Sake’s journey in India took an exciting step forward at Torii by Gauri Khan Mumbai, where we recently hosted an exclusive Sake evening in collaboration with the restaurant’s acclaimed culinary team.
This intimate evening offered a rare opportunity to delve into the art of Japanese sake, harmonised with Torii’s innovative six-course menu crafted by Chef Stefan Gadit, the Culinary Director at Torii. The event brought together sake enthusiasts and newcomers alike, who experienced distinctive styles of sake amid a beautiful synergy of food and drink, not to forget the alluring ambience of the restaurant with a celebrity imprint.
I had the privilege of guiding our guests through this tasting journey, highlighting the nuances between Junmai and Aru-ten sakes (those with added alcohol) with hands-on comparisons that enriched everyone’s experience. For many, tasting a Junmai Ginjo and Ginjo back-to-back was eye-opening, allowing the flavours of rice to shine distinctly in each style, underscoring the elegant intricacies that set each sake apart.
A Journey of Sake and Beyond
Going with Sake Club India’s philosophy of “Sake and Beyond”, adapted in 2023 to further emboss Sake’s place among other Asian beverages, we kicked off the evening with a refreshing Pomegranate Soju (a Korean distilled drink) as the guests assembled. In Mumbai’s humid weather, the crisp and flavourful Soju worked like a charm!
Hana Kizakura Piano Sparkling
Our sake evening began with Hana Kizakura Piano, a sparkling sake with delicate fruit and floral notes, which found a perfect match in Truffle Edamame Dimsum. The fine natural bubbles of the Piano sake, enhanced the umami richness of truffle, a pairing that beautifully set the stage.
Gekkeikan Namasake
Next came the fresh and bold Gekkeikan Namasake, an unpasteurized sake with a vibrant, fruity profile, paired with Kung Pao Chicken. The sake’s clean and fruity flavours balanced the spicy-umami food, creating an interplay of heat and sweetness that resonated with each bite.
Senjyu Kubota Ginjo
We moved on to Senjyu Kubota Ginjo, a Tanrei Karakuchi (crisp and dry) style sake considered typical to the Niigata prefecture. The sake had delicate notes of melon and pear, complementing the crispy Prawn Tempura Roll and allowing the sake’s fruity undertones to enhance the simplicity of the dish.
Hana Kizakura Junmai Ginjo
For a bold pairing, Hana Kizakura Junmai Ginjo was accompanied by (Chicken) Yakitori. With its rich aromatics and an umami accent, the sake married up well to the smoky and savoury dish.
Gekkeikan Nigori Sake
The evening progressed with Gekkeikan Nigori, a creamy unfiltered sake, perfectly matched with Charred Broccoli, where the sake’s velvety texture and sweetness contrasted well with the saltiness and grainy texture of the broccoli.
Homare Aladdin Yuzu shu
Our sake evening reached a crescendo with the refreshing Homare Aladdin Yuzu Shu paired with an artistically plated Young Coconut Ceviche. The zesty tang of the sake and the tropical notes of ceviche created a delightful, invigorating finish.
More Sake Experiences in the offing
India’s curiosity for sake is surging, and nowhere is this more evident than in urban centers like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. At Sake Club India, we caught this trend early in 2020 when we founded the Club itself for building a vibrant community around Sake. Events like ours at Torii emphasize that each tasting is a gateway to appreciating sake’s rich heritage and diversity. From sake’s distinct brewing methods to its unparalleled versatility in pairings, these tastings bridge curiosity with culture, empowering diners to embrace sake with confidence.
We look forward to creating more opportunities, where each glass tells a story and every sip invites a new adventure.
Ready Reckoner for the Sakes Served
| Name | Size | Alcohol % | Price (₹) Ex Mumbai |
| HANA KIZAKURA PIANO SPARKLING SAKE | 300 ml | 5 | 2500 |
| GEKKEIKAN NAMASAKE | 280 ml | 15 | 2600 |
| SENJYU KUBOTA GINJO SAKE | 720 ml | 15 | 6750 |
| HANA KIZAKURA JUNMAI GINJO SAKE | 720 ml | 12 | 4600 |
| GEKKEIKAN NIGORI SAKE | 300 ml | 11 | 2830 |
| HOMARE ALADDIN YUZU SHU SAKE | 300 ml | 10 | 3400 |
