From fragrant Thai curries and zingy Vietnamese salads to sushi rolls and spicy noodle dishes, Asian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavours that calls for equally expressive wines. Whether you're tucking into a tangy Pad Thai, a fiery Szechuan stir-fry, or a delicate Japanese sushi platter, finding the right wine to match is key. 

Asian food – particularly the most popular dishes in the UK such as Thai green curry, sweet and sour chicken, Chinese crispy duck, Korean BBQ, and Malaysian laksa – brings together a complex blend of flavours: sweet, salty, sour, spicy and umami, often all in one bite. This flavour intensity means traditional wine pairings don’t always apply. Instead, the best wines to pair with Asian dishes are those with freshness, balance, and a touch of flair.

Aromatic white wines like Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris work beautifully with the spice and sweetness of many Southeast Asian dishes. Off-dry styles, in particular, are great for handling heat. Low-tannin red wines, such as Gamay or Pinot Noir, are excellent with dishes like Peking duck or Chinese barbecue pork, where umami richness and a little sweetness are key. Their soft texture and red fruit profile provide contrast without overwhelming the dish.