Pairing The World’s Favourite Drink With Exciting Cuisine

Americans may love coffee, but the most popular drink in the world is the humble cup of tea. Not simply the milky, sugary British variety, either – as National Geographic highlights, the variety drunk in India, China, Russia and much of Asia are exciting, herbal-tasting brews that can pair beautifully with food. This is a great way to enjoy food, and there are different types of tea for pretty much every flavor and food combination in the world.

Cutting through the richness

When you consider food and drink pairing, it’s about one flavor complementing and enhancing the other. A simple way to look at this through considering a dish of roast beef. Beef and other red meats are very rich; they require something tangy and fresh to cut through them; according to the Independent, having zesty, fresh flavors is more conducive to a great eating experience than the classic full-bodied wines. Certain types of loose leaf tea are particularly beneficial; an Earl Grey Tea, flavored with zesty bergamot oil, can provide a palate cleanser and cut through the richness of the meat.

Enhancing the herbalism

In a recent roundup of unique food pairings, CNN recommended having a gin-and-tonic with Indian curries. The intense spiciness and herbal flavors of both complement one another, and the tonic provides refreshment and cooling behind hot and rich mouthfuls of curry. Tea can step in here, too. Remember that some curries, including lentil, are often steeped in tea. Nalgiri tea, favored in the Western Ghats, tastes great iced, and has a fresh flavor that helps to balance the richness of curry.

Something different

What about the opposite effect – providing more body to an otherwise overly sweet or sour meal? One of the most revered Chinese teas, Yunnan Pu’er, provides exactly this, according to ChinaTravel.com. Fermented for an extended period, it has an exceptionally dark and complex taste, and provides the effect of an aperitif – promoting faster digestion and cleansing the palate. Perfectly paired with rich ice creams, desserts, or astringent starters.
Tea is a great drink to bring to the table – hot or cold, rich or light, aromatic or overpowering. It’s healthier, too, doing more for the body than even much-vaunted drinks like red wines. Consider bringing in a cup of the world’s favorite drink at your next dinner event.