What’s your favourite dish? Perhaps a pizza, burger or sushi. When it comes to enhancing your culinary experience, there’s no denying that the perfect pairing of food and drink can elevate your meal. Whether you’re ordering online takeaway or preparing a meal at home, pairing your nosh with the best beverage can truly make a difference.

Why do we pair food with drinks?

• Certain beverages can complement and enhance the flavours of certain foods. For example, a full-bodied red wine can enhance the flavours of a rich steak, while a crisp and acidic white wine can complement seafood or lighter dishes. The right pairing can create a harmonious balance of flavours, where the drink enhances the taste of the food and vice versa.

• A fizzy beverage like soda or sparkling water can cleanse the palate and cut through the richness of a fatty or greasy dish. This contrast helps prevent flavour fatigue and allows you to fully appreciate the flavours of the food.

• Sometimes, pairing food with specific drinks often reflects cultural or regional traditions. For example, sake with sushi in Japan, tequila with Mexican cuisine, or beer with German sausages.

Ultimately, the goal is to find combinations that enhance your dining experience and bring out the best flavours in both the food and the drink.

Need help with pairing your beloved dish with its complementary beverage? Here are some popular food and drinks pairings you would like to try out. (Thank us later)

1. Pizza and Craft Beer

When it comes to ordering takeaways, pizza hits the top spot. Nothing can beat the taste of a perfectly baked pizza with your fave toppings. Cherry on the top is pairing your pizza with the right craft beer. The rich flavours and textures of pizza are wonderfully complemented by the hoppy and malty profiles of craft beers. Opt for an IPA with its tangy notes or a malty amber ale to balance the greasy, cheesy goodness of your favourite pizza.

2. Sushi and Sake

Sushi, with its umami flavours and fresh ingredients, calls for a drink that can enhance its subtleties without overpowering them. Sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine, is the perfect choice. The clean and crisp taste of sake cleanses the palate between bites, allowing you to fully appreciate the intricate flavours of the sushi. Try a light and dry sake, such as Junmai or Ginjo, to complement the delicate fish and seaweed flavours.

3. Burgers and Craft Cocktails

Everyone’s beloved burgers taste best when paired with a well-crafted cocktail, creating a truly gourmet experience. Opt for a smoky whiskey-based cocktail to complement the robust flavours of a beef burger or try a refreshing gin-based cocktail with a chicken or vegetarian burger. The key is to find a balance between the cocktail’s unique flavours and the hearty elements of the burger.

4. Tacos and Margaritas

Tacos are all about vibrant flavours and a combination of textures. A zesty margarita perfectly complements the spicy, tangy, and fresh elements of tacos. The tangy margarita helps cut through the richness of the meat or seafood, while the salt rim adds an extra layer of flavour. You can try different variations of margaritas, such as classic lime, strawberry, or even spicy jalapeno, to find the perfect match for your tacos.

5. Indian Curry and Riesling

Indian cuisine is known for its bold flavours, aromatic spices, and diverse range of dishes. When it comes to pairing drinks with Indian curries, Riesling stands out as a versatile and complementary choice. The slightly sweet and fruity notes of Riesling balance the spiciness of curries and provide a refreshing contrast. Opt for an off-dry or semi-sweet Riesling to enhance the flavours without overpowering your Indian food.

Whether you’re ordering from the All Eat app takeaway platform or enjoying a meal at home, the key is to experiment, trust your taste buds, and discover combinations that bring out the best of both worlds. So, the next time you’re planning a meal, don’t forget to consider these finest food and drink pairings to take your gastronomic journey to the next level. Cheers and bon appétit!