What Drinks Pair Best with Thai Dishes?
Thai food has become a favourite in many restaurants across the UK. The unique combination of sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavours in these dishes, however, makes it essential to choose the right beverages that complement these culinary delights.
Here, we explore five of the most popular Thai dishes and what you should be drinking to enhance your dining experience.
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is one of the most popular meals in Thai restaurants. This dish typically combines rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, eggs, and a variety of vegetables, all tossed together with a tantalising tamarind sauce.
To complement the sweet and tangy notes of Pad Thai, a chilled lager or sparkling white wine works well. The crispness of the beer cuts through the richness of the noodles while refreshing the palate. Alternatively, for a non-alcoholic option, consider pairing Pad Thai with a sweet Thai iced tea. The tea's creaminess and mild sweetness balance the dish's flavours beautifully.
Green Curry
Green curry is another staple that showcases the bold and aromatic characteristics of Thai cuisine. Made with green curry paste, coconut milk and a selection of vegetables and meats or fish, this dish offers a delightful blend of heat and creaminess.
When enjoying green curry, a glass of ice-cold Riesling is an excellent choice. The wine's natural sweetness counteracts the spice, creating a harmonious balance. If you prefer a non-alcoholic beverage, try coconut water. Its light sweetness and hydrating properties complement the richness of the curry, making it a refreshing accompaniment.
Tom Yum Goong
This is a hot and sour soup that features shrimp, mushrooms, and fragrant herbs such as lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. The bold flavours of this dish call for a drink that can enhance the experience without overpowering it.
For an ideal pairing, you might want to consider a Sauvignon Blanc. With its crisp acidity and herbal notes, the wine accentuates the zesty flavours of the soup. Alternatively, a refreshing Thai beer, like Leo, can also be a delightful match, as its light body allows the complex flavours of Tom Yum Goong to shine through without distraction.
Massaman Curry
Massaman curry is a rich and filling dish that incorporates spices from Indian cuisine, making it unique among traditional Thai curries. With its tender meat, potatoes, and peanuts simmered in a creamy coconut sauce, this dish requires a beverage that complements its depth and warmth.
A glass of Malbec can be an excellent choice here. The wine’s robust flavour profile and subtle fruitiness enhance the richness of the curry without overwhelming the palate. For those seeking a non-alcoholic option, pomegranate juice can provide a sweet and tart contrast, adding a layer of flavour that pairs well with the Massaman's spices.
Som Tum
Som Tum, a spicy green papaya salad, is a refreshing dish that offers a delightful crunch and a burst of flavour. This salad typically features lime juice, fish sauce, chilli, and peanuts, creating a perfect balance of spicy, sour, and savoury.
To accompany Som Tum, a light, citrusy beer such as a wheat beer or a pale ale is recommended. These enhance the freshness of the salad while offering a cooling effect against the heat of the chilli. For a non-alcoholic alternative, opt for sparkling water with a splash of lime.
Choosing the right drink to accompany your Thai meal can elevate your dining experience significantly. Whether you prefer wine, beer or non-alcoholic options, each drink can enhance the unique flavours of the dishes.