When it comes to ordering takeaway, the perfect drink can elevate your meal from good to exceptional. Whether you’re indulging in a classic pizza, a spicy Indian curry, or delicate sushi, pairing your food with the right beverage can enhance the flavours and balance the dish. This guide will take you through the best drinks to complement popular takeaway meals, from alcoholic options like beer and wine to refreshing non-alcoholic choices.
Pairing Drinks with Pizza Takeaway
Beers and Lagers for Pizza
Pizza and beer have long been the perfect pairing. For a classic margherita or pepperoni pizza, light lagers or pale ales work wonders. The crispness of these beers cuts through the richness of the cheese and complements the savoury toppings. For meatier pizzas, such as those with sausage or bacon, opt for an IPA or a darker ale to enhance the smoky, bold flavours.
Wine for Pizza Lovers
Pizza isn’t just for beer lovers. A good bottle of wine can also be a fantastic match. For tomato-based pizzas, a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese pairs beautifully with the acidity of the sauce and the richness of the cheese. If you’re enjoying a white pizza (without tomato sauce), a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is a light and refreshing option.
Non-Alcoholic Options for Pizza
If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, soft drinks like cola or sparkling water are great choices for pizza. The fizz helps cut through the grease, while the sweetness of cola complements the salty flavours of the pizza toppings. For something different, try a lemon soda or a fruit-flavoured sparkling water for a refreshing twist.
The Perfect Drinks for Chinese Takeaway
Tea Pairings for Chinese Food
Chinese takeaway and tea are a natural match. Traditional Chinese teas like jasmine, green tea, or oolong pair beautifully with most Chinese dishes. Their delicate flavours enhance dishes like stir-fries, dumplings, and spring rolls without overpowering the food. Green tea, in particular, works well with light dishes like steamed vegetables or chicken.
Wine and Beer for Chinese Cuisine
For wine lovers, a slightly sweet white wine such as Riesling or a dry Chardonnay is ideal for balancing the flavours of Chinese dishes, especially those with a touch of spice. Meanwhile, if you’re in the mood for beer, a light lager or pilsner will pair well with fried dishes like sweet and sour chicken or crispy duck, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich, crispy textures.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks with Chinese Food
Non-alcoholic pairings are equally important. Iced green tea or jasmine tea are classic choices, while sparkling water with a hint of citrus can cleanse the palate between bites of spicy or oily dishes. If you’re after something a bit more unique, try a flavoured iced tea like peach or lemon to add a fruity balance to the savoury meal.
Best Drinks to Pair with Indian Takeaway
Beer to Cool Down Spicy Indian Dishes
Indian takeaway is known for its rich, spicy flavours, and pairing it with the right drink can elevate your meal. Light lagers and pale ales are perfect for cooling down the heat from spicy curries, such as vindaloo or tikka masala. The crisp, refreshing nature of these beers offers a great balance to the spice and richness of the food without overpowering the flavours.
Wine Pairings for Indian Food
When it comes to wine, Indian food can be tricky to match. However, a full-bodied white wine like an off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer pairs wonderfully with spicy dishes, helping to tame the heat while complementing the aromatic spices. For meatier curries or tandoori dishes, a fruity red like Shiraz or Zinfandel works well, enhancing the smoky, robust flavours.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages with Indian Takeaway
If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a refreshing mango lassi is the ideal companion to Indian takeaway. The yoghurt base cools down the spice, while the sweetness of the mango enhances the exotic flavours of the meal. Alternatively, a sparkling water with a slice of lime or mint offers a refreshing way to cleanse the palate between bites of spicy dishes.
Drink Pairings for Burgers and Chips
Classic Beer and Burger Combinations
A classic burger and a cold beer is a pairing made in heaven. For a traditional beef burger, a light lager or pale ale works well, offering just enough bitterness to cut through the fattiness of the burger. If your burger comes loaded with bacon or cheese, opt for a hoppy IPA or a darker ale, which complements the richness of the toppings and enhances the smoky flavours.
Wine to Complement a Juicy Burger
While beer is often the go-to choice for burgers, wine can also be an excellent pairing. A bold red wine like a Malbec or Merlot pairs perfectly with a juicy beef burger, bringing out the rich, savoury flavours of the meat. For a lighter option, a chilled rosé or a fruity Pinot Noir works well with chicken or veggie burgers.
Soda and Mocktail Suggestions for Burgers
Non-alcoholic drinks are also a great match for burgers. A fizzy cola or lemonade pairs brilliantly with burgers, cutting through the richness with their sweetness and fizz. For something more adventurous, try a mocktail like a virgin mojito or a ginger beer-based drink, which adds a spicy kick and refreshes the palate.
Sushi Takeaway and the Right Drinks
Sake with Sushi
Sushi and sake are a classic pairing, and for good reason. The clean, slightly sweet flavours of sake complement the delicate fish and rice, enhancing the overall experience. If you’re ordering a sushi feast, opt for a lighter, cold sake with sashimi or nigiri, while a fuller-bodied sake works well with richer rolls like tempura or unagi.
White Wine and Sushi
If wine is more your style, a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay is an excellent match for sushi. The acidity in the wine cuts through the richness of the fish, while the citrus notes complement the freshness of the sushi. For heartier sushi rolls, such as those with salmon or tuna, a fuller-bodied Chardonnay works beautifully.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Sushi
For non-alcoholic drinkers, green tea or jasmine tea is a traditional choice that pairs perfectly with sushi, offering a light and refreshing contrast to the fish. If you’re looking for something cold, sparkling water or a lightly flavoured soda, such as cucumber or lemon, adds a refreshing zing to your sushi meal without overwhelming the flavours.
Mexican Takeaway Drink Pairings
Beer and Margaritas for Mexican Food
Mexican food is packed with bold, zesty flavours, and the right drink can enhance that experience. A crisp lager or Mexican beer, like Corona or Pacifico, is a natural choice for tacos, burritos, or nachos. For something more festive, a classic margarita with lime or a frozen margarita adds a zesty, citrusy punch that pairs wonderfully with the spicy, tangy flavours of Mexican food.
Wine with Mexican Dishes
While beer and margaritas are often the first choices for Mexican cuisine, wine can also be a great match. A chilled rosé or a light red like Pinot Noir pairs well with dishes like enchiladas or fajitas, where the wine’s fruitiness balances the spicy and smoky flavours of the meal.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks with Mexican Cuisine
For non-alcoholic options, Mexican food pairs beautifully with fruity, refreshing drinks like agua frescas. These are fruit-based drinks made with water, sugar, and fresh fruit such as watermelon or lime. Alternatively, a cold soda or lemonade offers a fizzy, sweet contrast to the spicy and rich flavours of the food.
Conclusion
Pairing the right drink with your takeaway meal can transform your dining experience. Whether you’re a fan of wine, beer, or non-alcoholic beverages, there’s always a perfect drink to complement your meal. From cooling down spicy dishes with a crisp beer to enhancing the delicate flavours of sushi with sake, experiment with these pairings the next time you order takeaway. Enjoy!