Asian cuisine presents a treasure of flavors and aromas mixed with a fine texture. As varied as the delicacy of freshness on sushi and curry's bold spice, wine and Asian food offer an assortment of diverse culinary experiences that can leave almost anyone puzzled if they don't know how best to pair a wine with each dish. The good news is that, with a few simple wine tips, you will be able to elevate your dining experience and find perfect matches for your favorite dishes. In this blog, we will explore how to pair wine with Asian cuisine, focusing on sushi wine pairing, curry wine pairing, and other popular Asian dishes.
Why Pairing Wine with Asian Cuisine Can Be Tricky
Asian cuisine runs a variety of flavors that are sweet, sour, pungent, spicy, or umami in nature. Given the complexity of such a dish, wine, and food pairing becomes a test. For example, sushi may be too light and subtle and thus need not be overpowered; the spices and intense heat used in curry require a wine strong enough to overcome the heat and not get scorched.
The ingredients in Asian foodstuffs may vary depending on what is used. Soy sauce, ginger, garlic, chili, and fish sauce are common; each can be influencing a wine taste. It depends on achieving a balance where the wine complements the food, yet it doesn't clash with its flavors.
By following these wine tips and experimenting with different combinations, you’ll soon become a pro at pairing wine with Asian food. Whether it’s the delicate flavors of sushi or the bold spices of curry, there’s a wine out there that can make every bite even better.
Sushi Wine Pairing: Light and Refreshing Matches
Sushi is one of the most popular Asian dishes known for its clean, fresh flavors. When it comes to pairing sushi with wine, the objective is to find a wine that complements the delicate taste of the fish and rice without overpowering it.
Sparkling Wine: Champagne or Prosecco is a perfect dry sparkling wine to enjoy while eating sushi. The bubbles cut the richness of the fish and acidity cleansing the palate between bites of sushi. It's a true classic pairing that doesn't go wrong.
Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp, aromatic white wine that pairs beautifully with sushi. The citrus notes will complement the freshness of the fish, while acidity will balance out the saltiness of soy sauce.
Pinot Grigio: Light and refreshing, Pinot Grigio is another great option for sushi wine pairing. Subtle flavors won't compete with the dish, making it a versatile choice for a variety of sushi rolls.
Curry Wine Pairing: Bold and Spicy Combinations
Curry is a staple in many Asian cuisines, from Indian to Thai. The rich, spicy flavors of curry can be quite challenging to pair with wine, but with the right approach, you can create a harmonious match.
Riesling: A slightly sweet Riesling is a classic curry wine pairing. Its sweetness will counter the spiciness of spices, while acidity in the wine clears the palate. Good matches are off-dry or medium-sweet Riesling.
Gewürztraminer: This aromatic white wine is a natural match for spicy Asian dishes. Its floral and lychee notes complement the complex flavors of curry, and its slight sweetness tames the heat.
Syrah/Shiraz: If you prefer red wine, a bold Syrah or Shiraz can work well with meat-based curries. The wine's peppery notes and rich fruit flavors stand up to the intensity of the dish.
Wine and Other Pop Asian Dishes
Pairing Wine and Asian food is so much more than sushi and curry. Here are some wine-pairing tips for other favorite Asian dishes:
Dim Sum: Dim sum is all about variety, so choose a versatile wine like a dry Rosé or a light Pinot Noir. These wines can handle a mix of flavors, from steamed dumplings to crispy spring rolls.
Pad Thai: For this Thai delight, go with a sharp crisp white such as Chenin Blanc or an inexpensive fruity Rosé. Their sourness is reminiscent of tamarind; a flavor not lost in its sugary richness.
Korean BBQ: Korean BBQ is very smoky and savory, so it needs a full-bodied wine to match the flavor. Zinfandel or Malbec is suitable because its fruit notes and strong structure can bear the richness of the dish.
Ramen: For a hearty bowl of ramen, go for a light red wine such as Beaujolais or dry white wine such as Chardonnay. These won't overpower the dish's rich broth and umami flavors.
General Wine Tips on Pairing with Asian Cuisine
Some general tips include the following when pairing wine with Asian food:
Level Match: Light foods like sushi are better paired with light wines, while bold foods like curry need a wine with more flavor and body.
Balancing Sweet and Spice.: Riesling wine, and wines that have slightly sweet attributes, can level the heat of spicy dishes, while dry wines are more suitable for milder flavors.
Take into consideration acidity: Highly acidic wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or champagne cut well into fatty-rich food and wash your palate.
Play around with pairings: Be not afraid to try something different. The wine pairing rules have as much to do with the personal taste of a consumer than anything else.
Asian dishes and Wine pairing
The beauty of Asian cuisine is its diversity, and the same goes for wine. If you enjoy sushi, curry, or any other Asian dish, there must be wine that can perfect the meal. Here are a few more ideas to inspire your next dinner:
Vietnamese Pho: Pair this aromatic noodle soup with a light, floral white wine like Viognier or a delicate red like Gamay.
Chinese Peking Duck: Since Peking Duck tastes very savory and rich, medium-bodied red wine, preferably Merlot, or fruity Pinot Noir would complement its flavor well.
Japanese Tempura: Lightly crispy tempura requires refreshing white wine like Pinot Gris or dry sparkling wine.
Thai Green Curry: The herbal and spicy notes of green curry are amazing against an aromatic white wine like Torrontés or a slightly sweet Riesling.
Final Thoughts
With little knowledge and some sense of adventure, it can be done so that wine pairings for Asian cuisine aren't intimidating anymore. Whether it is sushi wine pairing, curry wine pairing, or discovering a new match for a favorite Asian dish, it all comes down to having fun and trusting the palate.
So the next time you order your sushi plate or curry in a bowl and it is a general Asian cuisine dish, then take a little bit of the good wine also for yourself and give it all your attention so you can pick just the best wine to add all the delicacies to make that meal heavenly. So, pair your wine with these superb Asian Dish combinations, and Cheers!
