When it comes to food, Japanese cuisine offers a variety of flavors, textures, and ingredients. The balance of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami makes every meal a delightful experience.
While pairing wine with Japanese food might seem unusual at first, it can actually lead to some surprisingly great combinations. Just like sake and other traditional drinks bring out unique flavors, wine can offer something special that typical Japanese beverages may not.
This guide will help you discover the best wine pairing menu items for popular Japanese dishes.
What Makes Japanese Food Ideal for Wine Pairing
The Special Taste of Umami
Many Japanese dishes have a savory flavor called umami. It comes from ingredients like soy sauce and miso. Umami can be tricky to pair with wine, but when done right, it makes both the food and wine taste better. Wines with a bit of sweetness or good acidity can balance the richness of umami.
Matching Flavors
When pairing wine with Japanese food, it’s important to match the intensity of the wine with the flavors in the dish. Lighter wines go well with delicate dishes like sushi, while richer dishes like teriyaki pair better with stronger wines. The idea is to make the dish and the wine complement each other without one overpowering the other.
Pairing Wine with Popular Japanese Dishes
Sashimi
When most people think of Japanese food, sushi, and sashimi are often the first things that come to mind. A crisp, clean white wine like Grüner Veltliner is a good match for sushi’s fresh flavors. This wine's high acidity and citrus notes, such as lemon and lime, complement the seafood found in most sushi rolls. There are plenty of other wines that can go well with sushi. For example, you might try a rosé with salmon rolls or Pinot Gris with shrimp nigiri.
Restaurants like The Riddler offer a unique twist by presenting the classic Italian Vitello Tonnato in a Japanese style. This dish features fresh bluefin tuna (agami) paired with creamy Tonnato Sauce and herb oil and served with wasabi gel to add a refreshing hint of spice. For a delightful wine pairing, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc will beautifully complement the rich flavors of the tuna and sauce.
Tempura
Tempura and other agemono, such as katsu and karaage, are popular Japanese dishes where seafood or vegetables are lightly battered and fried. The mild and comforting flavors of these dishes go well with aromatic and fuller-bodied white wines, like Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. They can also handle a bit of tannin, so light to medium-bodied reds are great options, too. Consider wines like Pinot Noir, Gamay, or Grenache to complement these tasty dishes.
This dish features chicken thighs, dry-aged for 3 days to bring out a rich flavor. At restaurants like The Riddler, the chef selects tender chicken thighs, stuffing them with house-made chicken liver pâté under the skin. The chicken is then baked slowly at low heat until the skin turns perfectly crispy. It’s served with a deep, flavorful teriyaki sauce made from chicken stock that has been simmered for over 12 hours, and accompanied by confit vegetables cooked in oil with herbs. A medium-bodied Pinot Noir or Merlot will go really well with this dish. These wines are fruity enough to match the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce without being too strong. For a richer experience, a fruit-forward Zinfandel can bring out the bold flavors in teriyaki.
Teriyaki, with its sweet and savory glaze, is another classic Japanese dish that pairs well with different wines. Whether it’s chicken, beef, or fish, the sauce's sweetness matches well with medium-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir or Merlot. These wines are fruity enough to match the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce without being too strong. For a richer experience, a fruit-forward Zinfandel can bring out the bold flavors in teriyaki.
Ramen
Ramen comes in different styles, from light soy sauce-based broths (shoyu) to rich, creamy pork-based broths (tonkotsu). The wine you choose should depend on the type of ramen. For lighter broths like shoyu, a light red wine such as Beaujolais or a rosé works well. On the other hand, a fuller-bodied red wine like Syrah or Malbec is perfect for richer broths like tonkotsu, adding depth to the already hearty dish.
Yakitori
These charcoal-grilled chicken skewers are a favorite among locals and pair well with various drinks, making them a common choice in many Japanese restaurants. When choosing a wine to pair with yakitori, it’s important to think about whether the chicken is seasoned with salt or a sweet sauce, as well as which cut of chicken you’re having. Salt-seasoned chicken matches with wines like Sauvignon Blanc, which offers bright acidity and herbal notes, or Chardonnay, particularly those with a touch of oak that can complement the savory flavors.
Soup
Tips for Pairing Wine with Japanese Food
Always consider the intensity of both the dish and the wine. Delicate dishes like sushi go well with lighter wines, while richer dishes like ramen and teriyaki need bolder wines.
Don’t be afraid to try new combinations! Different wines can bring out new flavors in Japanese food, so feel free to mix things up.
Choose your wine based on the occasion. Sparkling wines are great for celebrations, while a light white or rosé is perfect for a relaxed meal.
Experience Exceptional Pairings at The Riddler
Pairing wine with Japanese food doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding the flavors of each dish and choosing the right wine, you can enjoy a delicious and harmonious dining experience. If you’re ready to explore the perfect wine and Japanese food pairing menu, book a table at The Riddler to enjoy a tasty dish that will leave you craving more.
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