Are you an Indian cuisine enthusiast looking for the perfect beer to accompany your favorite spicy dish? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will walk you through choosing the best beer with Indian food to elevate your dining experience.
From traditional Indian beers to craft selections, we’ve got you covered.
Five Best Beers For Indian Food Pairings
Discover the six best beers that pair perfectly with Indian cuisine, including Kingfisher Lager, Jaipur India Pale Ale, Singha Thai Beer, Tiger Asian Lager, and Flying Horse Royal Lager.
Kingfisher Lager holds a special place in my heart as one of the best beers to pair with Indian food. Its crisp, light taste and just the right touch of bitterness complement spicy curries and other flavorful dishes perfectly.
One evening, I ordered tikka masala at my local curry house and decided to try Kingfisher Lager based on its impressive 4.4 rating on a popular beer review website.
To my delight, it was indeed the perfect pairing! The smooth finish of Kingfisher Lager helped cut through the heat and richness of the dish without overwhelming or clashing with any flavors – creating an enjoyable dining experience.
Jaipur India Pale Ale
As a massive fan of Indian cuisine, I’ve found that Jaipur India Pale Ale is one of the best beer options for pairing with my favorite dishes’ bold and spicy flavors. Here are some reasons why Jaipur India Pale Ale is an excellent choice for complementing the rich tastes of Indian food:
1. Hops and citrus undertones: The hoppy profile and citrus undertones in Jaipur India Pale Ale contrast the heat and vibrant spices in many Indian dishes, such as curry and tikka masala.
2. Enhanced flavors: The combination of malt, hops, and other ingredients in this IPA creates a unique flavor profile that can further enhance the diverse flavors found in Indian cuisine.
3. Rich history: Jaipur India Pale Ale has impacted the British beer industry since its introduction, even making it into a Brew App’s list of 7 beers that pair perfectly with Indian food – proving its compatibility with this style of cuisine.
4. Versatility: This pale ale pairs well with various Indian dishes, from seafood-based to vegetarian options like paneer or cashew-based curries.
5. High alcohol content: It’s no secret that some Indian meals can pack quite a punch in spice levels; luckily, Jaipur India Pale Ale boasts a higher alcohol content which can help soothe your palate after consuming flavorful yet hot dishes.
6. Complementary balance: The bitterness from the hops in this IPA complements the sweetness often found in many Indian sauces and chutneys, creating a harmonious balance between your food and drink.
In summary, if you’re looking for an ideal beer companion for your next meal at your favorite curry house or trying some delicious homemade Indian dishes, don’t overlook Jaipur India Pale Ale as an excellent option.
Singha Thai Beer
Singha Thai Beer is one of the six best beers for Indian food pairings. This full-bodied, 100% barley malt beer packs a rich, bold taste that complements spicy Thai dishes well.
Aside from Singha Thai Beer, a few other beers are recommended for pairing with Indian cuisine. Kingfisher Lager and Tiger Asian Lager are effective options with seafood or vegetarian-based dishes such as paneer tikka masala.
Tiger Asian Lager
One beer that is an excellent option for pairing with Indian cuisine is Tiger Asian Lager. Here are some reasons why:
– Tiger Asian Lager hails from Singapore and is a refreshing, light beer that pairs well with spicy Indian dishes.
– It has a citrusy and malty flavor profile that complements the bold spices in many Indian dishes, such as tikka masala and paneer curries.
– The crispness and carbonation of Tiger Asian Lager also make it an excellent choice to cut through the richness of fried Indian appetizers or cashew-based curries.
– Overall, this beer provides a refreshing balance to the heat of spicy dishes and works well with many different types of Indian cuisine.
Flying Horse Royal Lager
Flying Horse Royal Lager is a popular Indian beer that pairs well with spicy Indian dishes, especially those with seafood and vegetable-heavy ingredients. This lager has a crisp and refreshing taste, making it an ideal complement to the heat of spicy dishes.
Produced by United Breweries under the UB Group, Flying Horse Royal Lager is one of our favorite beers for pairing with Indian cuisine.
Brown And Amber Ales For Indian Food
If you’re looking for a beer that’s not too heavy and pairs well with savory Indian dishes, brown and amber ales are the way to go. There are plenty of options, from Newcastle Brown Ale to Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale.
Newcastle Brown Ale
One of my go-to beers for Indian food pairings is Newcastle Brown Ale. This beer has a rich, malty flavor that complements the bold flavors of Indian spices and dishes like tikka masala and paneer.
The nutty and caramel notes in this brown ale balance out the heat of spicy dishes, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a milder spice level.
In addition to its taste profile, Newcastle Brown Ale also boasts a higher alcohol content than other brown ales on the market, which means you can savor your beer while still feeling satisfied after one or two bottles.
Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale is one of the best options for beer pairings with Indian cuisine. Here are some reasons why:
Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale
1. It has a nutty and caramel flavor that complements well with spicy dishes like tikka masala and paneer.
2. This English Brown Ale has a slight sweetness with a hint of toffee, which pairs nicely with the heat of spicy Indian chutneys.
3. WItslow carbonation won’t overpower the flavors of your favorite curry or Indian dish.
4. The Samuel Smith Old Brewery is known for brewing high-quality craft beers so that you can trust the authenticity of this ale.
6. Its smooth and full-bodied texture makes it an excellent choice for sipping alongside vegetable-heavy Indian dishes or cashew-based curries.
Alaskan Amber Ale
One beer that pairs well with Indian cuisine is Alaskan Amber Ale, a popular brown and amber ale. This beer has a rich malt flavor with hints of caramel and a subtle hop finish, making it an excellent complement to spicy Indian dishes like tikka masala or paneer.
Alaskan Amber Ale also has a smooth and creamy texture that helps balance the heat of many Indian dishes.
Hefeweizens And Wheat Beers For Indian Food
Hefeweizens and wheat beers are perfect for pairing with vegetarian dishes such as paneer tikka masala, and the article lists some of the best options to try.
Schneider Weisse Original
I love Schneider Weisse Original for pairing with Indian cuisine. This Hefeweizen ale is crisp, refreshing, and perfect for cutting through the bold flavors of spicy curries and rich paneer dishes.
One tip when enjoying Schneider Weisse Original with Indian food is to try it alongside spicy Indian chutneys or cashew-based curries. The fruity sweetness of the beer complements the dish’s heat without overwhelming it, making for a deliciously balanced meal.
Erdinger Weissbier
I love Erdinger Weissbier as a pairing for Indian cuisine. This German wheat beer is brewed with natural ingredients, including water, malted wheat and barley, hops, and yeast.
Interestingly, Bavarian Hefeweizen was once a monopoly of the Bavarian Royal Brewery in the 18th century. Nowadays, many breweries produce their versions of this classic wheat beer style.
IPA And Hoppy Lagers For Indian Food
India Pale Ales and hoppy lagers are perfect for spicy Indian dishes as their citrusy, fruity, and hoppy notes balance the heat.
Ballast Point Longfin Lager
I highly recommend Ballast Point Longfin Lager as one of the best beers for Indian food pairings. Here are some reasons why:
– It has a light and crisp taste that complements the spicy and flavorful notes of Indian cuisine.
– The hoppy undertones in this lager make it an excellent match for curries and other dishes with a bit of heat.
– Its lower alcohol content (4.5%) makes it an easy-drinking option that won’t overpower the flavors of the food.
– Ballast Point is a well-respected brewery with plenty of experience in creating beer pairings for various cuisines, including Indian.
– According to the Brew App, Ballast Point Longfin Lager can also be paired with IPA and other hoppy lagers for Indian food, offering even more versatility in your beer pairing choices.
– Finally, if you’re a fan of seafood dishes like shrimp curry or fish tikka masala, Ballast Point Longfin Lager is a perfect choice because its citrusy notes complement these flavors nicely.
Sierra Nevada Summerfest
One of my top recommendations for beer pairings with Indian cuisine is Sierra Nevada, Summerfest Lager. This refreshing and light summertime beer has hoppy notes of mango that complement the bold flavors of spicy Indian dishes, such as tikka masala or paneer curry.
It perfectly matches vegetable-heavy Indian dishes, like cashew-based curries or fried Indian snacks. However, it may not be mentioned in popular beer literature like “Great American Craft Beer” or “All About Sierra Nevada Beer Camp No.
Kolsch And Lagers For Indian Food
For those who prefer lighter beers, Kolsch and lagers are excellent options for pairing with Indian food. Taj Mahal Lager, Bira 91 Blonde Lager, and Goa Premium Beer are just a few examples of brews that pair well with vegetarian dishes or seafood in Indian cuisine.
Taj Mahal Lager
Taj Mahal Lager is a popular beer that pairs excellently with Indian cuisine. This brew is associated with Kolsch and Lagers for Indian food pairings, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy lighter beers.
While Taj Mahal Premium Lager may not have made the list of six best beers for Indian food pairings or seven beers that pair perfectly with Indian dishes, it still deserves a spot on your table when enjoying your favorite curry or vegetarian dish.
The beverage has a smooth taste and light body that won’t overpower the flavors of spicy dishes like tikka masala or paneer makhani.
Bira 91 Blonde Lager
Bira 91 Blonde Lager is one of my favorite beers to pair with Indian food. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Bira 91 is a light and refreshing beer that complements the spicy flavors in many Indian dishes.
