Indulging in a delightful Sunday filled with laughter and gastronomic wonders, we embarked on a captivating adventure at the Australian Sake Festival held in Melbourne’s renowned Queen Victoria Market. This vibrant event brought together sake enthusiasts and food lovers to immerse themselves in the richness of Japanese culture, cuisine, and, of course, the star of the show—sake. Join us as we recount our unforgettable experience, from discovering exquisite sakes to savoring delectable Japanese delicacies.

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Exploring the World of Sake

As we entered the festival, our senses were immediately captivated by the enticing aroma of sake permeating the air. With eager anticipation, we ventured into the world of this traditional Japanese rice wine, ready to explore a wide array of flavors and nuances. Among the numerous sake retailers present, Sakedokoro Namara stood out as our favorite. Their sake offerings delighted our palates, leaving us no choice but to bring home a generous assortment of bottles to relish later, including the very delicious Yuzushu.

A Gastronomic Adventure

No culinary journey would be complete without savoring the diverse range of Japanese delicacies available at the festival. Our taste buds were treated to a mouthwatering assortment of Janapese streetfood and we were impressed with the ika (squid) noodles prepared by renowned Japanese Private Chef Kengo Hiromatsu. You can book his private home dining or event catering services here.

A refreshing break from the sake tasting led us to the Yuzu Cafe, where we discovered the most invigorating lemonade, as promoted by Jun Hasegawa from Tryber. This citrus-infused delight perfectly complemented the vibrant atmosphere of the festival.

Our appetite further intensified as we sampled delectable treats from Ikuei Arakane, featuring gluten-free soy sauce. The combination of authentic flavors and dietary inclusivity was a true testament to the festival’s commitment to showcasing the best of Japanese cuisine.

Embracing Tradition

Immersing ourselves in the vibrant ambiance, we couldn’t resist indulging in classic Japanese street food. Takoyaki, the savory octopus-filled balls, satisfied our cravings for a savory delight, while karaage, the crispy and succulent Japanese-style fried chicken, tantalized our taste buds with its aromatic blend of spices.

To top off our culinary journey, we couldn’t resist devouring the decadent Nama Choco from Mamecocoa Official. Each bite of the luscious chocolate treat transported us to a realm of unparalleled sweetness.

A Sold-Out Extravaganza

Our invitation to this sold-out event bestowed upon us a sense of privilege, granting us the opportunity to partake in an extraordinary celebration of sake and Japanese culture. The Australian Sake Festival at Victoria Market was a testament to the growing popularity and appreciation of sake within Melbourne’s culinary landscape. The event’s success has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on all who attended, eagerly anticipating its return in the future.

Our experience at the Australian Sake Festival was nothing short of extraordinary. From the myriad of sake varieties that tantalized our taste buds to the delightful array of Japanese culinary delights, the festival immersed us in the richness of Japanese culture and cuisine. As we bid farewell to this remarkable event, our hearts brimmed with gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of such a joyous celebration. Until the return of the Sake Festival, we shall cherish the memories of this OISHII and ICHIBAN experience—truly a toast to the senses.