To the uninitiated, dried squid may not sound like the most appetizing thing in the world, but it’s actually quite delicious. It’s typically tough and has a chewy yet crunchy texture to it, kind of like jerky. It’s the perfect way to wash down all that sake your Japanese friends keep pushing on you.

If you’re ready to graduate from dried squid and get a little bit more hardcore, then try some salted squid entrails with your next cup of sake. That salted squid is a true test of how far you’re willing to go to achieve that perfect complement to your sake. The texture may be a bit too slimy for some, but the rich, salty taste is the perfect accompaniment a nice cup of sake.

If you’re not ready for squid entrails, then feel free to try something a bit safer, like Japanese potato wedges. You can usually order this dish in Japanese restaurants, but it’s pretty easy to make at home too. Just buy sweet potatoes pre-fried or fry them yourself in nice, big slices. Then microwave them for a minute with cheese on top, add mayonnaise, onions, and spices to flavor, and you have yourself the perfect savory snack to go with your sake.

If you just can’t get enough of that thick cheesy goodness with your sake, then try out this next snack. We've never seen sardines with cheese on any menu before, but apparently they’re quite delicious, and extremely simple to make. Just lay out the sardines, put a slice (or two… or three… ) of cheese over them, stick them in a toaster oven for five minutes, and then you have the perfect oily snack to accompany your drink.