermented from rice liquor and varies in grade, complexity, and flavor. By having the knowledge of how to properly drink sake, will make your San Diego Japanese Restaurant experience even more enjoyable. Here are some pointers on sake and how you should drink and savor it:

How Sake is Served in a San Diego Japanese Restaurant: Sake is normally served in a small ceramic flask called a tokkuri. There will also be a small cup accompanying the flask for each drinker and the cup is similar in size to a shot glass. For those who want to fully examine the aromatic and colored features of sake, a wine glass may be used.

Sake can be served Hot or Cold: The temperature is served at will depending upon the grade of the Japanese Sake, although the taste will vary in different degrees depending on the temperature it is served at the San Diego Japanese Restaurant. The best grade, Ginjo sake, is best served chilled as this temperature gives it its best taste. However many San Diego Japanese restaurants fans enjoy their sake warmed up, especially during the cool winter and fall seasons of San Diego.

Recommended Food Pairing with Sake: A Japanese restaurant rule of thumb is to not pair foods with similar bases, such as sushi and sake—which are both comprised of rice—are exceptions to this rule. Any calamari or sashimi roll will pair well with a Japanese sake like Gekkeikan, which brings can bring out the smoky aspects of this sushi. Dessert sakes tend to go well with sushi that is spicy or even filled with cream cheese such as the popular San Diego sushi favorite, the “Philly Roll”. Ask your waitress or even the chef for more suggestions depending on your meal choices.

Sake Etiquette: It is useful to know the correct way to pour sake. Traditionally you pour for others as their cups become empty. Likewise, others should pour for you. This is the perfect way to interact with your fellow San Diego restaurant diners while fully embracing the Japanese culture.

Pair a bottle of sake with the freshest sushi in San Diego and you will have an unforgettable San Diego Restaurant dining experience!!