StyleNest paid a visit to Spice Market London to discover the world of sake.

Inspired by his love of Asian street food, which he discovered on his extensive travels, restaurateur Jean-Georges Vongerichten founded the successful restaurant group in New York before shortly bringing it to London. The little sister to New York’s original Spice Market, Spice Market London still has something to offer to its diners, particularly in the form of their Sake Flight Menu.

There are a number of different sakes one can enjoy and there is a great complexity on which type of sake you should consume with a particular dish. Narrowing the choice down, the Sake Flight Menu offers an array of four starters with accompanying sakes that perfectly compliments each dish. From the simplest of starters and common sakes to the more complex and luxurious dishes and sakes, the choice between the four Japanese alcoholic beverages on the Flight Menu and the accompanying dishes is left to a matter of taste and what you are willing to spend.

If you prefer your sake dry we suggest the Junmai, Akitabare ‘Koshiki Junzukuri’ Northern Skies. Whilst the name is a bit of a mouthful the Sake fortunately enough isn’t. Certainly made for those who prefer a milder taste to something quite flavourful, Northern Skies was well matched with the simple yet pleasant egg rolls.

One of our favourites was the Junmai, Kamoizumi ‘Shusen’ Three Dots.  An incredibly aromatic Sake, this Japanese alcoholic beverage was delicious when paired with the meat starter, Charred Chilli Rubbed Beed Skewer with Thai Basil Dipping Sauce. The contrast in flavours between the spicy beef and the cooling, creamy dipping sauce was only enhanced with the Three Dots.

The Daiginjo, Masumi ‘Yumedono’ Mansion of Dreams Sake was by far the best. And at £190 for a bottle we could see why. Luxury incarnate, this Sake bursts with flavour. A mélange between tropical peach, melon and a subtle note of strawberry transported us to a realm of tropical beaches and summer fruits.  The accompanying starter was no less impressive, served with the Salmon Cha Ca La Vong Herb Salad the sweet aromas within this dish achieved its purpose perfectly when combined with Mansion of Dreams.

Overall we would say the Sake Flight Menu is certainly one to try, particularly if you are looking for something quick, tasty and in some ways refreshing before a long night ahead. Located in the contemporary and sleek W Hotel, neighbouring Leicester Square, the Spice Market London restaurant is the perfect bar to visit before you and a couple of friends hit the city’s streets.

For more information and to book your own Sake Flight Menu experience visit www.spicemarketlondon.co.uk

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