For our sakes: Discover 30 sake pairings across 15 Malaysian restaurants this November

Oktoberfest may be winding down but Malaysian drinkers, sorry, connoisseurs, still have plenty of reasons to raise a glass. Why? Because this November, restaurants across the country will be pouring and pairing one of Japan’s most celebrated drinks, sake.

This initiative comes courtesy of JFOODO (Japan Food Product Overseas Promotion Centre), which is returning with its annual sake pairing campaign in Malaysia. The theme of 2025 is “Discovering New Harmonies with Japanese Sake.”

JFOODO & the culture of food

Image Credit: Canva

JFOODO’s name is a play on the Japanese word “fudo”, which means “culture.” True to its name, the organisation’s mission is to share Japanese food culture with the world. And Malaysia, with its thriving dining scene, is the perfect stage.

As JFOODO’s senior director, Akiko Onishi said in a statement, “We’re inviting everyone in Malaysia to see sake not just as a traditional drink, but as a fantastic partner for dishes from all over the world.”

This campaign does exactly that, showing how sake’s delicate balance of sweetness, acidity, and umami can complement a wide range of flavours. And you can find out for yourself by checking out one (or all) of the 15 participating restaurants in KL, Johor Bahru, Penang, and Ipoh.

15 restaurants, 30 pairings, endless joy to the palate

There will be 30 exquisite pairings across the 15 participating restaurants. These pairings are specially curated to show how you can pair sake with any cuisine: Western, Indian, Mexican, Australian, and Thai. Without further ado, here’s the list.

Klang Valley

Bar.Kar KL Restaurant

Image Credit: JFOODO

The epitome of Malaysian fine dining, Bar.Kar’s chefs Lee Zhe Xi and Soh Yong Zhi will be pairing the floral Tatenokawa Shuryu with their Grilled Scallop on Crispy Glass Noodle; and the herbal Daishichi Shoka with Dry-Aged Lamb Saddle.

Bref by Darren Chin

Image Credit: JFOODO

While the fruity Kamotsuru Hiroshima Nishiki will be paired with Bref’s Signature Cold Cappellini, the smooth Daishichi Minowamon is best enjoyed with chef Lim Wei Han’s Cherry Valley Duck.

Gai by Darren Chin

Image Credit: JFOODO

Darren Chin’s Thai eatery will be rolling out the Hakkaisan with its Signature Crab Omelette, and the Kamotsuru Tokusei Gold with its Signature Tom Yum. These sakes are flowery and fruity, perfect matches to the restaurant’s rich, spicy flavours.

JHOL

Image Credit: JFOODO

At this luxurious Indian restaurant, the Gikyo Junmai Ginjo Genshu 60% will be served together with Chef Gaurav Gupta’s Chettinad Lamb Rib. The Tatenokawa Seiryu, on the other hand, will have its floral notes accentuated with the creamy Alleppey Prawn Curry.

Meat Feds

Image Credit: JFOODO

Award-winning chefs Yenni Law and Shelly Saw will be including the Suigei Ginrei and Hakkaisan Tokubetsu on their list, paired together with their famous 2 Gyu and Duck Vader, respectively. Who knew meat juices go so well with a smooth sake?

Pixie & Vespers

Image Credit: JFOODO

New as this restaurant may be, veteran chef Joeri Timmermans is well-regarded enough to have his Stracciatella and Caviarnara featured together with the tropical Kuzuryu Junmai and the umami-rich Junmai Hattannishiki 60.

Pyro

Image Credit: JFOODO

Meat is king at Chef Louis Ngooi’s restaurant. Thus, it is only right that the aromatic Kokuryu Crystal Dragon Daiginjo and the zesty Suigei Junmai Ginjo Koiku No 54 will taste best with Ngooi’s Steak Tartare & Caviar and Tajia Wagyu Ribeye.

Undisclosed Location

Image Credit: JFOODO

With its Mexican inspiration, one can only expect the best from chef Mervin Chin’s Mojarra De Barramundi and Carne Asada. Good becomes perfect when these are enjoyed with a helping of the spicy Tatenokawa Phoenix and the rich Tatenokawa Honryu, respectively.

Johor

Kyuten Robatayaki

Image Credit: JFOODO

An izakaya is only good if it has good finger food and sake in equal measure. Both are available at Kyuten, with the Tai Carpacio being paired with the smooth Hakutsuru Tokusen and the Ozeki Sakura Beauty 45 with the Sushi Moriawase.

Michelle Butcherie and Kitchen

Image Credit: JFOODO

Chef Mucho loves his protein and thus, his Golden Crust in Blush and Grilled Beef Steak will be paired with the best sake he can get. These would be the Hakutsuru Yamada Nishiki

Tokubetsu Junmai and Ozeki Karatamba Honjozo, smooth and crisp in perfect harmony.

Sho Yakitori Genka Sakaba

Image Credit: JFOODO

Though perfect for fine dining, sake’s true home is in the humble izakaya. Sho Yakitori reflects on this with its pairing of Hakutsuru Daiginjo with the Sashimi Nori Taco, and of Kikusui Karakuchi Dry with Risotto Croquette.

Penang

Platta Café & Dining

Image Credit: JFOODO

This bungalow cafe, helmed by chef Audee Cheah, will be introducing to diners the velvety Hakutsuru Yamadaho together with its Grilled Butterfish. The banana-like Shimeharitsuru Jun, in the meantime, will be paired with the Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin.

Robataya Sunway Carnival Mall

Image Credit: JFOODO

Penang’s family-run izakaya is the perfect place to introduce yourself to sake. For this occasion, check out the Tori Nanban Set, which will be paired with the Kikusui, whereas the Tontoro Yaki Set will go perfectly with the Hakutsuru Sho-Une.

Warakuya Icon City

Image Credit: JFOODO

Warakuya has been offering a homely Japanese dining experience for over 15 years now. This month, it will continue doing so with its sake offerings. The rich Kikusui Sakamai and fruity Shirayuki Hiyashibori will complement the Omakase Sashimi Combo and Warakuya Signature Combo to a tee.

Ipoh

Opëam

Image Credit: JFOODO

Chef Nicole Gan runs Ipoh’s sole participant. She’ll be pairing her Cold Capellini with the aromatic Shimeharitsuru Ginsen. Her Iberico Pork Chop, on the other hand, will be paired with the mellow Morita Daiginjo Ran.

Sake for our sakes

So, Malaysians, time to swap your pint glass for a sake cup. This November, discover how a centuries-old Japanese tradition can bring fresh harmony to your plate, no matter what cuisine you love.

After all, it’s not just about drinking sake, it’s about discovering it and finding a newfound appreciation for it. And that my friends, is going to be good for our… sakes.

For the full list of participating restaurants and further information, click here.

You should also check out: This Bib Gourmand chef has 10 Michelin awards & his KL ramen pop-up is only here till Jan 2026

Feature Image Credit: JFOODO

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