Indian Cuisine

Akuri Eggs, a popular Indian dish, is a spicy scramble made with onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and a blend of aromatic spices. The dish's robust flavors, heat from the chilies, and the creaminess of the eggs create a complex flavor profile that requires a wine with enough character to complement and balance these elements.

Aloo Gobi is a vibrant Indian dish, characterized by its hearty potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi), and is often spiced with turmeric, cumin, and coriander. The dish's robust flavors and moderate heat require a wine that can balance its intensity without overpowering it. The wine should ideally have a touch of sweetness to counteract the spice, a good amount of acidity to cut through the richness of the potatoes, and a flavor profile that can complement the dish's aromatic spices.

Baingan Bharta is a flavorful Indian dish made from mashed eggplant that's been roasted over an open flame, giving it a smoky flavor. It's then cooked with various spices, onions, tomatoes, and often garnished with fresh cilantro. The dish is known for its complex flavors, ranging from the smoky eggplant to the heat of the spices and the tanginess of the tomatoes. When pairing wine with Baingan Bharta, it's important to consider these flavors and find a wine that can complement them without overpowering them.

Beef Vindaloo, a spicy and tangy dish originating from Goa, India, is characterized by its rich, fiery flavors, derived from a blend of vinegar, garlic, and a variety of spices including Kashmiri chilies. The heat and complexity of this dish require a wine that can stand up to its intensity, while also providing a refreshing counterpoint to its spiciness. The wine should ideally have a good fruit presence, moderate to high acidity, and a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.

Black Dal, also known as Dal Makhani, is a rich and hearty Indian dish made from black lentils and kidney beans, simmered with spices and butter for several hours. The dish is characterized by its creamy texture, deep flavors, and a hint of spice. The robustness of the dish, combined with its spice level, requires a wine that can balance its intensity without overpowering it. The wine should have enough acidity to cut through the richness of the dish, and a touch of sweetness to counteract the spice.

Bombay Aloo, also known as Bombay Potatoes, is a popular Indian dish that features potatoes cooked in a blend of aromatic spices. The dish is characterized by its robust flavors, with a spicy heat from chili, a tangy kick from tomatoes, and a depth of flavor from a medley of spices like turmeric, cumin, and mustard seeds. The richness of the dish, combined with its heat and spice, requires a wine that can balance these elements without overpowering them.

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a rich and creamy Indian dish with a complex flavor profile. The dish is characterized by its tender chicken pieces marinated in a blend of spices and yogurt, then cooked in a tomato-based sauce with heavy cream. The dish's richness, creaminess, and moderate spice level require a wine that can balance these elements without overpowering them. The wine should have enough acidity to cut through the creaminess, a touch of sweetness to counteract the spice, and enough body to stand up to the dish's robust flavors.

Chana Chaat Salad, a popular Indian street food, is a vibrant mix of chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and a medley of spices. Its complex flavors range from tangy and spicy to sweet and sour, making it a challenging yet exciting dish to pair with wine. The key to a successful pairing is to balance the dish's bold flavors with a wine that can match its intensity, complement its spice, and refresh the palate with a hint of acidity.

Chana Masala, also known as Chole Masala, is a popular Indian dish made from chickpeas simmered in a spicy, tangy tomato-based sauce. The dish is characterized by its robust flavors, including heat from chili peppers, earthiness from cumin and coriander, and tanginess from tomatoes and tamarind. The complexity of these flavors, along with the hearty texture of the chickpeas, requires a wine that can balance the spice, complement the earthiness, and refresh the palate.

Chicken Biryani is a rich, aromatic dish from the Indian subcontinent, known for its layers of marinated chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and a blend of spices including cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The complexity of the dish, with its combination of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet elements, requires a wine that can balance these flavors without overpowering them. The wine should have enough acidity to cut through the richness of the dish, a touch of sweetness to complement the spices, and enough body to stand up to the robust flavors.

Chicken Jalfrezi is a popular Indian dish known for its vibrant flavors, including a spicy heat from green chilies, the tanginess of bell peppers, and the richness of a tomato-based sauce. The complexity of this dish, with its combination of heat, acidity, and savory elements, requires a wine that can balance these flavors without overpowering them. The wine should ideally have a touch of sweetness to counteract the spiciness, good acidity to match the tanginess, and enough body to stand up to the richness of the sauce.

