Masterful pairing of premium sake with Japanese cuisine at zuma bangkok
November 23rd, 2012
The globally acclaimed zuma restaurants (London, Miami, Dubai, Hong Kong, Istanbul & Bangkok) garner their enduring popularity on a concept that combines the culinary and aesthetic design traditions of Japan, interpreted into a modern, stylish dining and drinking experience. zuma presents high quality Japanese cuisine, served from open show kitchens, including feature sushi and robata counters. And to best compliment the sumptuous cuisine, zuma chefs recommend the refined flavours and aromas of traditional Japanese rice wine- more commonly known as “sake”. Carefully curated by the in-house sake sommelier, the “Sake Bar” at zuma Bangkok offers an extensive list of over 40 different labels of premium sake that can be paired exquisitely with the wide variety of dishes served from the zuma kitchens. A tasting and pairing guide to selections from the range of premium sakes available at zuma can be found below.
The production and consumption of sake is inextricably linked to the centuries-old traditional rice growing culture of Japan, and sake is universally recognised as the national alcoholic drink of Japan. Sake is brewed from just two ingredients- rice and water- and the variations in flavours and quality are dependent on the types and origins of the rice breeds used in the processing, and the purity and mineral content of the water sources.
There are two basic types of sake – Futsuu-shuu ( table sake) and Tokutel Meishoshu (premium sake). Table sake is a lower grade, everyday drink, often served hot, and commonly made with added distilled alcohol. Premium sake is usually served cold, and represents approximately 10 percent of total sake production in Japan. Premium sakes can be broadly classified into two categories; Junmai (pure) and Honjozo (with added alcohol). Within the two categories there are three grades; Junmai/Honjozo (basic premium), Junmai Ginjo/Ginjo (mid-premium) and Junmai Daiginjo/Daiginjo (super premium).
Some brief tasting notes on the various categories of premium sake as follows-
* Junmai: a pure rice sake (no added distilled alcohol)- full bodied with some acidity and rich flavours. Pairs well with savory, spicy dishes, and meats.
* Honjozo: includes a small amount of added distilled alcohol which creates a lighter flavour with more prominent fragrances. It can also be served warm, and is pleasant to drink with almost any dish.
* Ginjo: premium- made from polished rice, resulting in complex and delicate flavours and fragrance- often with fruity or floral elements. Works well with rice dishes and grilled fish.
* Daiginjo: super-premium- also made from polished rice that has been ground additionally beyond the “ginjo” grade sake. Pairs nicely with sashimi and sushi.
The sake at zuma can be ordered in carafes of 300ml, or by the bottle, with the super-premium sake typically in bottles of 720 ml, and the premium sake also in large bottles 1800 ml.
Highlights from the zuma Bangkok sake selection
Kamotsuru, Karakuchi Junmai- premium sake from Hiroshima, Japan
Suggested food pairing- Yaki Hamachi Kama– Salt-grilled Yellowtail cheek with pickled relish.
Dewazakura “Ouka”, Ginjo- premium sake from Yamagata, Japan.
Tengumai, Yamahai Junmai- premium sake from Ishikawa, Japan.
Suggested menu pairing– Maguro no Tataki to Ponzu– Seared Yellowfin Tuna with marinated red onions and chilli ponzu.
Dewatsuru, Daiginjo- super-premium sake from Akita, Japan.
Shirataki Jozen Mizu no Gotoshi, Junmai Ginjo- premium sake from Niigata, Japan.
Suggested menu pairing–
Hamachi Usuzukuri Pirikara Ninniku Gake– Sliced Yellowtail with green chilli relish, ponzu & pickled garlic.
Hirame- Cured Fluke sashimi.
Shirataki Jozen Mizu No Gotoshi, Junmai Daiginjo- super-premium sake from Niigata, Japan.
Suggested menu pairings-
zuma Dragon Maki– prawn tempura, freshwater eel, avocado & spicy temura flakes, topped with fried Bonito flakes and minced sweet shrimp.
Gyuhire Sumibiyaki Karami Zuke– 100g Australian Tenderloin with sesame red chilli and soy.
Large 1800 ml bottles of premium sake- with zuma Sake Bar in background.
Zuma Bangkok
Address: G/F at The St. Regis Bangkok Hotel & Residences, 159 Ratchadamri Road. Bangkok 10330 Thailand
BTS: Direct walkway access from Ratchadamri station; & valet parking at entrance
Reservations : +66.2252 4707
Website: www.zumarestaurant.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ZumaBangkok
Opening hours:
zuma Restaurant : Monday to Sunday Lunch 12:00 ~ 15:00 Dinner 18:00 ~ 23:00
zuma Lounge and Bar: Sunday to Thursday 11:30 ~ 24:00 Friday & Saturday 11:30 ~ 02:00
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