The Best Drinks to Pair with Your Meal at Jomon Negishi

Dining at Jomon Negishi is more than just a meal—it’s an immersive experience that celebrates the art of traditional Japanese cuisine. Whether you’re indulging in their famous yakitori or exploring their range of fresh, flavorful dishes, pairing the right drink can elevate your meal to new heights. At Jomon Negishi, the careful selection of beverages complements the rich and complex flavors of Japanese food, enhancing every bite. From traditional sake to expertly crafted cocktails, here’s a guide to the best drinks to pair with your meal at this Japanese culinary gem.

1. Sake: The Traditional Japanese Drink

No visit to Jomon Negishi would be complete without trying sake, the traditional Japanese rice wine. Known for its subtlety and complexity, sake is an essential pairing for almost any dish on the menu. At Jomon Negishi, sake is chosen with great care to enhance the flavors of the food, offering a perfect balance of delicate sweetness, acidity, and umami.

For a classic pairing, opt for a chilled junmai ginjo sake. This style of sake is made with highly polished rice and is known for its clean, crisp taste. The smooth and slightly fruity profile of junmai ginjo complements the grilled, smoky flavors of yakitori, while also cutting through the richness of dishes like unagi don (grilled eel over rice). The refreshing acidity of this sake makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of dishes, from grilled meats to delicate seafood.

If you prefer something warmer and more full-bodied, a junmai sake served warm is an excellent choice. The deep, earthy flavors of this sake pair beautifully with the savory, charred notes of the yakitori, particularly with the tsukune (chicken meatballs) and tori momo (chicken thigh). The warmth of the sake also adds a cozy, comforting element to the meal, making it perfect for cooler evenings or when you’re enjoying a leisurely meal with friends or family.

2. Japanese Whisky: A Bold Alternative

For those who prefer something with a little more punch, Japanese whisky is an excellent alternative to sake. Renowned for its smoothness and depth of flavor, Japanese whisky has gained global acclaim for its quality and craftsmanship. At Jomon Negishi, you can choose from a selection of finely aged whiskies that pair beautifully with grilled meats and rich dishes.

For a bold and smoky pairing, try a peaty Japanese whisky such as Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve. The whisky’s smoky undertones complement the intense flavors of the grilled yakitori, particularly the crispy skin and charred edges of the skewers. The slight sweetness and complexity of the whisky provide a great balance to the saltiness of the skewers, making it an ideal drink for those who love a robust flavor experience.

If you’re looking for something lighter and more delicate, consider pairing your meal with a Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve, a fresh and herbaceous Japanese whisky that boasts notes of citrus and green apple. This whisky is a fantastic match for lighter skewers, such as tori negima (chicken and scallion skewers) or kawa (chicken skin), where its bright, refreshing flavor can complement the smoky elements without overpowering the dish.

3. Umeshu: Sweet and Fruity Delight

If you have a preference for sweeter drinks, umeshu, or plum wine, is a must-try at Jomon Negishi. Made from ume (Japanese plums), this sweet, fruity wine offers a delightful contrast to the savory dishes on the menu. The smooth, syrupy texture and bright, tangy flavor of umeshu make it a wonderful pairing for dishes with a rich or fatty profile.

Pair umeshu with karaage (Japanese fried chicken) for a playful contrast. The acidity and sweetness of the plum wine cut through the crispy, savory coating of the chicken, while enhancing the flavors of the juicy meat inside. Umeshu also pairs excellently with tsukune (chicken meatballs) and yaki onigiri (grilled rice balls), offering a refreshing sweetness that balances the saltiness and richness of these dishes.

For a more refined pairing, try a chilled umeshu with unagi don, the sweet grilled eel served over rice. The sweet, fruity notes of the ume wine beautifully complement the rich, savory sauce of the eel, creating a harmonious combination of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.

4. Japanese Craft Beer: A Light and Refreshing Choice

If you’re looking for a lighter beverage to pair with your meal, Japanese craft beer is an excellent option. Known for their clean, crisp, and refreshing profiles, Japanese beers offer a great balance to the complex flavors of yakitori and other dishes at Jomon Negishi. Beers like Asahi Super Dry, Sapporo, or specialty Japanese craft beers add a light effervescence that refreshes the palate between bites of grilled skewers.

The Asahi Super Dry is an especially great choice with yakitori, as its clean, dry finish makes it the perfect beverage to enjoy with skewers like tori momo (chicken thigh) or negima (chicken and scallion). The beer’s mild bitterness and carbonation cleanse the palate after each bite, making it easier to enjoy the smoky flavors of the meat.

For a slightly more complex beer pairing, try a Kirin Ichiban, known for its smooth taste and slightly malty sweetness. This beer pairs wonderfully with kushikatsu (Japanese deep-fried skewers) and even sashimi, where the beer’s light body complements the fresh ingredients without overwhelming them.

5. Matcha Tea: A Soothing Non-Alcoholic Option

For those who prefer a non-alcoholic beverage, matcha tea is a perfect drink to enjoy with your meal. Known for its earthy, umami-rich flavor, matcha is a great way to cleanse your palate between bites of yakitori. Its slightly bitter taste also works well to balance the richness of dishes like unagi don or katsu (breaded pork cutlets), offering a refreshing contrast to the savory and sweet flavors of the food.

Iced matcha is another option, particularly if you’re dining in warmer weather. The cool, refreshing nature of iced matcha enhances the flavors of grilled meats and light appetizers, while offering a unique pairing that reflects the Zen-inspired culture of Japan.

6. Cocktails with a Japanese Twist

For those who enjoy creative cocktails, Jomon Negishi also offers a selection of drinks with a Japanese twist. Cocktails such as the Yuzu Mojito (made with the citrusy yuzu fruit) or a Japanese gin and tonic made with premium roku gin and garnished with botanicals, offer refreshing, light options that pair wonderfully with yakitori.

The Yuzu Mojito‘s refreshing citrus notes make it a great accompaniment to the smoky flavors of yakitori, while the herbal botanicals in the gin and tonic complement the delicate flavors of sashimi and other raw fish dishes.

Conclusion

At Jomon Negishi, the right drink can elevate your dining experience, enhancing the flavors of the carefully crafted dishes and adding a new dimension to your meal. Whether you choose sake for an authentic touch, enjoy the boldness of Japanese whisky, or opt for refreshing beer and cocktails, there’s a perfect drink to pair with every dish on the menu. The thoughtful drink pairings at Jomon Negishi ensure that each visit is a celebration of Japan’s culinary traditions, offering an experience that is as rich in flavors as it is in culture. So, the next time you visit, explore these drinks and make your meal even more unforgettable.