Chicken Korma is a rich, creamy, and mildly spiced Indian dish that is often made with yogurt, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices. The dish's complexity, with its layers of flavors and creamy texture, requires a wine that can balance its richness without overpowering its delicate spice notes. The wine should also have enough acidity to cut through the creaminess of the dish and refresh the palate.

Chicken Madras is a rich and spicy Indian dish, characterized by its robust flavors of curry, chili, and other aromatic spices. The heat and complexity of this dish require a wine that can balance its intensity, while also complementing its unique flavor profile. The wine should ideally have a good acidity to cut through the richness, a touch of sweetness to counteract the spiciness, and enough body to stand up to the robust flavors.

Chicken Pilaf, also known as Plov or Pilau in some cultures, is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with aromatic spices and hearty grains. The complexity of this dish, with its savory chicken, earthy spices, and the nuttiness of the rice, requires a wine that can complement these flavors without overpowering them. The wine should have enough acidity to cut through the richness of the dish, and enough body to stand up to its hearty nature.

Chicken Ruby Curry, a popular Indian dish, is known for its rich, aromatic flavors, with a tomato-based sauce that is both sweet and spicy, and tender pieces of chicken. The complexity of this dish, with its combination of heat, sweetness, and savory elements, requires a wine that can balance and complement these flavors without overpowering them. The wine should have enough acidity to cut through the richness of the curry, a touch of sweetness to counteract the spice, and enough body to stand up to the robust flavors of the dish.

Chicken Saag, also known as Saagwala, is a popular Indian dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich, flavorful spinach sauce. The dish is characterized by its complex blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, which create a warm, earthy flavor profile. The creaminess of the spinach sauce adds a velvety texture, while the chicken provides a lean, protein-rich element. The intensity of the spices, the creaminess of the sauce, and the mildness of the chicken all need to be taken into account when selecting a wine pairing.

Chicken Tikka Masala, a popular Indian dish, is characterized by its rich, creamy tomato sauce and the complex blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The dish's intensity and depth of flavor, combined with a moderate level of heat, require a wine that can balance these elements without overpowering them. The wine should ideally have a good acidity to cut through the creaminess, a touch of sweetness to counteract the spice, and enough flavor complexity to complement the dish's own intricate spice blend.

Chicken Vindaloo is a spicy, flavorful dish originating from Goa, India, known for its rich, tangy, and fiery curry sauce. The heat from the chili peppers, the tanginess from the vinegar, and the complexity of the spices, including turmeric, cumin, and coriander, all contribute to the dish's unique flavor profile. When pairing wine with Chicken Vindaloo, it's important to consider wines that can balance the dish's heat and acidity, complement its robust flavors, and cleanse the palate.

Dal, a staple in Indian cuisine, is a complex dish made from lentils, spices, and herbs, often served with rice or bread. Its flavor profile is rich and hearty, with a balance of earthy, spicy, and sometimes slightly sweet notes. The heat from the spices, the creaminess of the lentils, and the potential addition of tangy elements like tamarind or lemon juice all need to be considered when pairing wine. The goal is to find a wine that can stand up to the robust flavors of the dish, complement its spiciness, and balance its richness without overpowering it.

Dhokla, a popular dish from the Indian state of Gujarat, is a savory steamed cake made from fermented rice and chickpea batter, often seasoned with mustard seeds, green chilies, and coriander. Its flavor profile is complex, with a tangy, slightly sweet taste and a soft, spongy texture. The dish's spiciness, acidity, and subtle sweetness require a wine that can balance these elements without overpowering them.

Eggplant Biryani is a rich, aromatic dish that combines the earthy flavors of eggplant with a medley of spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric, all layered with fragrant basmati rice. The complexity of this dish, with its blend of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet elements, requires a wine that can balance and complement these flavors without overpowering them. The wine should also have enough acidity to cut through the richness of the dish, and a certain level of fruitiness to match the inherent sweetness of the eggplant and spices.

Fish Korma is a rich, creamy Indian dish that is characterized by its complex blend of spices, including coriander, cumin, and turmeric, and its tender pieces of fish. The dish's creamy texture and aromatic spices require a wine that can balance these strong flavors without overpowering them. The wine should also have enough acidity to cut through the creaminess of the dish and refresh the palate.

