Sake's high amino acid content enhances umami, while its lack of tartaric acid helps it pair well with foods that can challenge wine. • Sake pairs well beyond sushi, with unexpected matches including Caesar salad, bagels and lox, and Spanish tapas. • Different sake styles suit different foods: aromatic junmai ginjo and daiginjo pair well with lighter dishes, while richer Kimoto, Yamahai, and nigori styles complement savory and fatty foods.