Indian food is perhaps the most popular cuisine across the world due to its appetising flavours, aroma, and spices used for preparation. Given the many different regions to choose from and the extraordinary gastronomic combinations offered there, it is easy to understand why Indian delicacies are loved. However, it can sometimes be a little tricky to decide which drink type will best complement the dishes commonly served in the Indian entourage.
It is important to choose a beverage that enhances the taste of the dish without overwhelming the natural taste of the food. You need a drink that offers a cleaner mouthfeel, tones down the high spicy temperature and supplies a low contrast to the density of the foods. That said, a popular choice is water; however, consuming a delicious Indian meal with the right beverage of choice can be a decisive bonus. This article goes to six perfect pairings of beverages with six popular Indian foods, giving the reader a glimpse of why people love to have those foods complemented with those beverages.
In the world of Indian cuisine, the perfect beverage pairing is an art form. It's not just about quenching thirst; it's about elevating the dining experience by creating a harmonious balance of flavours. The right drink can complement the spices, cut through the richness, and enhance the overall enjoyment of your meal.
Butter Chicken With Mango Lassi
Butter Chicken:
Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, is a beloved North Indian dish known for its creamy tomato-based sauce and tender pieces of chicken. Its rich and mildly spiced flavour calls for a refreshing drink to balance the richness.
Mango Lassi:
Mango lassi, a traditional Indian yoghurt drink, is a perfect match for butter chicken. The sweetness and creaminess of the mango lassi complement the savoury, creamy flavours of the butter chicken, while the yoghurt helps to cool down the palate from the spices.
Biryani With Mint Lemonade
Biryani:
Biryani is a fragrant and flavourful rice dish layered with meat, vegetables and aromatic spices. The complexity of flavours in biryani requires a beverage that is both refreshing and palate-cleansing.
Mint Lemonade:
Mint lemonade, with its zesty and refreshing taste, is an excellent choice to pair with biryani. The citrusy flavour of the lemonade helps to cut through the richness of the biryani, while the mint adds a cooling effect, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Paneer Tikka And Indian Pale Ale
Paneer Tikka:
Paneer tikka is a popular vegetarian appetiser made from marinated paneer (Indian cottage cheese) grilled to perfection. The smoky, spicy flavour of paneer tikka calls for a drink that can handle its robust taste.
Indian Pale Ale:
An Indian Pale Ale (IPA), with its hoppy and slightly bitter profile, pairs well with paneer tikka. The bitterness of the IPA balances the spiciness of the tikka, while its carbonation helps cleanse the palate, making it a perfect match.
Chole Bhature with Masala Chaas
Chole Bhature:
Chole bhature is a popular North Indian dish consisting of spicy chickpea curry served with fluffy fried bread. The rich and spicy flavours of chole bhature require a cooling and soothing beverage.
Masala Chaas:
Masala chaas, a spiced buttermilk drink, is an ideal companion for chole bhature. Its tangy and cooling properties help to balance the spiciness of the chickpea curry, making the meal more enjoyable.
Hyderabadi Haleem with Rose Sherbet
Hyderabadi Haleem:
Hyderabadi haleem is a slow-cooked dish made with meat, lentils, and wheat, flavoured with a blend of spices. Its rich and hearty texture and complex flavour call for a refreshing and fragrant drink.
Rose Sherbet:
Rose sherbet, with its delicate floral notes and sweetness, pairs wonderfully with Haleem. The rose flavour adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and savoury haleem, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Goan Fish Curry With Kokum Sherbet
Goan Fish Curry:
Goan fish curry is a tangy and spicy dish made with fish, coconut milk, and a blend of coastal spices. Its vibrant flavours need a beverage that complements their tanginess and spiciness.
Kokum Sherbet:
Kokum sherbet, made from the kokum fruit, has a tangy and slightly sweet flavour that pairs perfectly with Goan fish curry. The sherbet’s refreshing taste balances the curry's heat and enhances the coastal flavours.
Various restaurants offer Indian dishes and Indian dishes complemented by appropriate drinks are no exception. The next time you visit an Indian restaurant, here are some of the combinations that can help bring out the true taste of your dish and add a little more fun to your meal.