When it comes to pairing wine with Indian food, the possibilities are endless. Indian cuisine is known for its complex flavors, bold spices, and rich textures, making wine pairing an art in itself. At Calamari Kitchen & Bar, we boast of a well-coordinated wine list that matches our Indian cuisine alongside the best that Australia has to offer. Whether you’re a fan of creamy curries, spicy seafood, or hearty vegetarian options, this guide will help you discover the best wine pairings for our signature dishes.
Here’s a guide to help you discover the ideal wine pairings for some of our popular Indian dishes.
Understanding Indian Food Flavors and Wine Pairing
Pairing wine with Indian food is all about balance. Indian dishes are often a harmonious blend of spices, heat, and creaminess, making it essential to choose wines that complement rather than overpower these flavors.
- Spicy dishes should be served with off-dry or sweet wine, because they will balance the heat.
- Thick creamy types of curries are good with light fruity red wines or even crisp white wines.
- Seafood curries should be served together with white wines with a hint of freshness, like lime.
- Vegetarian Dishes: Work beautifully with aromatic whites or mild reds.
The key is to find wines that enhance the dish without clashing with the spices.
The Best Wines for Indian Cuisine
At Calamari Kitchen & Bar, we offer a selection of wines thoughtfully chosen to pair seamlessly with Indian dishes. Here are our top recommendations:
1. Sparkling Wines
- Tyrell’s Chardonnay Pinot Noir Sparkling (Hunter Valley NSW)
Pairs with: Amritsari Fish & Chips or Crunchy Calamari- Why: The bubbles cut through the crispy, fried texture, offering a clean, refreshing finish.
2. White Wines
- Tyrell’s Semillon (Hunter Valley NSW)
Pairs with: Prawn Coco Curry- Why: The light citrus notes balance the creamy coconut base and mild spices beautifully.
- Beside Broke Road Sauvignon Blanc (Margaret River WA)
Pairs with: Cashew Curry Fish or Prawns- Why: Its zesty, vibrant acidity complements the richness of the cashew curry.
3. Red Wines
- Audrey Wilkinson Shiraz (Hunter Valley NSW)
Pairs with: Butter Pepper Prawns- Why: The medium-bodied Shiraz softens the spices while adding fruity notes.
- De Bortoli Estate Pinot Noir (Yarra Valley VIC)
Pairs with: Aunty’s Curry- Why: The Pinot Noir’s light, fruity character balances the bold Goan spices and coconut milk.
Pairing Wine with Spicy Indian Dishes
Most of the Indian dishes consist of spices which requires careful matching with wines. Here’s how you can balance the heat with the right wine:
- Prawn Coco Curry
Pairing: Tyrell’s Semillon – Its citrus freshness cools the heat and enhances the creamy coconut. - Butter Pepper Prawns
Pairing: Audrey Wilkinson Shiraz – A medium-bodied Shiraz harmonizes perfectly with the dish’s peppery spice and rich flavors. - Aunty’s Curry
Pairing: De Bortoli Estate Pinot Noir – A light red wine that smooths the coconut and spice combination without overwhelming it.
When picking out wines, look for those with lighter tannins, subtle fruits, or crisp accents to complement spicy Indian dishes.
Recommendations for Popular Indian Dishes and Wines
To make your dining experience seamless, here’s a quick guide to wine pairings for Calamari Kitchen & Bar’s top Indian dishes:
Seafood Pairings
- Amritsari Fish & Chips: Enjoy with Tyrells Chardonnay Pinot Noir Sparkling for a lively, clean finish.
- Cashew Curry Fish: Pair with Sauvignon Blanc to balance the nutty richness.
Vegetarian Pairings
- Mixed Veg Korma: A mild, creamy curry that pairs well with Chenin Blanc.
- Paneer Tikka: Grilled to perfection, this dish is complemented by a fruity Chardonnay.
Staple Pairings
- Butter Chicken: A classic Indian dish that works wonderfully with Pinot Noir or Riesling.
- Vegetarian Biryani: A fragrant rice dish best paired with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
Why Calamari Kitchen & Bar is the Right Place for Your Wine and Dine Experience
Our staff at Calamari Kitchen & Bar are committed serving you delicious Indian food complemented perfectly with wines sourced from Australia. The staff is very well informed which gives you the opportunity to be accompanied by someone that will advise on the matching wine to your meal, every time you get to eat here.
Visit Us for the Perfect Indian Food and Wine Pairing
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or new to wine pairing, we invite you to visit Calamari Kitchen & Bar and explore the delightful combinations of Indian cuisine and Australian wines. Our menu offers a variety of dishes and wines to suit every palate, making your dining experience memorable.
Experience the authentic menu featuring the spicy flavours of Indian cuisine and the perfect match to the Australian wines at Calamari Kitchen & Bar—where every meal is a celebration of taste.
FAQs
Yes! Light to medium-bodied reds like Shiraz or Pinot Noir complement creamy curries, while bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon pair well with rich and hearty dishes.
Off-dry whites like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc balance the heat in spicy dishes, while sparkling wines provide a refreshing contrast.
Seafood curries pair well with crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc or Semillon, which enhance the freshness and complement the spices.
Yes, Butter Chicken pairs well with off-dry whites like Riesling or fruity reds like Pinot Noir, enhancing its creamy, mild flavors.
We offer a curated wine list featuring premium Australian wines, thoughtfully paired with our authentic Indian dishes to create a unique dining experience.
