Rasoi Restaurant

Quick Guide to Pairing Beer with Indian Cuisine

Wine has always been the traditional spirit to pair with food, but beer and food pairings are becoming increasingly popular. Beers also offer complex flavors and aromas, especially with the rise of small craft and microbreweries across the United States. Continue reading to explore some great beer and Indian food pairings.

• Brown Ale is one of the oldest types of beer still around, yet its popularity today is mostly of recent vintage. Brown ale is vaguely sweet, nutty, and only slightly bitter. The malt flavor is more prominent though brown ale is known to be smooth and balanced. Brown ale makes a great pairing with Indian curries because it contrasts the heat of curry flavors but also complements the sweetness.
• India Pale Ale is probably the most obvious and historically complementary pairing. The key ingredient for India Pale Ales is the hops. In America, IPAs are known for their high hop concentration as well as fruity, fragrant aromas; in Europe, IPAs are often earthier and herbal tasting. Both types of IPA are typically very dry, which make this beer the perfect pairing with spicy Indian foods like Vindaloo and Tikka Masala.
• Wheat Beers make for an unexpected and interesting pairing as well. Wheat beers are made from two-thirds wheat malt and one-third barley malt. They are a bit denser than their pale appearance would have you believe and are often used as a base for fruit and other spices. Tandoori chicken or lamb makes a great pairing with wheat beers. The smoky grilled meats play wonderfully off the beer’s spicy yet fruity taste.

Rasoi Restaurant of Pawtucket, Rhode Island features a full-service bar in addition to our regional Indian Cuisine. Make reservations today to sample delicious traditional beer and Indian food pairings. Call (401) 305-2057 for menu or catering information.

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