Goan Chicken Curry, also known as Chicken Xacuti, is a rich and spicy dish from the coastal region of Goa in India. It is characterized by its complex flavors, with a blend of hot, sweet, and tangy notes derived from a variety of spices, coconut, and tamarind. The dish's robust flavors, heat, and the creamy texture from the coconut milk require a wine that can balance these elements without overpowering them.

Goan Pork Vindaloo, a popular Indian dish, is known for its intense flavors, with a rich, spicy heat from chili peppers, a tangy punch from vinegar, and a depth of flavor from a variety of aromatic spices. The complexity of this dish, with its bold, fiery heat and acidic undertones, requires a wine that can stand up to its intensity, yet has the ability to cool the palate and complement the dish's unique flavor profile.

Goan Shrimp Curry, also known as Ambot Tik, is a vibrant dish from the coastal region of Goa in India, characterized by its tangy and spicy flavors. The dish is a delightful blend of succulent shrimp, fiery red chilies, and tart tamarind, all simmered in a rich coconut milk base. When pairing wine with this dish, it's crucial to consider the wine's ability to balance the curry's heat, complement its tanginess, and not overpower the delicate flavor of the shrimp.

Golda Chingri Malaikari, also known as Prawn Malai Curry, is a rich and creamy Bengali dish that features large prawns cooked in a coconut milk-based sauce with a blend of aromatic spices. The dish's complexity comes from the interplay of the sweet, tender prawns, the creamy coconut milk, and the heat from the spices. The ideal wine pairing should balance these elements, complementing the dish's richness and sweetness while also cutting through the creaminess and heat.

Indian Chickpea Curry, also known as Chana Masala, is a robust dish with a complex flavor profile. It is characterized by its hearty chickpeas, aromatic spices, and a rich, spicy tomato-based sauce. The heat from the spices, the earthiness of the chickpeas, and the tanginess of the tomatoes all need to be considered when selecting a wine pairing. The wine should be able to stand up to the bold flavors of the dish, while also complementing and balancing them.

Jackfruit Biryani is a rich, aromatic dish that is a vegetarian take on the traditional Indian Biryani. It is characterized by its robust flavors of spices, such as cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, combined with the unique, slightly sweet and fibrous texture of jackfruit. The dish is also often layered with fragrant basmati rice and garnished with fried onions and raisins, adding a touch of sweetness and crunch. The complexity of flavors and textures in this dish requires a wine that can complement its richness without overpowering it.

Keema, also known as Qeema or Kheema, is a traditional South Asian dish that is typically made with minced meat, peas, and a variety of aromatic spices. The dish is characterized by its rich, hearty flavors and a slight heat from the spices, which can include cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. The complexity and intensity of these flavors, along with the texture of the minced meat, require a wine that can stand up to the dish without overpowering it.

Keema Aloo is a flavorful Indian dish, typically made with minced meat, potatoes (aloo), and a blend of aromatic spices. The dish is rich, hearty, and often carries a moderate level of heat, depending on the amount of chili used. The complexity of flavors in Keema Aloo, from the earthy potatoes to the spicy and savory meat, requires a wine that can balance and complement these elements without overpowering them.

Keema Matar is a traditional Indian dish that is characterized by its rich, spicy flavors and hearty texture. It is a minced meat curry, often made with lamb or beef, and is cooked with peas (matar) and a blend of aromatic spices. The dish is known for its robust flavors, with a hint of sweetness from the peas, and a spicy kick from the chili and other spices. The complexity of the dish, with its balance of heat, sweetness, and savory elements, requires a wine that can complement these flavors without overpowering them.

Khaas Aloo is a rich and flavorful Indian dish, typically made with potatoes cooked in a blend of aromatic spices and a creamy tomato sauce. The dish is known for its balance of heat, sweetness, and tanginess, which can be a delightful challenge when it comes to wine pairing. The key considerations for pairing wine with Khaas Aloo include the dish's spice level, the creaminess of the sauce, and the earthy undertones of the potatoes.

Lamb Dal, also known as Dal Gosht, is a rich, hearty dish from the Indian subcontinent that combines tender lamb with lentils and a variety of aromatic spices. The robust flavors of the lamb, the earthy lentils, and the complex spice blend, which often includes cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili, create a dish that is both flavorful and deeply satisfying. When pairing wine with Lamb Dal, it's important to consider the intensity of the dish, the balance of flavors, and the heat from the spices.

