If you love nothing more than sampling foods from around the world, it is important to remember that matching them with the correct drinks can greatly enhance the overall eating experience. The flavour combinations which you can find between food from different countries when mixed with a variety of drinks – be it from that country or elsewhere – can really turn an average meal into something spectacular.
If you like the idea of learning more about which drinks to mix with the cuisine from various nations, here are some tips to help you get started.
Chinese
Chinese food is far too often seen as a quick and easy snack to buy, or a perfect ending to a great night out but if you can learn to appreciate it, you can enjoy some incredible meals. In terms of what to drink with Chinese food, it can be tempting to enjoy some sake or an another Asian wine or spirit, but this is not always the best idea. In fact the best pairing for Chinese or Cantonese food, are aromatic and sweet wines such as Riesling or Gewürztraminer. This is because of the dryness of many Chinese dishes, the sweetness of the wine cuts through this and compliments the food perfectly.
Italian
When it comes to the finest pizzas and pastas, you have quite a range of options here, depending on the sauces and the ingredients in the meal. For example if you are enjoying some Italian seafood then you should look to pair this with a crisp white Frascati, alternatively if you are tucking into some veal or rich tomato sauces, you should look for a fine Italian Chianti, the perfect match for the richness of the meal. Most Italian wines work in perfect harmony with their dishes, especially if you drink a wine from the same region as the dish itself. Keep it simple and keep it local, for the perfect combination of flavours.
Indian
When it comes to the flavour filled, spicy and aromatic foods which come from India, it can be tricky to pick the right drink for the occasion. For most world foods there is a wine choice which can fit the bill in terms of pairing with food, but the power of the favours in Indian food make finding a wine which pairs well with many dishes, quite difficult. The best course of action when selecting a drink for Indian food then is to look at some crisp beers. It may be surprising for you to hear, but beer actually has more flavouroids than wine, which makes it easier to pair with a wider range of foods, such as Indian foods. In terms of curries, and dry spicy tandoori meals, a simple lager or pilsner will do the trick, for spicier meals, try pairing with a red IPA for a perfect combination.
The next time you eat some international cuisine, make sure that you get the pairing right in order to enhance you meal.