One of the most common questions we receive at ROUCOU is: “What should I drink with my cheese?” As Hong Kong’s leading artisanal cheese pairing Hong Kong destination, we believe the answer is far more exciting than a simple glass of red wine. Our fromager, Jeremy Evrard, has spent decades exploring the infinite possibilities of cheese and beverage pairing, and here he shares his expert insights for the adventurous Hong Kong food lover.
The Golden Rule: Match Intensity with Intensity
The fundamental principle of cheese and wine pairing guide — and indeed, cheese with any beverage — is to match the intensity of flavours. A delicate, fresh chèvre will be overwhelmed by a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, just as a pungent Époisses will overpower a light Pinot Grigio. At ROUCOU, we apply this logic across our entire beverage programme, from our curated wine list to our innovative cheesetail cocktails.
French Cheese with Japanese Sake
One of our most beloved pairings at ROUCOU is aged Comté with a well-structured junmai daiginjo sake. The nutty, crystalline notes of a 24-month Comté find a beautiful echo in the clean, umami-rich profile of premium sake. This pairing exemplifies the French Japanese cheese pairing philosophy at the heart of our restaurant — two distinct culinary traditions that, when brought together thoughtfully, create something entirely new.
Triple-Cream Cheese with Champagne
For pure indulgence, nothing beats a generous slice of Brillat Savarin — a triple-cream cheese with a luscious, buttery texture — paired with a brut Champagne or a fine pét-nat. The high acidity and fine bubbles of the sparkling wine cut through the richness of the cheese, cleansing the palate and preparing you for the next bite. This is a classic cheese Champagne pairing Hong Kong combination that never fails to impress.
At ROUCOU, our sommelier and bar team are always on hand to guide you through our carefully curated selection of wines, sakes, and cocktails, ensuring that every sip enhances every bite. We invite you to visit us and embark on your own cheese pairing journey at 28 Aberdeen Street, Central.
