Pairing Beer With Thai Food: A Match Made In Heaven

Thai food is known for its complex interplay of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy flavours. While Thai cuisine may not be as synonymous with hot spice as Indian food, most Thai dishes still have a kick, and some stir-fry dishes are very spicy. This makes it challenging to find a drink that pairs well with all Thai dishes. While Thais traditionally drank green tea or jasmine-infused water, beer has become a popular choice for those looking to enjoy an alcoholic beverage with their meal. So, what type of beer goes well with Thai food?

Citrusy, spicy beers for hot and sour Thai dishes

Thai food is characterised by sweet, sour, hot, and salty flavours. When it comes to pairing beer with Thai dishes, you want a brew that will complement the complex flavours without being too overpowering. Citrusy and spicy beers can be an excellent choice, offering a refreshing contrast to the heat and spice of the cuisine. Here are some options to consider:

Wheat Beers

Wheat beers, such as Blue Moon Belgian White or Hoegaarden Belgian Wheat Beer, can be an excellent choice to pair with Thai food. These beers often have a crisp, refreshing taste with hints of citrus and spice that can complement the flavours of Thai cuisine. The Blue Moon Belgian White, for instance, is brewed with the peels of Valencia oranges, giving it a vibrant and natural citrus flavour. Meanwhile, Hoegaarden, with its slightly crisper profile, is known for being the first beer to combine the flavours of orange and coriander successfully.

IPAs and Pale Ales

India Pale Ales (IPAs) and pale ales that feature citrus notes can also be a good match for Thai dishes. The Lagunitas Citrusinensis Pale Ale, for example, combines the sweetness of juicy blood oranges with a well-balanced blend of hops, resulting in a zesty and tangy flavour profile. For a more bitter option, the Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin IPA blends citrusy hops with the tartness of grapefruit. If you're looking for something with a lower ABV, the Elysian Superfuzz Blood Orange Pale Ale is a good choice, offering a more traditional pale ale ABV of 5.4% while still delivering a burst of citrus flavour.

Belgian Farmhouse Ale

If you're looking for something a little different, a tangy Belgian farmhouse ale like the Saison Dupont can be a great choice to pair with Thai food. This ale has a tangy, spicy character that can stand up to the bold flavours of Thai cuisine. It is particularly well-suited to dishes with dark leafy greens, like spinach egg drop soup.

When pairing beer with Thai food, it's important to keep in mind that Thai dishes tend to be served simultaneously rather than in succession. Therefore, it might be challenging to find a single drink that complements all the dishes. You may want to opt for beers that are versatile and can bridge the gap between the various flavours and spices present in the dishes.

IPA for medium spice Thai dishes

When it comes to pairing beer with Thai food, it can be challenging to find a single drink that complements the diverse flavours and spice levels of the dishes. Thai cuisine is known for its unique blend of sweet, sour, hot, and salty flavours, with varying spice levels ranging from mild to extremely spicy.

For medium spice Thai dishes, an India Pale Ale (IPA) can be an excellent choice. IPAs are known for their bold, hoppy flavour and can stand up to the complex flavours of medium spice Thai cuisine. The bitterness of the IPA can help balance the sweetness often found in Thai dishes, while its carbonation can refresh the palate between bites.

When selecting an IPA to pair with medium spice Thai food, look for one with a strong hoppy aroma and a balanced bitterness. Avoid overly aggressive or high-alcohol IPAs, as they may overpower the delicate flavours of the dish. Instead, opt for something with a crisp, clean finish that will complement the food without being too assertive.

If you're looking for specific recommendations, Southern Tier IPA is a floral and hoppy beer that can go well with smoky, meaty dishes. Alternatively, you could try a custom beer made with a toasted rice base, such as the one crafted by Dave McLean of Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery for Namu Gaji in San Francisco. This type of beer tends to be light, fresh, and easy to drink, making it a versatile choice for pairing with a variety of Asian dishes.

Remember, when enjoying beer with spicy food, it's essential to consider your own preference for spice and heat tolerance. Adjust your beer selection accordingly, and don't be afraid to experiment to find the perfect pairing for your taste buds.