2. This craft beer is made in India and has won awards for its quality, including a gold medal at the European Beer Challenge.
3. The crisp, citrusy notes in Bira 91 make it an excellent match for tikka masala, paneer dishes, and other vegetarian curries.
4. Unlike heavier beers, Bira 91 won’t overpower the delicate flavors of seafood dishes or cashew-based curries.
5. With just the right balance of hops and malt, Bira 91 pairs well with many different styles of Indian cuisine.
I highly recommend trying Bira 91 Blonde Lager with your next Indian meal. It’s the perfect way to add extra flavor to your dining experience!
English Bitter Ale For Indian Food
English Bitter Ale pairs best with spicy Indian dishes as its bitterness cuts through the heat, creating a beautiful balance of flavors.
Fuller’s London Pride
Fuller’s London Pride is a perfect beer to pair with Indian cuisine. This English Bitter Ale has a deep amber color and boasts an aroma of caramel, biscuit, and fruit. Its rich flavor profile includes notes of toasted grains, earthy hops, and hints of sweetness from the malt.
The balance in Fuller’s London Pride makes it a “harmony in five parts,” according to its brewers. It cuts through the heat and spices in many Indian dishes without overwhelming their complex flavors, making it an excellent complement to curries or paneer dishes.
Timothy Taylor’s Landlord
I love trying different types of beer with Indian food, and one of my recent discoveries is Timothy Taylor’s Landlord English Bitter Ale. Here are some key things to know about this beer:
– Timothy Taylor’s Landlord is a classic example of bitter English ale.
– It has a deep amber color and a rich, malty flavor with hints of caramel and toffee.
– The bitterness comes from the hops, which balance out the sweetness in the malt.
– This beer has a relatively low alcohol content, around 4.3% ABV.
– Some people might not consider bitter ale an obvious pairing for Indian cuisine. Still, I find that the complex flavors in Timothy Taylor’s Landlord work well with spicy dishes like vindaloo or jalfrezi.
– The brewery that produces Timothy Taylor’s Landlord is based in Keighley, West Yorkshire, England.
Adnams Southwold Bitter
Adnams Southwold Bitter is a type of English Bitter Ale that has been tried and tested as a great beer to pair with Indian dishes. This amber-colored beer has a malty flavor with hints of fruitiness, making it a perfect complement to the spicy and savory flavors found in many Indian curries and dishes.
It’s not difficult to see why – its well-balanced taste with a subtle sweetness makes it versatile enough to pair well with meaty dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala or vegetarian options like Paneer Makhani.
Stouts And Porters For Indian Food
Stouts and porters are a perfect complement to the spiciness of Indian cuisine with their rich, chocolatey notes that balance out the heat.
Guinness Foreign Extra Stout
Guinness Foreign Extra Stout is among the most famous for pairing it with Indian cuisine. This rich and full-bodied beer has its roots in Colonialism and the export market, making it a perfect complement to spicy and flavorful Indian dishes.
The high alcohol content also helps to cut through the heat of spicier dishes, while the roasted malt flavors add an extra dimension of complexity. Compared to other stouts like Murphy’s Stout, Guinness stands out with its distinct flavor profile that features dark chocolate, coffee, and caramel notes.
Samuel Smith’s Taddy Porter
Samuel Smith’s Taddy Porter is a dark, rich beer with notes of caramel and chocolate. While it may not be the first beer, you think of for Indian food pairings, its bold flavor can work well with certain dishes. Here are some Indian dishes that could be paired with Samuel Smith’s Taddy Porter:
1. Lamb Rogan Josh: This lamb dish’s rich, spicy flavor complements the porter’s bold flavors.
2. Chicken Tikka Masala: The creamy tomato-based sauce in this dish pairs well with the beer’s malty sweetness.
3. Paneer Makhani: The creamy texture of paneer cheese in this dish is balanced by the strong maltiness and slight bitterness of Taddy Porter.
4. Chana Masala: This hearty chickpea stew has a mild spice level that works well with the beer’s roasted notes.
5. Vegetable Jalfrezi: This vegetable-heavy dish has a slightly spicy flavor that pairs nicely with Taddy Porter’s malty sweetness.
Samuel Smith’s Taddy Porter can be an excellent choice for Indian food pairings if you want a bold, flavorful brew to complement your meal.
Founder’s Breakfast Stout
I can’t talk enough about Founder’s Breakfast Stout. This beer is perfect for Indian cuisine because of its chocolate, coffee, and oats notes. The stout has a rich, creamy texture that works wonders with spicy dishes like tikka masala or paneer makhani.
