When you think about it, ordering Thai food is easy. Every option is so delectable that it’s hard to go wrong. Choosing the perfect drink to complement it, on the other hand, is a little trickier. When pairing a beverage with a Thai dish, your beverage shouldn’t overwhelm your meal, and your meal shouldn’t mute the taste of your drink. The next time you go to a Thai restaurant, optimize your experience by choosing one of these food and drink pairings. 

Top Food & Drink Pairings for Thai Restaurants

1. Chardonnay & Curry

A floral chardonnay pairs beautifully with a creamy curry. The light floral hints of the wine play well together with the buttery, creamy texture of curry. 

2. Thai Iced Tea & Spicy Dishes

Whether you’re the designated driver or craving a non-alcoholic drink, Thai iced tea is the perfect complement to any meal at a Thai restaurant. However, it’s particularly perfect for spicy dishes like green and red curries, papaya salad, or tom yum soup. The creaminess of the coconut milk in the Thai iced tea helps to tone down the spiciness of your dish without detracting from the flavor. 

3. Riesling & Pad Thai

Sweeter Rieslings offer a delicate sweetness that cuts through the saltiness of pad thai. If you prefer wines that are less sweet, try an off-dry Riesling, which offers just a hint of sweetness. The sweet and floral notes provide a delightful contrast to the pad thai’s peanut and coconut tang, making for a beautifully balanced flavor pairing. 

4. Red Wine & Any Meat-Centered Dish

A sweet red wine such as a Zinfandel will offer a nice balance for any dish with a focus on meat, like chicken massaman curry or shrimp pad thai. Red meats are best with dryer reds. Choose a Cabernet Sauvignon or a full-bodied merlot alongside your beef satay. 

5. Beer & Appetizers

Beer is very versatile. Thai beer is drunk alongside Thai food every day, so beer is a safe bet to complement whatever you order. The bitterness of Singha® is perfect for cutting through anything with a rich sauce and pairs perfectly with seafood. Bready malts are a perfect complement to egg rolls, dumplings, or shrimp. 

In the mood for Thai? Mamasan’s, located in Rochester, NY, offers delicious Thai food alongside tempting Vietnamese options. Since 1948, this family-owned Vietnamese and Thai restaurant has delighted guests with their fusion of traditional flavors and creative flair. Visit their website to see their entire menu, or give them a call at (585) 461-3290 to learn more.