Pairing wine with Asian food can be surprisingly nuanced. From spicy Thai curries and sweet Chinese sauces to delicate sushi and rich ramen, the flavours are bold, diverse, and often complex. But don’t worry, this guide takes the guesswork out of wine pairing. Here, we’ll explore the ideal wine styles for popular Asian cuisines, helping you elevate every bite with the perfect sip.
What Wine Goes Best with Chinese Food?
Chinese cuisine is wonderfully diverse from the richness of Peking duck to the brightness of sweet and sour pork. The key to great wine pairing here is balancing sweetness, spice, and umami.
Sweet and Sour Pork: A slightly off-dry Riesling pairs beautifully with the tangy-sweet glaze, cutting through fat while matching the dish's fruity notes.
Peking Duck: Earthy and soft, Pinot Noir is a superb match for the rich, aromatic duck and its crispy skin.
Dim Sum: For steamed or fried dim sum selections, a dry Sparkling Wine works well. The bubbles refresh your palate between bites and complement both seafood and pork dumplings.
Which Wines Pair Well with Thai Cuisine?
Thai cuisine is bold and aromatic, often blending spicy heat with sweet, sour, and herbal flavours. Choosing wines with low alcohol and aromatic intensity is key.
Green or Red Curry: An off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer helps soothe the spice while enhancing the coconut richness and aromatic herbs.
Thai BBQ (Gai Yang, Satay): A dry Rosé brings red fruit freshness that balances grilled flavours and sweet marinades.
Larb or Thai Salads: Sauvignon Blanc, with its zesty acidity and herbal edge, pairs perfectly with coriander, mint, and lime-drenched salads.
What Wine Should You Drink with Japanese Dishes?
Japanese food is all about balance, subtle, clean, and umami-rich. Wine should enhance, not overpower, these elegant flavours.
Sushi and Sashimi: A crisp Sparkling Wine or a bone-dry Riesling complements the clean flavours of raw fish and soy, without clashing with wasabi or pickled ginger.
Teriyaki Chicken or Beef: Pinot Noir’s soft fruit and light structure match the sweet-savoury glaze beautifully.
Tempura and Ramen: A mineral-driven white like Chablis or Grüner Veltliner works wonderfully with fried foods and lighter broths, bringing freshness and balance.
How Do You Pair Wine with Spicy or Umami-Rich Asian Dishes?
Some of Asia’s most iconic dishes are built on bold spice, deep umami, or smoky char. Here’s how to choose wines that hold their own.
Korean BBQ: Smoky grilled beef calls for a chilled red, like Pinot Noir or Gamay, which offer light body with enough fruit to enhance the marinade’s sweetness.
Malaysian Dishes with Sambal: For spicy, fermented sauces like sambal, go aromatic. An off-dry Gewürztraminer or Riesling calms the heat while celebrating the complexity.
Vietnamese Pho or Lemongrass Dishes: A dry Rosé or Sauvignon Blanc brings refreshing acidity to cut through broth or fresh herbs.
Find Wines That Pair Perfectly with Asian Cuisine
Pairing wine with Asian food doesn’t have to be intimidating. By focusing on sweetness, acidity, and body, you can match wines that enhance, not compete with the unique flavours of each dish. Whether you’re craving Thai curry, dumplings, or sushi rolls, there’s a wine that brings it all together.
World Wine offers a curated range of bottles perfect for pairing with Asian flavours, from spice-taming Rieslings to food-friendly reds. Whether you're hosting a dumpling dinner or ordering sushi at home, we’ve got the bottle to match. Not sure where to begin? Our team is here to help, visit our Contact Page for personalised pairing suggestions.