Miss Kō is taking its beverage offerings to the next level by partnering with We Want Saké, a leading name in the selection and distribution of sake in France. This collaboration enriches the restaurant’s menu with a selection of sakes designed to complement Miss Kō’s Asian fusion cuisine. It’s the perfect opportunity to (re)discover this Japanese beverage, which remains largely unknown in France but deserves a place at the table.
Miss Kō Teams Up with We Want Saké: A New Chapter for Its Beverage Menu
This new partnership with We Want Saké stems from a clear goal: to offer a beverage menu that lives up to Miss Kō’s culinary standards. Previously often limited to traditional Japanese restaurants, sake is now making its way into the world of Asian fusion cuisine, alongside the signature cocktails and wine list already featured at Miss Kō.
What Is Sake? Understanding This Iconic Japanese Beverage
Before moving on to food pairings, it’s worth taking a moment to review what sake actually is—a beverage that is often misunderstood in the West.
How is sake made?
Contrary to popular belief, sake is not a distilled spirit but a fermented rice-based beverage produced using a process similar to that of beer: the rice is polished, steamed, and then fermented using a fungus called koji and a specific type of yeast. This double fermentation process gives sake an alcohol content generally ranging from 13° to 16°, with a wide variety of flavor profiles depending on the rice used, the water, and the expertise of the brewer (the toji).
The Major Categories of Sake
Sake is classified into several categories based on the degree to which the rice is polished and the brewing methods used:
Nama : saké non pasteurisé, frais et vif, à conserver au froid
Junmai : saké pur riz, sans ajout d’alcool, généralement plus corsé et umami
Ginjo : riz poli à plus de 40 %, saké plus fin et aromatique
Daiginjo : le plus haut degré de polissage (au moins 50 %), considéré comme le haut du panier du saké, fruité et délicat
Nigori : saké non filtré, trouble, plus doux et rond en bouche
Comment déguster le saké : température, verre et rituel
Sake is enjoyed differently depending on its category and flavor profile:
- Chilled (5–10°C) for fine, aromatic sakes (Ginjo, Daiginjo), to preserve their delicacy
- Room temperature (15–20°C) to bring out the complexity of certain Junmai sakes
- Hot (40–50°C), traditionally reserved for simpler or more robust sakes, although this practice is becoming less common for high-end sakes
Contrary to popular belief, the vast majority of high-quality sakes—especially those featured in a selection like We Want Saké’s are best enjoyed chilled in a small wine glass rather than in traditional ceramic cups, so that their aromas can be fully appreciated.
Food and Sake Pairings: Our Suggestions from the Miss Kō Menu
Sake has a unique advantage: its low acidity and natural umami make it a particularly versatile pairing for Asian fusion cuisine.
Saké et sushis, sashimis, tatakis
Ginjo and Daiginjo sakes, with their refined and slightly fruity profiles, are a natural pairing for the raw or lightly cooked dishes on the menu: sashimi, crispy tai tai, or salmon and tuna tataki. Their refreshing taste enhances the delicate texture of the fish without overpowering its flavors.
Saké et plats robata, grillades et umami intense
For the more intense dishes from the Robata Grill section (Ribusutēki, Spicy Salmon) or the Kō Burgers, a full-bodied Junmai sake, rich in umami, will pair better with the spicy sauces (miso, foie gras, Korean chili).
Saké et plats sucrés-salés ou fusion créative
The menu’s most original creations, such as the Sashizza and the Gyoza-Lobster, pair particularly well with a slightly sweet Nigori, whose roundness balances the spicy notes and truffle-infused sauces.
Want to try these pairings for yourself? Reserve your table to discover our new selection of sake with We Want Saké.
Why Discover Sake at Miss Kō?
By featuring a carefully curated selection of sakes on its menu, Miss Kō invites its guests to venture off the beaten path (wine, signature cocktails) and explore a beverage that is still relatively uncommon in Parisian restaurants but perfectly suited to sophisticated Asian fusion cuisine. It’s also an opportunity for the curious to become familiar with sake in a welcoming setting, guided by a dining room staff capable of recommending the best pairings based on the dishes chosen.
Make a reservation to discover the new sake menu
The new Miss Kō x We Want Saké sake selection is now available on our menu. Come discover it on your next visit, and let our team guide you to the best pairings.