Oftentimes, many people think that successfully pairing a dish with the right beverage involves a certain level of expertise. Let us clear that up and say: no, that definitely isn’t the case.
Anyone who has a good sense of what they like is able to do it, and there aren’t any hard rules that should be followed. You see, food and drink pairings are a simple matter of taste, and as long as you have a working set of tastebuds, then you’re good to go.
To make things easier, however, we’ll provide a few tips to show you some of the basics. Below, we’ll offer some suggestions to make you pair any dish with the perfect drink just like how the pros do it.
Tip #1: Acidic drinks are always a safe bet
Do you know how many chefs finish off a dish with a dash of citrus to brighten up its flavors? Well, that same concept applies when it comes to your drink pairings, too. Acidic drinks that feature notes of citrus go amazingly well with rich and fatty foods. They’ll not only quench your thirst but also cleanse your palate so that you can keep enjoying your food.
For example, you can pair creamy and fried foods such as a classic carbonara with a cool glass of lime soda. If you’re in the mood for some alcohol, a sour cocktail or nice white wine might just be the thing to hit the spot.
Tip #2: Sweet drinks go great with spicy dishes
If you’re a big fan of spicy food, a sweet beverage could serve as a great contrast that won’t take away from the experience. You’ll be able to enjoy the heat of your food contrasted nicely by the sugar in your drink. Spicy crab and a glass of ginger ale? Perfection.
On the other hand, if you’re not particularly tolerant of spice, you might want to add a bit of richness to your drink to neutralize the heat. Opt for a drink that has a bit of dairy in it, like a thick milkshake, to get rid of the spicy compounds off your tongue.
Tip #3: Be wary of alcohol and spicy food
Speaking of low tolerance to spicy food, you should be careful pairing alcoholic beverages with foods that have a fiery kick. Alcohol interacts with your palate the same way spicy food does, and it could cause the spicy compounds to taste even hotter than normal.
Tip #4: Temperature matters
There are few things more disappointing than a glass of beer than has gone tepid. Imagine having a bowl of hot chicken curry and following that up with warm beer. The beer itself will be unpleasant to drink, and you might even lose interest in your food altogether.
This is why when it comes to food and drink pairings, the right temperature is always important. You want cold drinks to remain cold, as they can be incredibly satisfying when eating something warm. Hot drinks, on the other hand, should stay hot, making them a great accompaniment to cold or close-to-room-temperature foods.
Conclusion –
Follow these tips and your own tastebuds to pair your food and drink options perfectly. Remember: there is plenty of freedom and we encourage that you experiment with your choices.
We are one of Bangkok’s best restaurants, and it just so happens that everything we mentioned above is available on our menu. If you’d like to try your hand at food and drink pairings, visit our website to book a table.