Whenever you set foot on a particular corner of the world for the first time, remember that one of the best ways to truly get to know this unfamiliar destination is to partake of the local cuisine.
There’s nothing better than breathing in the savoury aroma of exotic new dishes and then tasting firsthand how local ingredients are used to flavour these delicious preparations. This way, you discover which fruits and vegetables grow and thrive in this land, which meats are carefully prepared for the most beloved national feasts, and what snacks and desserts the locals find the most comforting when they want to indulge in a special treat.
Suppose you’re travelling through the Middle East – working your way through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Lebanon, Turkey, Morocco and other key destinations – and you’ve already sampled the most beloved dishes on their own. Why not look at your food explorations from a slightly different perspective?
How about giving each popular Middle Eastern dish another try – but this time, appropriately paired with a wonderful glass of wine?
A Few Tips on Choosing Flavour Pairings
In places like Abu Dhabi, you can buy red wine online, or maybe an excellent white or sparkling wine, and enjoy it peacefully at home or in a hotel with your meals. (You can whip up four-course dinners by yourself or order the best-selling entrees from your favourite restaurants – the sky’s the limit!) How’s that for elevating your dining experience while exploring the world?
Of course, there are some rules of thumb to keep in mind when choosing wines to serve with specific Middle Eastern flavour profiles:
● Standing up to a bitter bite
Some ingredients in Middle Eastern cuisine have a decidedly bitter flavour, such as walnuts, eggplant, and lamb. For these items, a high-tannin wine will work nicely.
● Tempering the spice
Lovers of spicy food gravitate towards Middle Eastern creations that use everything from fiery chili and harissa to earthy allspice, cinnamon, cumin, and za’atar. The best match for this heat is a fruitier, lower-tannin wine. Remember, wine must match the intensity of the spice.
And if you still need clarification about which wine to pick, well-chilled rose-style or sparkling wines are always a safe bet for spicy food thanks to their refreshing yet neutral mouthfeel.
● Cutting the richness of savoury dishes
Who doesn’t love to indulge in something fatty and salty every once in a while? Choose a crisp white wine like a young Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to balance out these flavours. Also, for dishes with meat cooked in a sauce, wines must be paired with the sauce.
● Pairing zest with zing
Many acidic ingredients like tomatoes, yoghurt and lemons take centre stage in Middle Eastern dishes. For these combinations, a drier, even higher-acidity wine can keep all the flavours in check, like a Riesling originating from cooler climates (perhaps Austria or Germany) or one with distinct tones of green apple.
High-acidity wines also effectively soften the sharpness of raw garlic and onion.
9 Popular Middle Eastern Dishes to Pair with a Wonderful Wine
1. Gyro sandwiches and kebabs
Everyone’s sure to enjoy a kebab and gyro any day of the week. Because the meat is deliciously salty and greasy, sparkling white and bold, dark-fruit red wines (think Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec) offer a pleasing contrast.
2. Couscous
This staple often combines spicy and sweet partners such as raisins, chili paste, and caramelised onions. An off-white wine like Pinot Gris and a herbaceous red wine such as Grenache can nicely set off the aromas of the broth in couscous.
3. Falafel
Bursting with spices and intense garlic flavours, the falafel (further accentuated by herbs in a sandwich, plus a creamy sauce like tahini) stands out even more when paired with a fruity white wine like Viognier.
4. Stuffed peppers
This dish brings together crowd favourites like tomatoes, red meat, herbs and (of course) peppers, and fruity, fuller-bodied wines are the top choice to complement this meal. Cabernet Franc and Syrah will bring out the peppery or capsicum flavours in the dish, and fruity reds like Barbera can bring a dose of sweetness to the tomatoes that lost much of their acidity during the cooking process.
5. Hummus
Creamy and garlicky, a classic hummus is a natural match for fresh white wine like Assyrtiko because it tempers the strength of the garlic. Herby Italian hummus that incorporates lots of woody rosemary and thyme flavours is an experience when partnered with a herbaceous red wine like Sangiovese.
6. Tzatziki
Also known for its garlicky goodness and herbal freshness, this creamy cucumber dip is excellent with equally fresh white wine like Trebbiano or Sauvignon Blanc. Pinot Noir is the best option if you prefer red wines to enhance the red meat served with tzatziki.
7. Baba Ghanoush
This creamy grilled eggplant puree is a dream pairing with acidic, crisp white wines – think Pinot Grigio or perhaps a Provencal-style rose. A fruity red wine like Negroamaro will work, too.
8. Tabbouleh
This salad packs an acidic punch with its signature acidic profile from lemon juice and tomatoes. In this case, white wine with citrusy notes will calm the strong acid and garlic notes. Gruner or Veltliner can bring harmony to this pairing.
9. Baklava
And for a sweet endnote, match the extreme sweetness of this popular dessert with an equally sweet, or even sweeter, wine. Enjoy a dreamy ending to your meal by pairing baklava with white wines like Muscat or Sauternes.
A Party of Flavours in Every Bite and Sip
Discover a new dimension to beloved Middle Eastern cuisine by pairing your top dishes with the right wines. The next time you travel through the Middle East and crave a unique culinary experience, head to your favourite restaurants and order these delicious pairings. (Make sure to bring your friends so you can sample as many food and wine combinations as possible!)
Better yet, purchase your choice of excellent wines on sale online, bring home the best kebabs and baklavas in your location, and spend a quiet evening indulging in a unique gastronomic journey. Great food and fine wines – there’s really nothing better.
