The Best Japanese Soups to Pair with Sake

Japanese cuisine is renowned for its delicate flavors and emphasis on fresh ingredients, and one of the jewels of this culinary tradition is its soups. When it comes to enjoying these delightful bowls of warmth, pairing them with sake can elevate the entire dining experience. Here’s a look at some of the best Japanese soups that complement sake beautifully.

1. Miso Soup
Miso soup is a classic staple in Japanese households, made with fermented soybean paste (miso), tofu, seaweed, and green onions. Its umami-rich profile pairs wonderfully with junmai sake, which has a clean finish that complements the savory flavors of the soup. The smoothness of the sake enhances the subtlety of the miso, creating a harmonious balance.

2. Ramen
Ramen, with its rich broth and variety of toppings, is a favorite among many. Whether you prefer shoyu (soy sauce), tonkotsu (pork bone), or shio (salt) ramen, the bold flavors in these broths work fantastically with a full-bodied sake like ginjo. The fruity and floral notes in ginjo sake bring out the complexities of the broth, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.

3. Tonjiru
Tonjiru is a hearty miso soup that includes pork and root vegetables, offering a comforting meal especially during the colder months. The robust nature of tonjiru pairs excellently with a rich, aged sake like nigori sake, which has a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the soup.

4. Suimono
Suimono is a clear broth soup that showcases the essence of its ingredients, typically featuring seafood, vegetables, and sometimes mushrooms. This light and refreshing soup pairs perfectly with a crisp and dry sake like honjozo. The clean taste of honjozo accentuates the subtle flavors in the suimono without overwhelming it, making for a sublime pairing.

5. Chawanmushi
While technically a savory egg custard, chawanmushi is often enjoyed like a soup and features ingredients like shrimp, chicken, and ginkgo nuts. Its silky texture and delicate flavors blend beautifully with a delicate, floral sake such as daiginjo. The intricate notes in daiginjo elevate the dish, making each bite a delightful experience.

6. Zoni
Zoni is a traditional soup often served during New Year celebrations, featuring mochi (rice cakes), vegetables, and sometimes chicken or fish. This festive soup is best paired with a slightly sweet sake like junmai ginjo, which complements the chewy mochi and the umami of the broth while providing a rich depth to the overall meal.

7. Kake Udon Soup
Kake udon is a simple yet comforting dish made with thick udon noodles served in a light dashi broth. The delicate flavor of this dish pairs beautifully with a smooth, well-balanced sake like karakuchi, which enhances the umami of the dashi while adding a refreshing element to every sip.

Pairing the right sake with these wonderful soups not only enhances their flavors but also elevates your overall dining experience. Whether you’re enjoying a casual meal at home or seeking a refined dining experience, these combinations are sure to please your palate.