Certain cuisines instantly come to mind when pairing food and beverages. Burgers and beers, wine and pasta, or even barbecue and bourbon are all common pairings. With Chinese New Year celebrations, these flavorful food and beverage pairings open the door to delicious combinations that can be enjoyed long after the celebratory season.
2025 is the Year of the Snake. Traditionally, the snake in the Chinese zodiac is said to represent wisdom, charm, elegance, and transformation. While there can be a moment to reflect this year, the start of the new calendar is often filled with special foods and celebrations.
Every year, Chinese New Year celebrations often include a feast. Tradition food options include dumpling, steamed fish, noodles and rice cakes. Often these foods are associated with food fortunate for the year ahead.
Recently, Daniel Ufland, founder of The Whisky Masters, shared his thoughts on pairing select Chinese dishes with various spirits. From beers to liquor, these suggestions are not just limited to the seasonal celebration. They can apply all year long.
Ufland shared, “Pairing fun alcoholic drinks with Chinese cuisine is about experimentation and enjoying the process. There are no hard rules, only opportunities to explore new flavor combinations. With the right pairings, every bite and sip become a celebration in themselves.
Here are some Chinese New Year food and beverage pairings.
Longevity Noodles
The long noodles are said to represent a long, meaningful life. While the sauce can vary, the dish is about celebrating the noodle. Ufland recommends a lager to keep the pairing light, crisp. If a cocktail is preferred, he said that a gin and tonic would compliment the brightness in the dish.
Dim Sum or dumplings
With dim sum, the variety of dumplings and other buns needs a versatile beverage. Sparkling wine is recommended to help bridge the gap between all the flavors. From being a palate cleanser to boosting the various flavors, this pairing helps to compliment all the food on the table.
Kung Pao Chicken
The classic dish combines sweet, savory, and even a touch spicy. A hoppy IPA contrasts all those notes. Even though an acidic option might be more common, this idea is more creative.
These options are just a few of the many food and beverage pairings for the Chinese New Year. Why not open some bottles and see which combination has the greatest appeal.