As the festive season of Chinese New Year approaches, the flavours of traditional cuisine beckon a harmonious blend with the right alcoholic beverages.
Celebrated on Wednesday, January 29, this year, the spotlight naturally falls on the sumptuous food and convivial drinks that characterise this festive occasion.
With family and friends gathering to honour traditions and share culinary delights, the right beverage pairing can take your meal from delicious to unforgettable.
To help you navigate this culinary journey, Daniel Ufland, founder of The Whisky Masters, lends his expertise to how to harmonise traditional Chinese dishes with the finest alcoholic beverages.
“Chinese New Year is a time for indulgence and togetherness,” Ufland reflects.
“The art of pairing drinks with any type of cuisine is about finding a balance. Chinese cuisine plays with a symphony of flavours, from sweet and tangy to spicy and salty and the right alcoholic beverages can mirror this complexity.”
As you prepare to celebrate, consider these top five pairings that promise to enhance your Chinese New Year feast.
Peking duck
Ideal pairing: Pinot Noir or light whiskey
The crispy skin and tender meat of Peking duck harmonise beautifully with a light-bodied Pinot Noir.
Ufland notes, “The fruity notes in Pinot Noir cut through the duck’s fattiness beautifully.”
Alternatively, a smooth, slightly sweet whiskey, like Jack Daniels or Hibiki Japanese whiskey, can complement the dish’s caramelised flavours.
“A delicate whiskey adds a layer of warmth and complexity,” he adds.
Kung pao chicken
Ideal pairing: Hoppy IPA or spiced rum
This iconic stir-fry, known for its spicy, sweet, and savoury profile, pairs excellently with a hoppy IPA.
“The heat of kung pao demands a drink with character,” Ufland observes, noting that the IPA amplifies the dish’s spice while providing a refreshing contrast.
For those seeking an adventurous twist, spiced rum enhances the dish’s underlying sweetness and bold flavours.
Dim sum (assorted dumplings)
Ideal pairing: Sparkling wine or sake
Dim sum serves up a delightful variety of flavours and textures, which are perfectly complemented by crisp sparkling wine.
Ufland explains, “Sparkling wine is a versatile choice that works with most dim sum,” as the bubbles cleanse the palate between bites.
For a unique experience, consider pairing with sake, whose umami and subtle sweetness mirror the dish’s complexity.
Sweet and sour pork
Ideal pairing: Riesling or bourbon
The classic sweet and sour flavours of this dish find a wonderful ally in an off-dry riesling, which enriches the pork without overwhelming it.
Ufland suggests that “Riesling brings a refreshing acidity,” while bourbon, with its smoky and vanilla undertones, adds depth to the pairing, balancing the dish's tangy sweetness.
Longevity noodles
Ideal pairing: Lager or gin and tonic
A staple for Chinese New Year, longevity noodles symbolise a prosperous year ahead. Ufland recommends a crisp lager to complement their simplicity or a gin and tonic for an added citrusy zest.
“You want a drink that brings new life to the dish without overpowering its delicate balance,” he advises.
“Pairing fun alcoholic drinks with Chinese cuisine is about experimentation and enjoying the process,” Ufland concludes.
“There are no hard rules - just opportunities to explore new flavour combinations. With the right pairings, every bite, and sip becomes a celebration in themselves.”