Weekend tip: a sake workshop at Okura in Amsterdam
At Amsterdam’s Okura, known for the restaurants Ciel Bleu**, Yamazato*, Serre and Sazanka, you can not only drink delicious sake (they even have their own unique sake), you can now also learn everything about the famous Japanese drink. Led by Master Sake Sommelier Akos Turi, one of the two Sake Masters in the Netherlands, you’ll discover the subtle nuances and rich history of Japanese rice wine.
Recently, I sat down for the first time in my life at the renowned Teppanyaki Restaurant Sazanka in Amsterdam. I was not only blown away by the fantastic dishes, but also by the sake served with them. Like many people, my first introduction to sake was a warm, sweetish drink in which I mainly tasted a lot of alcohol. It can be better!
Japanese hospitality
Why, and above all what makes sake so special, is something you’ll discover during this sake workshop. It takes place every Saturday and promises plenty of good things; to introduce you to its extensive range of flavours, a number of exclusive premium sake labels will be opened — you guessed it… bottles that can only be tasted at Okura. During the workshop, the special sakes are also paired with the sweet and bitter notes of chocolate and the salty, rounded flavours of special accompanying cheeses. This way, you’ll learn how the flavours enhance one another. Every detail of the workshop reflects the essence of omotenashi, Japanese hospitality from the heart. Just hearing this word makes my heart beat faster.
Master Sake Sommelier
As mentioned, the workshop is led by Akos Turi, who has received the prestigious Master Sake Sommelier Award. He knows better than anyone how versatile sake is. Akos: “Every year I travel to Japan to deepen my knowledge, visit breweries and discover the stories behind sake. I’d love to share my passion for this special craft, recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.”
Location and price of the sake workshop
Thinking, ‘I want that!’? The sake workshop takes place every Saturday from 14:30–16:00 in the serene atmosphere of Yamazato Restaurant and costs €70 per person. You can make a reservation via the website.
