Every Friday, we feature a one-on-one Q&A with Japas, our resident curators: Maíra Kimura, Yumi Shimada, and Fernanda Ueno—founders of Japas Cervejaria. They will share their personal reflections on culture, travel, and the everyday moments including their connection to Japan.
Q: What’s the most unexpected food pairing you enjoyed in Japan?
Maíra: The most unexpected food pairing I enjoyed was a hoppy pale ale with dried squid. It reminded me of my childhood. We had friends from Japan who used to send us those snacks. Trying it paired with a "grown-up" drink like pale ale was interesting and nostalgic at the same time.
Yumi: Not exactly food, but more of a drink pairing, it was a cocktail served with a piece of wagyu on top. It was a unique experience.
Fernanda: One of my favorite Japanese foods is umeboshi onigiri with umeboshi. It's simple, comforting, and packed with flavor. The salty-sour plum with the seasoned rice is such a perfect bite. The umeboshi onigiri pairs surprisingly well with the Sayuri Saison from Baird Brewery. Its dry, slightly fruity and spicy character balances the acidity of the umeboshi and complements the softness of the rice. It’s a subtle but really satisfying match. I also love pairing yakitoris with Rauchbier, because it is one of my favorite beer styles.