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What beer goes with Indian food? Now, that’s the million-dollar question! I apologise for the poor Slumdog Millionaire joke. But honestly, with all those fiery curries, smoky tandoori dishes, and fragrant biryanis, it can feel like a guessing game. So, I’ve decided to tell you what I think because everyone enjoys being spoonfed. This article analyses each Indian favourite dish and the best beer to pair. I’ll also throw in a list of the best Indian beers because why the heck not?
Best Beers for Popular Indian Dishes
Pairing beer with Indian food is all about balance. With an unreal range of flavours in Indian cuisine—from the creaminess of butter chicken to the fiery heat of vindaloo—you have to pick the right beer to bring a whole new dynamic to the meal. So, without further ado, let’s dive head first into some popular Indian dishes and look at the best beers for pairing.
Butter Chicken
This iconic dish is not only my girlfriend’s favourite but also known for its creamy tomato-based sauce. Butter chicken calls for a beer that can complement the dish’s richness without overpowering the subtle spices.
Best Beer Pairing: Lager or Wheat Beer
A smooth, easy-drinking lager like Kingfisher Beer is an excellent match for butter chicken. Alternatively, a wheat beer like Blue Moon can add a touch of sweetness that enhances the dish’s mild spiciness.
Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori chicken, marinated in a blend of yoghurt and spices and then cooked in a tandoor oven for that distinctive smoky, charred flavour, requires a beer that balances the spice but complements the grilled taste.
Best Beer Pairing: Amber Ale or Pilsner
The malty sweetness of an amber ale like Fat Tire is perfect for bringing out tandoori chicken’s rich, smoky flavours. A pilsner such as Pilsner Urquell offers a crisp, refreshing contrast if you prefer something lighter.
Lamb Rogan Josh
Lamb curry is commonly made with yoghurt, spices, and slow-cooked lamb. Lamb rogan josh has deep flavours with moderate heat, so you’ll need a beer that can handle the dish’s intensity.
Best Beer Pairing: IPA (India Pale Ale)
An IPA like Goose Island IPA works wonders here as its bitterness cuts through the richness of the lamb. If you’re a fan of a milder IPA, a Session IPA can also pair beautifully with the dish.
Vegetable Biryani
This flavourful rice dish, made with a mix of vegetables, aromatic spices, and basmati rice, is packed with subtle layers of flavour. A beer that doesn’t overshadow these subtleties is key.
Best Beer Pairing: Saison or Wheat Beer
A saison, with its fruity and slightly spicy profile, like Saison Dupont, pairs exceptionally well with biryani. On the other hand, a wheat beer like Hoegaarden provides a mild, refreshing contrast to the spices.
Vindaloo
Known for its fiery heat and tangy flavour, vindaloo is one of the spiciest dishes in Indian cuisine. To handle this insane spice, you’ll want a beer that can cool things down.
Best Beer Pairing: Wheat Beer or Lager
A refreshing wheat beer like Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier can provide a cooling effect, balancing the intense heat of vindaloo while adding a subtle sweetness. If wheat beer isn’t your style, a light lager like Cobra Beer will refresh your palate as you tackle the spice, providing much-needed relief.
Saag Paneer
This creamy spinach and paneer dish is delicious, balanced with mild spices and earthy flavours. You’ll want a beer that doesn’t make the dish feel too heavy.
Best Beer Pairing: Pale Ale or Pilsner
A pale ale like Sierra Nevada Pale Ale can be a great match for saag paneer. If you’re looking for something lighter, a crisp pilsner like Bitburger works well, offering a clean, refreshing finish.
Chicken Tikka Masala
One of the most treasured Indian dishes worldwide, chicken tikka masala features grilled chicken in creamy, spiced tomato sauce. It’s rich, mildly spicy, and incredibly flavourful, so you’ll want a beer that complements the creaminess.
Best Beer Pairing: Lager or Pilsner
Again, the classic Kingfisher Beer is an ideal match for chicken tikka masala. A pilsner like Peroni can also work well.
Samosas
These crispy, deep-fried parcels stuffed with spiced potatoes, peas, or meat are a spectacular appetiser. To counterbalance the rich, fried texture, a light beer is key.
Best Beer Pairing: Lager or Wheat Beer
A lager like Cobra Beer is a classic choice, providing a light, refreshing contrast to the savoury flavours of samosas. For something different, a wheat beer like Blue Moon adds a slight sweetness that pairs nicely with both the pastry and the dish’s spiced filling.
The Best Indian Beers
Beer is India’s most popular alcoholic beverage, and boy, do they have some cracking drinks to choose from! Below, I have listed all the best Indian beers for you to try. Why not try them with a delicious curry?
- Kingfisher Premium Lager 4.8% (United Breweries): India’s most recognised and widely available beer is a light, easy-drinking lager with a pale golden hue and a refreshing crispness.
- Old Monk 10000 Super Beer 8% (Mohun Bagan): A strong beer that packs a punch with its robust malt flavours and higher alcohol content.
- Bira 91 Blonde Lager 4.5% (Bira 91): Rich in colour, made with the choicest two-row barley, extra malty and high hopped.
- Simba Jungle Stout 5% (Simba): This craft stout features rich coffee and chocolate notes with a smooth, creamy texture.
- Eight Finger Eddie 6% (Goa Brewing Co.): This brew features Goan water, steel-cut oats, malted barley, and new-age hops. Every sip is refreshing and creamy, with notes of tropical fruits.
- Bangalore Bliss 5.5% (Arbor Brewing Company India): A wheat beer that combines the traditional Bavarian style with local Indian ingredients.
- Bad Monkey Super Strong Beer 8% (Bad Monkey Beer): Known for its higher alcohol content, Bad Monkey is a strong beer that is both bold and aggressive.
Don’t forget to let me know in the comments whether you have tried any of these and which is your favourite!
Summary
Pairing beer with Indian food is all about complementing the dish’s flavours. Smooth lagers like Kingfisher and refreshing wheat beers like Blue Moon are excellent with creamy dishes like butter chicken. Smoky tandoori chicken pairs well with malty amber ales or crisp pilsners. For spicy vindaloo, a cooling wheat beer or light lager provides relief. Saisons and pale ales suit aromatic biryanis and creamy saag paneer, respectively. Additionally, popular Indian beers like Kingfisher Lager, Old Monk Super Beer, and Bira 91 Blonde offer a local twist, each bringing unique flavours perfect for any Indian meal.
FAQs
What beer goes with Indian food?
Lighter beers like lagers, wheat beers, and pilsners are often the best match for Indian food. They help balance the bold flavors and spice. Beers like Cobra Beer and Kingfisher are commonly paired with Indian dishes.
Is Cobra Beer specifically brewed to pair with Indian cuisine?
Yes, Cobra Beer was developed to pair perfectly with Indian food. Its smooth, light profile makes it an ideal choice for handling the spiciness and bold flavours of Indian dishes.
Should you avoid dark beers with Indian food?
Dark beers, like stouts or porters, can be too heavy for most Indian dishes. However, depending on your taste preference, they might work with grilled or smoked dishes like tandoori meats.
What is the best beer to cool down spicy Indian food?
Wheat beers and light lagers are excellent for cooling down spicy dishes. Their refreshing qualities help neutralise the heat from spicy foods like vindaloo or chilli-laden curries.
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