Have you ever tried Sake (Japanese rice wine)?

It’s an alcoholic beverage that looks as clear as water, but it is actually an incredibly deep and complex drink.

​Sake is primarily made from just four ingredients: rice, rice koji (malted rice), water, and yeast.

However, the possibilities are almost endless! The flavor changes drastically depending on how much the rice is polished, whether the water is soft or hard, and which type of yeast is used. From fresh "Namagenshu" (unpasteurized sake) to "Koshu" (aged sake), there are so many varieties—sweet, dry, crisp, or rich.

​This photo shows a "Nomikurabe" (Sake Tasting Set) I had at a Japanese inn (ryokan).

​Almost every region in Japan has its own local sake. These tasting sets are a great way to discover the unique characteristics of different local brews at an affordable price.

​Personally, I prefer sake with a lower alcohol content and a sweeter taste.

​Next time, I’ll introduce my absolute favorite bottle to you!

Comments

Post a Comment

If you enjoyed this glimpse into my daily life, you can buy me a coffee here!

Popular posts from this blog

Today's Lunch: Super Spicy & Rich Chicken Ramen

Image
​I went out for ramen with my friend today! We had this spicy, rich chicken ramen covered in bright red ichimi (cayenne pepper powder). ​The soup is so thick and creamy that it clings to the noodles perfectly. Every bite is packed with the intense flavor of the broth! ​Of course, the toppings—chashu (braised pork), nori (seaweed), and nitamago (soft-boiled seasoned egg)—were the perfect match for the rich soup. It was absolutely delicious! ​As many of you probably know, Japanese people (especially guys!) LOVE ramen. That’s why there are so many different varieties of ramen all over the country. ​I’ll share more whenever I try a new bowl. Stay tuned! ​How spicy do you like your ramen? 
Read more

Trying Japan's Iconic "Seventeen Ice" Vending Machine! 🍦

Image
​Sorry, I already took a bite before taking the photo...! ​In Japan, you'll often see these vending machines for a series of ice creams called "Seventeen Ice" at train stations and shopping malls. ​You might wonder why it's called "Seventeen." The story goes that it was originally targeted at 17-year-old high school girls. ​They offer a huge variety of flavors, but my number one recommendation is Mint Chocolate Chip. The combination of refreshing mint and chocolate is simply irresistible! ​But they’re all delicious, so if you spot a "Seventeen Ice" vending machine in Japan, definitely try challenging yourself to different flavors!
Read more

Today's Budget-Friendly Lunch: Retort Curry and Bean Sprouts! 🍛

Image
Today's lunch is Japanese curry rice and sautéed bean sprouts! ​In Japanese supermarkets, you'll find an incredible variety of "retort" (ready-to-eat) curry pouches. They are very affordable, yet each one tastes amazing. All you have to do is heat the pouch in the microwave for about a minute, pour it over rice, and it's done! ​For the rice, I used some leftover broccoli rice I made yesterday. ​The side dish is bean sprouts, which are probably the cheapest vegetable you can buy in Japan—only about 35 yen (approx. $0.23) per bag! My favorite way to eat them is a simple sauté with sesame oil, salt, and pepper. It’s so simple, yet delicious. ​Today’s meal is a real "budget home-cooked lunch," but I'm totally satisfied!
Read more