Love Indian food? Love beer? Then why not bring them together for the ultimate flavour experience? Picking the right beer can really boost the taste of your favourite curries, tandoori dishes, and street food. But with so many great beers in the UK, where do you start?
Whether you’re dining out at an Indian restaurant or ordering a takeaway, here’s your easy guide to pairing Indian food with UK beers.
1. Match the Strength of Flavours
Light dishes go with light beers, while rich, spicy dishes need a stronger brew. A good balance helps both the food and beer shine.
Try This:
- Food: Chicken Korma
- Beer: Camden Pale Ale – A smooth, light ale with a hint of citrus that complements the creamy, mild flavours of korma.
2. Cool Down The Heat
Spicy dishes like Vindaloo or Madras can set your mouth on fire. A refreshing beer can take the edge off the heat and keep you going.
Try This:
- Food: Lamb Vindaloo
- Beer: Meantime London Lager – Crisp and refreshing, it cuts through the heat and brings out the rich meat flavours.
3. Boost the Spices with Fruity Beers
Indian dishes are packed with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and coriander. A fruity, hoppy beer makes those flavours pop.
Try This:
- Food: Chicken Jalfrezi
- Beer: Beavertown Neck Oil – A light, citrusy IPA that pairs beautifully with the tangy, spiced sauce of a jalfrezi.
4. Match Smoky Dishes with Bold Beers
Tandoori dishes and grilled meats have a delicious smoky flavour. A beer with caramel or malt notes will bring out that charred goodness.
Try This:
- Food: Tandoori Mixed Grill
- Beer: BrewDog Punk IPA – A fruity, hoppy IPA that works perfectly with smoky, grilled meats.
5. Creamy Curries Love Malty Beers
Rich, creamy dishes like Butter Chicken need a smooth beer to go with them. A malty brew with caramel flavours is the way to go.
Try This:
- Food: Butter Chicken
- Beer: Fuller's London Pride – A classic British ale with caramel notes that pair beautifully with the buttery sauce.
6. Crisp Lagers for Crunchy Snacks
Love your samosas and onion bhajis? A crisp lager will cleanse your palate and balance the deep-fried goodness.
Try This:
- Food: Onion Bhajis
- Beer: Peroni Nastro Azzurro – Light and refreshing, it keeps things crisp and clean against the crunchy texture of bhajis.
7. Surprise Yourself with Dark Beers
Stouts and porters aren’t just for winter nights – they actually go great with rich Indian dishes. Their sweetness and depth bring out the best in slow-cooked curries.
Try This:
- Food: Rogan Josh
- Beer: Guinness – The deep, roasted malt flavour works wonders with the rich, spiced sauce of a Rogan Josh.
8. Fruity Wheat Beers for Sweet & Sour Dishes
Dishes like Prawn Pathia, with their sweet and tangy balance, go well with wheat beers that have fruity notes.
Try This:
- Food: Prawn Pathia
- Beer: Hoegaarden – A wheat beer with hints of orange and coriander, perfectly matching the sweet-sour flavour of the dish.
Wrapping Up
Pairing Indian food with beer is all about balance, contrast, and personal taste. Whether you’re cooling down a fiery Vindaloo with a crisp lager or enhancing a smoky Tandoori dish with a bold IPA, the right beer can unexpectedly elevate your meal.
These pairings are a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. Next time you order your favourite Indian dish, grab a matching beer and enjoy the fusion of flavours. Cheers to discovering new combinations that make every bite – and sip – even better.
FAQs
1. What’s the best beer for spicy Indian food?
Lagers, wheat beers, and fruity IPAs are great for spicy dishes as they refresh the palate and balance the heat.
2. Can dark beers go with Indian food?
Yes. Stouts and porters work surprisingly well with slow-cooked, rich dishes like Rogan Josh or Dal Makhani.
3. What’s a good all-round beer for Indian food?
A crisp lager, like Meantime London Lager or Peroni, is a safe bet for most Indian dishes, whether mild or spicy.
