6 Popular Wine Pairing Hacks for Local Takeaways

It is no wonder that takeaways have become the new normal for most of us, especially those busy nine-to-fivers. However, have you ever thought of pairing your takeaway meal with wine and enjoying the luxurious experience as if you were in a fine dining restaurant? Check out below 6 popular wine pairing hacks for food takeaway and indulge yourself in the tempting dishes.

1. Yunnan Rice Noodles x Shiraz

When it comes to the most popular takeaways in Hong Kong, Yunnan Rice Noodles must be on the list. Enjoying the massive bowl of rice noodles that is served with its signature spicy soup and minced pork as a topping is a fantastic experience. If you are craving intense capsaicin, you should pair it with Shiraz from Australia. Its fruity and black pepper characters enhance the Sichuan pepper flavour of Rice Noodles. Oppositely, if you are looking for subtle spicy tinge, the sweetness of the off-dry and fruity Riesling or Gewürztraminer can reduce the spiciness!

2. Siu Mei Rice (Roasted Goose / Duck) x Pinot Noir

As a quintessential Cantonese cuisine, Siu Mei Rice is certainly the first choice for takeaway in Hong Kong. The red fruit aromas, soft tannins and the light texture of Pinot Noir match perfectly with the Siu Mei. This fresh combination also delights the flavour of the Siu Mei sauce!

3. Beef Chow Fun x Cabernet Sauvignon

Beef Chow Fun, or Stir-fried Rice Noodles with Beef, is a must-order dish in Cha Chaan Teng. Being cooked over high heat in a wok, the flavours of the chewy noodles and tender beef slices come through even stronger! Beef Chow Fun is quite greasy, so it requires pairing wine with a higher acidity or alcohol content. A full-bodied, rich Cabernet Sauvignon will be a good pairing choice because of its high tannins that match perfectly with the fatty meat by mellowing them.

4. Burger & French Fries x Rosé Champagne

American fast food has always been a popular takeout option given its convenience. Particularly, the juicy burgers and crispy French fries probably top the list of to-go food items. The fruity, delicate flavour of Rosé Champagne makes it an ideal match with the specialty burger sauces, while neutralizing the saltiness of fries with its refreshing taste. At the same time, the burgers and fries will become less greasy amid the floral aroma and effervescence.

5. Minced Pork Rice x Grenache

Taiwanese drinks are all the rage in Hong Kong, and Taiwanese Bentos are no exceptions. Among the wide variety of bento choices, the minced pork rice made with Taiwan’s classic soy sauce and savoury pork belly is surely the best pick. Grenache gives off a delightful aroma, mixing the flavours of black pepper and liquorice, and a fruity and mellow taste of berries, in order to bring out the richness of minced pork rice – of which you can’t help but ask for another serving!

6. Thai Cuisine x Off-dry Riesling

On hot summer days, many people may want to excite their taste buds with appetizing dishes that are sour and spicy. Therefore, when it comes to takeout food, there is no better choice than Thai cuisine – a perfect blend of sourness, sweetness and spiciness. With the balanced acidity and sweetness, the off-dry Riesling pairs particularly well with the sweet and sour Thai dishes including Pad Thai and Thai curry.