The Best Wines to Pair with Thai Food

By Jennifer Lutrell | Published on 2022-01-13

Are you looking for the perfect wine to pair with your favorite Thai dishes? Whether you’re a fan of Pad Thai, Thai Red Curry, or something spicier, there’s a wine out there that will perfectly complement your meal. In this article, we’ll explore the best wines to pair with Thai food, from white wines to red wines, and everything in between. Let’s get started!

White Wines for Thai Food

When it comes to pairing wines with Thai food, white wines are often the go-to choice. White wines tend to be lighter and more refreshing than red wines, making them a great match for the spicy and flavorful dishes of Thai cuisine.

A great white wine to pair with Thai food is Riesling. Riesling is a light-bodied white wine with a hint of sweetness that helps to balance out the heat of Thai dishes. It also has a hint of acidity that helps to cut through the richness of the food. Other white wines that pair well with Thai food include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Gewürztraminer.

When it comes to white wines for Thai food, it's important to remember that you don't have to stick to one type of wine. Experiment with different varieties to find the one that best complements the flavors of your dish. You can also try mixing and matching different wines to create a unique flavor profile. No matter what you choose, white wines are sure to be a great match for Thai food.

Red Wines for Thai Food

When it comes to pairing red wines with Thai food, there are a few key considerations. First, the spiciness of the dish should be taken into account. A light-bodied red such as a Pinot Noir or Beaujolais will work well with milder dishes, while a full-bodied red such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz will stand up to more robust flavors.

In addition, the sweetness of the dish should be taken into consideration. A dry red such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot can help to balance out the sweetness of a dish, while a sweeter red such as a Zinfandel or Port can help to bring out the sweetness in a dish.

Finally, the acidity of the dish should be taken into account. A high-acid red such as a Sangiovese or Barbera can help to cut through the acidity of a dish, while a low-acid red such as a Syrah or Cabernet Franc can help to soften the acidity of a dish. With all these considerations in mind, it’s easy to find the perfect red wine to pair with your Thai dish.

Best Wine for Pad Thai

When it comes to pairing wine with Pad Thai, there are many options to choose from. A light, crisp white wine like a Riesling or Pinot Grigio is a great choice, as it will not overpower the flavors of the dish. The acidity of the wine will help to cut through the richness of the dish, making it a great pairing.

For those looking for a red wine to pair with Pad Thai, a light-bodied red like a Pinot Noir or Grenache is a great option. These wines have enough body to stand up to the flavors of the dish, but are still light enough to not overpower the delicate flavors. The fruitiness of the wines will also complement the sweetness of the dish.

For those who prefer sparkling wines, a dry Prosecco or Cava is a great choice. The bubbles will help to cut through the richness of the dish, while the acidity will help to balance out the sweetness. The lightness of the wine will also make it a great pairing for the dish.

Best Wine for Spicy Thai Food

When it comes to pairing wine with spicy Thai food, the key is to find a wine that can stand up to the heat without overpowering the flavors of the dish. A good rule of thumb is to look for a wine with a high acidity and low tannins, such as a Riesling or a Gewürztraminer. These wines will help to balance out the spiciness of the dish, while still allowing the flavors of the food to shine through.

For those who prefer red wine, a light-bodied Pinot Noir is a great choice. Its bright acidity and subtle tannins will help to cut through the heat of the dish, while still allowing the flavors of the food to come through. Another great option is a Beaujolais, which has a bright fruitiness that pairs perfectly with the flavors of Thai cuisine.

For those who prefer white wine, a dry Chenin Blanc is a great choice. Its bright acidity and subtle sweetness will help to balance out the heat of the dish, while still allowing the flavors of the food to come through. Another great option is a Sauvignon Blanc, which has a crisp and refreshing taste that pairs perfectly with the flavors of Thai cuisine.

Wine Pairing with Thai Red Curry

When it comes to Thai red curry, the best wine pairing is a light-bodied red wine. A light-bodied red wine will not overpower the flavors of the curry, but will still provide a nice balance to the dish. Pinot Noir is a great option for a light-bodied red wine that pairs well with Thai red curry. Pinot Noir has a light body and fruity flavor that will complement the flavors of the curry without overpowering them.

Another great option for a wine pairing with Thai red curry is a Riesling. Riesling is a white wine that is slightly sweet and has a light body. The sweetness of the Riesling will help to balance out the spiciness of the curry, while the light body of the wine will not overpower the flavors of the dish.

Finally, a sparkling wine is a great option for pairing with Thai red curry. Sparkling wines are light and refreshing, and the bubbles will help to cut through the spiciness of the curry. A sparkling wine like Prosecco or Cava is a great option for pairing with Thai red curry.

Best Wine with Thai Dishes

When it comes to pairing wine with Thai dishes, there are a few key points to keep in mind. Firstly, the spiciness of the dish should be taken into account. If the dish is particularly spicy, then a white wine with a higher acidity will help to balance out the heat. For dishes that are milder, a red wine with a bit of sweetness can help to bring out the flavors of the dish.

When it comes to specific dishes, there are some great pairings to consider. For Pad Thai, a light-bodied white wine such as a Riesling or a Gewürztraminer can help to bring out the sweetness of the dish. For a spicy Thai Red Curry, a full-bodied red such as a Zinfandel or a Syrah can help to cut through the heat. For a milder dish such as Tom Yum Soup, a crisp white such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio can help to bring out the flavors of the dish.

Finally, it is important to remember that the best wine for Thai food is the one that you enjoy the most. Experiment with different wines and find the one that you like the best. With the right wine, you can make any Thai dish even more delicious.

Wine and Pad Thai Pairing

When it comes to pairing wine with Pad Thai, there are a few different options that can help bring out the flavors of this classic Thai dish. For a white wine, a dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer can be a great choice. These wines have a nice acidity that can help cut through the sweetness of the dish, while also providing a nice balance to the flavors.

For a red wine, a light-bodied Pinot Noir can be a great choice. The bright fruit flavors of the wine can help bring out the sweetness of the dish, while also providing a nice contrast to the spiciness. The light body of the wine also won’t overpower the flavors of the dish.

If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, a sparkling wine can also be a great choice. The bubbles can help cut through the richness of the dish, while also providing a nice contrast to the sweetness. A sparkling Moscato or Prosecco can be a great choice for a sparkling wine.

White vs Red Wine with Thai

When it comes to pairing wine with Thai food, there are two main contenders: white wine and red wine. Each has its own unique characteristics and flavors that can enhance the flavors of the food.

White wines are typically light and crisp, with a hint of sweetness that can help balance out the spiciness of Thai dishes. They are also great for pairing with seafood, which is often found in Thai cuisine. Popular white wines for Thai food include Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio.

Red wines, on the other hand, are bolder and more robust. They can stand up to the bold flavors of Thai dishes, and can help bring out the sweetness of the food. Popular red wines for Thai food include Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Shiraz.

When it comes to pairing wine with Thai food, it really comes down to personal preference. Both white and red wines can be great accompaniments to the flavors of Thai cuisine, so it’s important to experiment and find the perfect pairing for you.

Conclusion

When it comes to pairing wine with Thai food, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Depending on the type of dish and its level of spiciness, different wines can be chosen to bring out the flavors of the food. White wines are generally a safe bet for most Thai dishes, while red wines can be a great choice for spicier dishes. For the best pairing, experiment with different wines and find the one that best complements the flavors of the dish.