German-influenced lager, the most popular being Singha

Singha is a pale lager beer manufactured in Thailand by the Singha Corporation Co. Ltd, a subsidiary of Boon Rawd Brewery. Singha is a full-bodied, premium lager brewed from the finest ingredients, including 100% barley malt and three kinds of hops from Europe: Saaz, Perle, and Hallertau. It is distinctively rich in taste with strong hop characters and a creamy, malty flavour. Singha has a golden yellow colour and is available in bottles, cans, and on tap.

The history of Singha beer dates back to the early 1930s when Praya Bhirom Bhakdi, often referred to as the Godfather of Thai Beer, founded the Boon Rawd Brewery. The story goes that Bhakdi was first introduced to beer in 1929 while attending a meeting with a German business partner. Inspired by the taste and the potential opportunity in Thailand, he travelled to Europe to learn the art of brewing.

Singha was first brewed in 1933 and quickly gained popularity. In 1939, it received the official endorsement of King Rama VIII, who allowed the royal Garuda symbol to be displayed on the bottle. Singha is the only Thai brewery to hold this honour. The brand name Singha comes from the Sanskrit word "Singh," meaning "Lion," represented by the golden lion emblem.

Singha is widely considered Thailand's most popular beer and is known for its quality. The brewery maintains strict quality control by brewing all Singha beers exclusively in Thailand. This decision is based on the claim that the 100% artesian water used in the brewing process can only be sourced from its brewery. Singha's commitment to quality and its use of the finest ingredients have made it a favourite among locals and a perfect pairing for spicy Thai dishes.

In addition to its signature lager, Singha also offers a light version with 3.8% ABV, providing a more affordable and lighter alternative while maintaining its signature rich and creamy texture. Singha's dominance in the Thai market has led to sponsorships with Chelsea F.C. and Leicester City F.C., solidifying its reputation as a beloved Thai beer.

Pilsner, a typical option in Thai restaurants

When it comes to Thai food, the complex interplay of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy flavours can make it challenging to find the perfect beverage pairing. While Thai cuisine is not as notorious for its heat as Indian food, most dishes still have a kick, and some stir-fry dishes can be exceptionally spicy.

Pilsner is a typical option in Thai restaurants, and for good reason. It is a crisp, light, and refreshing choice that won't overpower the delicate flavours of Thai cuisine. Pilsners are known for their brisk, balancing qualities, making them an excellent counterpoint to the salty and savoury notes prevalent in Thai dishes. The floral, lemony, and herbal notes of a pilsner can beautifully complement the citrus and lemongrass accents often found in Thai curries and stir-fries.

In addition to its flavour profile, the carbonation of a pilsner can be particularly refreshing when paired with spicy Thai dishes. The cooling bubbles instantly refresh the palate, making it a more enjoyable dining experience. Furthermore, pilsners tend to have a relatively low alcohol content, so you can indulge without worrying about the strength of the drink.

While some may argue for more assertive beer styles, such as IPAs or stouts, with their strong flavours and aromas, a pilsner's subtlety and crispness make it an ideal choice for Thai food. It is no wonder that pilsners are a staple offering in many Thai restaurants, providing a quenching and satisfying accompaniment to the complex and vibrant flavours of Thai cuisine.

Sour beers for deep-fried dishes

When it comes to pairing beer with Thai food, it can be challenging to find a single drink that complements the various dishes served simultaneously, such as salads, soups, deep-fried or steamed dishes, stir-fries, and curries. The dominant flavours of Thai cuisine include sweet, sour, hot, and salty notes.

For deep-fried dishes, a tangy Belgian farmhouse ale like Saison Dupont pairs well with dark leafy greens. Similarly, the crispness of a lager, such as the Kona Brewing Co. Longboard Island Lager, can cut through the richness of fried foods.

If you're looking for a refreshing option to pair with deep-fried dishes, sour beers are an excellent choice. Sour beers work well with sour, sweet, or slightly bitter flavours. They are also refreshing and pair well with fatty or heavier foods. For example, a fruity sour beer with notes of peach can be balanced by something rich and creamy to cut through the tartness, like a fig, goat cheese, and arugula pizza. The key is to complement the strong taste of the sour beer with bold flavours while avoiding excessive saltiness.

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