16 October is marked by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as World Food Day. This day is celebrated to promote awareness about food security, nutrition, and sustainable food systems as global food security becomes a glaring global issue with each passing year. As we globally reflect on food systems this World Food Day, it’s a fun (and flavorful) opportunity to explore how drinks – both non-alcoholic and alcoholic – can enhance global cuisine. Time to hop on for a world tour ft. best drink pairings with global cuisines!
World Food Day 2025: Pairing Drinks With Food Around The World
Basic Principles Of Food & Drink Pairing
- Balance the intensity: The key to hitting the right food & drink pairing is to balance the intensity of the flavors of both the food and the drink. Pair bolder drinks (e.g. whisky) with more flavorful, spice-rich dishes and pair lighter, subtle drinks (e.g. champagne) with lighter, sweeter, or delicate dishes.
- Consider temperature and textures: Often, hot foods pair well with cooler, refreshing beverages and vice-versa. Similarly, creamy or fatty dishes go well with crisp, effervescent beverages
- Pay attention to regional drinks: Many regional and global cuisines already have their own non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages that they pair with their foods. Tea with Chinese cuisine, certain types of wine with Italian cuisine, and mezcal with Mexican dishes are a few examples of the same.
- Keep non-alcoholic options open: A food item doesn’t necessarily have to be paired with an alcoholic beverage. Plus, not everyone drinks alcohol. So, keep non-alcoholic options open when pairing food and drinks – and trust us, there are plenty! Take herbal teas, kombucha, infused waters, fermented drinks, etc as examples.
Pairing Drinks With Global Cuisines: Notes, Pairing, And Why It Works
1. Mediterranean
- Cuisine notes: Olive oil, tomato, garlic, fresh herbs, cheeses
- Drink pairing: Crisp Italian white wine (Pinot Grigio, Vermentino) or a Prosecco
- Why it works: The acidity in these wines cuts through the cheeses and tomato, whereas the bubbles in the wines refresh the palate. You can also pair a Negroni or an aperitif with richer, creamier dishes like pasta bowls.
- Non-alcoholic options: Lemon & basil mocktail, sparkling water with citrus & basil
2. Mexican & Latin American
- Cuisine notes: Corn, beans, avocado, chili, citrus
- Drink pairing: Margarita, Mezcal drinks, Michelada, Bloody Mary, light lager
- Why it works: Richer and spicier, the Mexican and Latin American cuisines are perfectly balanced by the citrus, smoke, and salt in most of these drinks. Plus, beer helps cool the spicy heat present in many Mexican and Latin American dishes.
- Non-alcoholic options: Lime soda, berry coolers, Agua Fresca (non-alcoholic beverage made of fruits, cereals, flowers, and seeds)
3. Indian & South Asian
- Cuisine notes: Fragrant spices, garam masala, coconut, yogurt, milk, potato, onion
- Drink pairing: Wines like Off-dry Riesling and Gewürztraminer, Gin & Tonic
- Why it works: Slightly sweeter wines like those mentioned above can pair well with the spice-rich and flavorful South Asian cuisine. Plus, Gin & Tonic (invented in India), is a great palate cleanser thanks to its bitterness and effervescence.
- Non-alcoholic options: Chhaas (buttermilk), Lassi, Masala Chai, Solkadi (spiced kokum-based buttermilk beverage)
4. Southeast Asian (Thai, Filipino, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese)
- Cuisine notes: Coconut, herbs, seafood, sweet soy sauce, fruits
- Drink pairing: Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gin Gimlet, Gin & Tonic, Beer
- Why it works: Highly acidic wines like those mentioned above cut through the richness in most Southeast Asian delicacies. On the other hand, herbal cocktails such as a Gimlet and chilled beer perfectly complement fresh herbs and coconuts used prominently in this cuisine.
- Non-alcoholic options: Fresh coconut water, sugarcane juice, fresh fruit juice, and iced tea
5. Japanese And East Asian
- Cuisine notes: Umami, soy, seaweed, seafood, subtle seasonings
- Drink pairing: Sake, soju, or dry Riesling
- Why it works: Sake and soju have softer acidity and umami which complement the subtle flavors without overpowering their flavor. Riesling is also a great option, packing freshness that balances out salty and soy notes.
- Non-alcoholic options: Fresh coconut water, sugarcane juice, fresh fruit juice, and iced tea
6. Middle Eastern & North African
- Cuisine notes: Dates, dried fruits, lemon, tahini, lamb
- Drink pairing: Syrah blend, Rosé, Arak (Anise spirit)
- Why it works: Red blends like Syrah or even Grenache have fruity, spicy notes, blending well with bold flavors. Arak and Rosé complement these flavors well.
- Non-alcoholic options: Rosewater mocktails, mint lemonade
7. French & Classic European
- Cuisine notes: Butter, bread, cheeses, fruits, delicate sauces, fragrant herbs
- Drink pairing: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Champagne or Champagne cocktails
- Why it works: Chardonnay is a great wine to balance buttery, fatty sauces while Pinot Noir works well with lighter meats. Champagne, however, is quite versatile and pairs well with almost anything rich.
- Non-alcoholic options: Elderflower tonic, fruit-based mocktails, apple cider
Tips For An Inclusive, Enjoyable, And Sustainable Menu
Did you take a note of the amazing food and drink pairings of different global cuisines? If you're inviting friends and family this World Food Day and taking them on a mini world tour with different cuisines and drinks, make sure you keep the menu inclusive and sustainable. And if you’re not sure how, here are a few tips by unsobered:
1. Non-alcoholic choices for the win: Not everyone’s idea of celebration includes a glass of alcohol. So, keep drinks like mocktails, coolers, infused waters, or teas in the menu.
2. Use local and seasonal ingredients: Local ingredients, fruits, herbs, and spices can instantly elevate your menu. Plus, it will help you make your menu more authentic and rooted.
3. Use small pours and servings: Food wastage is definitely not cool at all. So when you’re serving guests, make sure to use small pours and servings. Guests can always go for another pour or serving, ensuring that food wastage is minimized.
4. Go for zero waste garnishes: Garnishes certainly add a visual appeal or sometimes even enhance the flavor of a drink or dish. Go for garnishes that are edible, such as edible peels, herbs, seeds, fruit slices, or at least garnishes that can be easily composted.
5. Take note of sugar and calories: Use sugar-free sweeteners, low-calorie sweeteners, and keep a track of calorie intakes, especially if you or your friends prefer a balanced, health-conscious diet.
Summing Up
This World Food Day 2025, it’s time to unleash global flavors and pair them well with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. After all, there’s no better way to celebrate this day than acknowledge, honor, and celebrate diverse global cuisines. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner, community event, or simply experimenting solo, make sure to balance food and drink pairings that align with health-conscious and sustainable options. Happy World Food Day!