Lamb Korma is a rich, aromatic dish from the Indian subcontinent, characterized by tender lamb cooked in a creamy, spiced sauce. The complexity of the dish, with its layers of spices, heat, and richness, demands a wine that can balance these elements without overpowering them. The wine should have enough acidity to cut through the creaminess of the sauce, and enough fruitiness to complement the spices without clashing with them.

Lamb Rogan Josh is a rich, aromatic dish hailing from the Kashmir region of India, known for its deep flavors of garlic, ginger, and a blend of warm spices like cloves, bay leaves, and cardamom. The lamb, often slow-cooked until tender, is enveloped in a robust, slightly spicy sauce, which can be quite complex due to the variety of spices used. The intensity of flavors and the richness of the dish require a wine that can stand up to it, yet not overpower it. The wine should ideally have a good structure, a touch of fruitiness, and a certain level of acidity to cut through the richness of the dish.

Masala Dosa, a popular South Indian dish, is a savory crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, filled with a spiced potato mixture. The dish is characterized by its complex flavors, with the tanginess of the fermented batter, the heat from the spices, and the earthiness of the potatoes. When pairing wine with Masala Dosa, it's important to consider wines that can balance these flavors without overpowering them. The wine should have enough acidity to cut through the richness of the dish, and should also have a flavor profile that can complement the spices used in the Masala Dosa.

Methi Chicken, also known as Fenugreek Chicken, is a popular Indian dish that is characterized by its rich, aromatic flavors and a slight bitterness from the fenugreek leaves. The dish is typically spicy, with a creamy texture from the yogurt-based sauce, and has a unique, slightly bitter undertone from the fenugreek. When pairing wine with Methi Chicken, it's important to consider wines that can balance the dish's strong flavors, complement its creaminess, and counteract its bitterness.

Onion Bhaji, a popular Indian snack, is a deep-fried fritter made from onions and a variety of spices, including turmeric, cumin, and coriander. The dish is known for its rich, savory flavors, and a slight heat from the spices, which can be a challenge when it comes to wine pairing. The ideal wine should be able to balance the spiciness, complement the savory elements, and cleanse the palate from the oily texture of the Bhaji.

Pakora, also known as Bhajiya in some regions, is a popular Indian snack that is deep-fried and made from a variety of vegetables coated in a chickpea flour batter. The dish is known for its crispy texture and rich, savory flavors, often accompanied by a hint of spice from ingredients like chili and cumin. The complexity of these flavors, combined with the dish's substantial texture, requires a wine that can balance the richness and spice without overwhelming the palate.

Palak Paneer, a popular Indian dish, is a rich and creamy spinach curry with soft cubes of paneer cheese. The dish is characterized by its vibrant green color, creamy texture, and a complex flavor profile that includes a balance of spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet notes. The heat from the spices, the creaminess of the paneer, and the earthiness of the spinach all need to be considered when selecting a wine to pair with this dish.

Paneer Kofta is a rich and creamy Indian dish, featuring deep-fried balls of paneer cheese and vegetables, served in a spiced tomato-based sauce. The dish's complexity comes from its blend of spices, the creaminess of the paneer, and the tanginess of the tomato sauce. The ideal wine pairing should balance these flavors, complementing the dish's richness without overpowering it.

Pilaf, also known as pilau or pulao in different regions, is a versatile dish that can be prepared with a variety of ingredients, but it typically features rice cooked in a seasoned broth, often with meat, vegetables, or dried fruits. The complexity of flavors in pilaf, which can range from savory and spicy to sweet and aromatic, requires a wine that can complement these diverse tastes without overpowering them. The wine should ideally have a good balance of acidity and fruitiness, and it should be versatile enough to match the specific ingredients used in the pilaf.

Roasted Root Madras is a hearty, spicy dish that features a variety of root vegetables cooked in a rich, aromatic Madras curry sauce. The robust flavors of the dish, including the earthiness of the root vegetables and the heat from the curry, require a wine that can stand up to its intensity without overpowering it. The wine should ideally have enough acidity to cut through the richness of the dish, and a touch of sweetness to balance the spiciness.