I first tried Founder’s Breakfast Stout at a local brewery in Michigan and have been hooked ever since. It’s become one of my go-to choices when enjoying Indian food with friends or family.
Belgian Beers For Indian Food
With their complex flavors and fruity notes, Belgian beers can surprisingly match Indian cuisine. Some recommended Belgian beers to try to include Duvel, Chimay, and Leffe.
Duvel
Duvel, a Belgian beer known for its high ABV and enthusiasm, can be a surprising but excellent choice for Indian food pairings. Its strong carbonation cuts through spicy dishes like tikka masala or paneer, while its light maltiness balances the dish’s heat.
In addition to Duvel, other Belgian beer styles like Dubbel or Tripel can complement many Indian flavors. As a highly complex beverage with various flavor notes such as citrus and fruitiness, pairing Belgian beers with Indian cuisine is an adventure worth taking.
Chimay
Chimay is a famous Belgian brewery known for producing high-quality Trappist beers. While not typically considered a go-to option for Indian food pairings, Chimay beers can complement certain dishes quite well. Here are some of the best Chimay beers to pair with Indian cuisine:
1. Chimay Bleue (Blue): This dark ale has a rich, malty flavor and pairs well with spicy meat dishes like lamb vindaloo.
2. Chimay Tripel (White): With its fruity and citrusy notes, this golden ale is an excellent match for seafood curries or vegetarian dishes like paneer tikka masala.
3. Chimay Dubbel (Red): A smooth, caramel-sweet ale that balances the heat of spicy chutneys or cashew-based curries.
While Chimay may not be the first choice for beer pairings with Indian cuisine, its unique flavors can add an exciting twist to any meal. So next time you’re exploring different beer and food pairing options, don’t overlook this Trappist brewery.
Leffe
Belgian beers are known for their complex flavors, making them an excellent match for Indian cuisine. Leffe, one of Belgium’s finest beers, is often associated with Belgian beers that pair well with Indian food.
This amber-colored beer has a sweet and fruity taste with hints of caramel and spice, which complements the heat and spicy flavors in many Indian dishes.
Leffe’s maltiness and slight bitterness make it ideal for flavorful curries like chicken tikka masala or paneer makhani. Its carbonation also helps cut through the richness of creamy dishes like butter chicken or cashew-based curries.
Tips For Successful Beer Pairing With Indian Cuisine
Beer pairing is an art that can be mastered with some knowledge and practice. Here are ten tips for successful beer pairing with Indian cuisine:
1. Match the intensity: Pair bold and spicy Indian dishes with beers that have enough flavor to stand up to them.
2. Consider the style of Indian dishes: Different types of Indian cuisines, such as vegetarian or seafood-based dishes, require different beer pairings.
3. Look at the malt in the beer: Maltier beers complement sweeter Indian dishes, while hoppy beers work well with spicier dishes.
4. Keep it light: Lighter beers like lagers and wheat beers pair best with lighter Indian dishes like tikka masala and paneer.
5. Experiment with IPAs: IPAs and other hoppy beers are an excellent match for spicy Indian chutneys and curries.
6. Try Amber Ales: Amber ales provide a good balance between malty sweetness and hoppy bitterness, making them a versatile choice for many Indian dishes.
7. Don’t forget stouts and porters: Stouts and porters can be excellent with fried Indian snacks or cashew-based curries.
8. Consider Belgian Beers: Belgian beers like Duvel or Chimay can be surprisingly good pairings for many Indian dishes.
9. Watch alcohol content: Higher alcohol content in some craft beers can overpower delicate flavors in lighter Indian dishes, so be mindful when pairing.
10. Trust your taste buds: Ultimately, it’s essential to trust your taste preferences when choosing which beer will go best with your favorite curry or Indian meal – experiment until you find your perfect pairing!
FAQ on the Best Beer With Indian Food
What types of beer work best with Indian cuisine?
Indian cuisine is diverse, but in general, beers that are light-bodied and have a refreshing taste work well. Pilsners, lagers, wheat beers, and IPAs are great options for pairing Indian dishes.
How can I determine which beer will complement my spicy food the most?
When pairing beer with spicy food like Indian cuisine, choosing a brew that balances out the heat without overwhelming your palate is essential. Look for a beer with a low bitterness level and a slightly sweet taste such as fruit-infused or floral IPAs.
Are there any specific Indian dishes that go particularly well with certain types of beer?
Yes! For example, pale ale pairs exceptionally well with chicken tikka masala, while garam masala-spiced lamb curry works well when paired with an IPA or amber ale.
Can non-alcoholic beers also be paired with Indian cuisine?
Absolutely! Non-alcoholic options such as ginger beer and sparkling water can make excellent pairings for some spicier dishes by offering balance and refreshment without adding additional heat from alcohol consumption.
