Mofo guide to pairing | Thai food

Here we go mofos, we're talking about the best wines to pair with Thai food. It's vibrant, full of flavour and downright delicious, but finding the right wine to complement and enhance those bold flavours doesn’t have to be a challenge. Here’s five killer wine suggestions that are more than capable of stepping up to the plate.

Riesling

First up, we've got riesling - a wine that's versatile as hell. Dry or off-dry, its crisp acidity and fruit sweetness can balance out the heat in dishes like Tom Yum soup and Pad Thai. Plus, its classic citrusy and stone fruit notes can contrast against the tangy and sour elements of Thai cuisine.

Check out: Pikes 'Traditionale' Riesling 2022

Gewürztraminer

Next, we've got Gewürztraminer - another white wine that's not afraid to take on some spice. With its floral and spicy aromas and flavours of lychee, rose and ginger, gewürz can enhance the fragrant herbs and spices in dishes like green curry or massaman curry.

Pinot Noir

Pinot noir might be light bodied, but it can hold its own against Thai food. Its soft tannins and bright acidity can balance out the heat in dishes like papaya salad or spicy basil stir fry. And those red fruit notes can add a bright contrast to the savoury deliciousness of a great Thai dish.

Check out: Giesen Clayvin Pinot Noir 2019

Rosé 

Rosé - refreshing and versatile, what can’t it do? It’s perfect for pairing with Thai. Crisp acidity and bright fruit flavours can complement the bold flavours and heat of Thai cuisine. A dry rosé with notes of strawberry and watermelon can balance out those dishes with a hint of palm sugar sweetness, and if your drop has got a little residual sugar it’ll handle spice too.

Check out: Matahiwi Estate Rosé 2021

Champagne or prosecco

A pairing worth celebrating when it comes to Thai food, whatever day of the week. Its effervescence and acidity can cleanse your palate between bites and balance out the rich and spicy flavours. A great sparkling white like Champagne or Prosecco can match dishes like Red Curry or Pad Kee Mao like a boss.

Check out: Pierre Bertrand Brut 1er Cru NV

So there you have it - five wines that can match up with the bright, rich deliciousness of Thai cuisine. Our top tip - look for wines with bright acidity, fruit-forward (even with a touch of residual sugar) and with low or no tannin. But, as always - you know you, and what you enjoy. We only care that you're having a good time.