Saag Paneer is a traditional Indian dish that is characterized by its rich, creamy texture and complex flavors, including the earthiness of spinach (saag), the tanginess of paneer cheese, and the heat from various spices. The dish's robust flavor profile, combined with its creamy texture, requires a wine that can balance these elements without overpowering them.

Sabit Massor Dal, also known as whole red lentils, is a hearty Indian dish that is rich in flavors, with a combination of earthy lentils, aromatic spices, and a hint of heat from chili peppers. The dish's complexity requires a wine that can complement its robust flavors without overpowering them. The wine should have enough body to stand up to the lentils, a good level of acidity to cut through the richness, and a flavor profile that can harmonize with the spices.

Samosas, a popular Indian snack, are deep-fried or baked pastries filled with a savory mixture, often including spiced potatoes, peas, onions, and sometimes lentils or meat. The robust flavors, spiciness, and richness of the filling, combined with the crispiness of the pastry, require a wine that can balance these elements. The wine should have enough acidity to cut through the richness, a touch of sweetness to counteract the spice, and a refreshing quality to cleanse the palate.

Shrimp Biryani is a rich, aromatic dish that originates from the Indian subcontinent, known for its layers of fragrant basmati rice, succulent shrimp, and a medley of spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander. The complexity of this dish, with its combination of heat, sweetness, and umami, necessitates a wine that can complement these flavors without overpowering them. The wine should ideally have a good balance of acidity to cut through the richness of the dish, and a fruit-forward profile to harmonize with the spices.

Shrimp Curry, also known as Prawn Curry in some regions, is a dish that is rich in flavors, with a spicy, creamy, and slightly sweet profile. The heat from the spices, the sweetness from the shrimp, and the creaminess from the coconut milk or cream used in the dish, all contribute to its complex flavor. When pairing wine with Shrimp Curry, it's important to consider wines that can balance these flavors without overpowering them. The wine should be able to cut through the creaminess, complement the sweetness of the shrimp, and handle the spice.

Tandoori Chicken, a popular Indian dish, is known for its vibrant flavors, characterized by a smoky, spicy, and slightly tangy profile. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and a blend of spices, then cooked in a tandoor, a traditional clay oven, which imparts a unique smoky flavor. The heat from the spices, the tanginess from the yogurt, and the smokiness from the tandoor cooking process all contribute to the complexity of this dish, making it a challenge to find the perfect wine pairing.

Tarka Dal, also known as Dal Tadka, is a popular Indian dish made from lentils and a rich blend of spices, often served with rice or bread. The dish is characterized by its hearty, earthy flavors, with a hint of spice and a creamy texture. The complexity of the dish, with its balance of heat, spice, and earthiness, requires a wine that can complement these flavors without overpowering them.

Trout Rechad, a popular Goan dish, is characterized by its bold, spicy flavors, with a tangy undertone from the tamarind and vinegar used in the Rechad masala. The fish itself is delicate and sweet, providing a counterbalance to the heat of the spices. When pairing wine with this dish, it's important to consider wines that can stand up to the robust flavors without overwhelming the subtlety of the trout.

Vada Pav, a popular street food from Mumbai, India, is a spicy, deep-fried potato dumpling served in a bread bun with various chutneys. The dish is known for its bold flavors, including the heat from the green chili and the tanginess from the tamarind chutney. The richness of the fried potato and the softness of the bun also add to the complexity of the dish. When pairing wine with Vada Pav, it's important to consider wines that can balance the spiciness, complement the tanginess, and stand up to the richness of the dish.

Scotch Eggs, a classic British dish, are hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage meat, breaded, and deep-fried. The dish's rich, savory flavors and crispy texture require a wine that can balance its heaviness without overpowering it. The wine should have enough acidity to cut through the richness of the sausage and egg, and a certain level of fruitiness to complement the savory flavors.

Zarda, also known as Meethe Chawal, is a traditional South Asian dessert made from sweetened rice, often flavored with cardamom, saffron, and garnished with dried fruits and nuts. The dish is characterized by its rich sweetness, aromatic spices, and the textural contrast between the soft rice and crunchy nuts. When pairing wine with Zarda, it's important to consider wines that can balance the dish's sweetness, complement its aromatic profile, and not be overwhelmed by its robust flavors.