Going to an Asian buffet allows you to sample many unique, tasty dishes, and you should pair the meal with a spirit from the same region to round your dining experience. The next time you’re enjoying yakiniku, Korean barbecue, or sushi, try a few of these alcoholic drinks with your meal.

4 Asian Alcoholic Beverages That Go Well With Food

1. Sake

This famous spirit comes from Japan, and it features a 10 to 20% alcohol content (ABV). It’s made by brewing and fermenting steeped grains, like rice with yeast—it’s brewed a second time with koji mold. Sake’s taste and aroma can vary from sweet to dry and are influenced by several factors, like pasteurization, filtration, and age. This beverage is typically served at room temperature, though some people prefer it chilled or warmed. Sake will work well if you’re at an Asian buffet, as it’ll cleanse the palate.

2. Makgeolli

This is a traditional Korean liquor that was favored by farmers back in the day. It has a fizzy texture and a sweet taste, and it’s sometimes served in kettles and bowls. It has a milky consistency and appearance because it contains wheat, fermented rice, and water. Makgeolli is fairly easy to drink, as it features an ABV just above beer at around 7%.

3. Soju

This popular spirit hails from Korea and ranges from 20 to 50% ABV. Although it’s traditionally made from distilled rice, modern makers sometimes use barley, wheat, and sweet potatoes. Sugar is typically added during the distillation process, giving the drink a slightly sweet taste. Despite the sweetness, soju tastes relatively neutral, making it a perfect beverage to cleanse your palate after eating a bold dish, like spicy pork.

4. Shochu

Shochu bears semblance to soju; however, it’s a Japanese spirit with a higher ABV at 25 to 30%. It’s made by distilling rice, barley, and sweet potatoes, and each base ingredient lends a different taste and quality to the drink. You can enjoy shochu on the rocks, with water or juice, or in a cocktail.

If you want to enjoy an Asian buffet with complementing spirits, head to McCully Buffet in Honolulu, HI. This eatery offers flavored soju, and you can bring your own bottle of liquor for a small corkage fee. You’ll be able to enjoy your spirits with a variety of tasty Asian bites, like sushi and bulgogi. To learn more about their menu, visit their website or call (808) 951-0511.