Japan Sake and Food Pairing -PART6-
This is the sixth feature in our Japan Sake and Food Pairing series, introduced by Chef Yasu of Rin-Tei.
Signature Dish: Chicken Rice
At Rin-Tei, one of our most beloved entrées since the day we opened is our signature Chicken Rice. This dish features tender, juicy chicken carefully steamed to lock in flavor and paired with fragrant jasmine rice. Topped with Rin-Tei’s original ginger sauce, it offers a balance of spice and freshness with a subtle Southeast Asian influence.
Served at both lunch and dinner, it has become a year-round favorite for guests seeking comfort with a touch of exotic flair.
Perfect Pairing: Sho Chiku Bai Nigori Sake
To elevate the experience, we recommend pairing this entrée with Sho Chiku Bai Nigori Sake. Known for its cloudy appearance and silky texture, this traditional unfiltered sake delivers gentle sweetness and rich rice flavor.
It beautifully complements the savory and mildly spicy notes of the Chicken Rice. The sake softens the spice while enhancing the aromatic jasmine rice and tender chicken, creating harmony in every bite and sip.
A Touch of Tradition and Lasting Impression
At Rin-Tei, this sake is now served in a masu, a traditional square wooden cup rooted in Japanese culture. Drinking from a masu adds a visual and aromatic charm as the sake’s fragrance mingles subtly with the natural scent of the wood. This presentation offers guests a sense of Japanese tradition while enjoying a modern, globally inspired dish.
What makes this pairing memorable is the experience it creates. The warmth of the sake balances the gentle spice of the ginger sauce, inviting diners to slow down and savor each moment. The tender chicken, the fragrant rice, and the mellow sweetness of the sake come together like a conversation between cuisines, where Japanese heritage meets international inspiration.
This Japan Sake and Food Pairing reflects Rin-Tei’s philosophy of blending Japanese culinary traditions with vibrant international flavors. It is the perfect choice for guests seeking a refreshing, comforting meal enhanced by the elegance and richness of premium sake.
