Hawker Haven: Pairing Fine Wine with Singapore’s Street Food Classics - Part 2
- Mimi Giraud
- Jun 19, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 30, 2024
Singapore’s hawker centers are a culinary paradise, offering a tantalizing array of flavors that reflect the city's rich cultural tapestry. From savory satay to spicy laksa, these iconic dishes are beloved by locals and tourists alike. While BYOB bottle and glassware certainly leads to some raised eyebrows, the perfect wine pairing can elevate your hawker food experience with the magic of pairing. Further to the success of our first selection of pairings, we'll explore how more pairings that enhance the bold flavors of your favorite hawker dishes, turning a casual meal into a gourmet experience.
Hokkien Mee & Chardonnay
Why: The creamy, buttery texture of Chardonnay pairs well with the rich, seafood-infused noodles of Hokkien Mee. The wine's citrus and tropical fruit notes complement the prawns and squid, while its acidity balances the dish's savory flavors.
Recommended pairing:
Otak-Otak (Grilled Fish Cake) & Albariño Why: Albariño's high acidity and minerality provide a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy, creamy nature of otak-otak. Its citrus and floral notes enhance the fish cake’s flavors, making each bite more delightful.
Recommended pairing:
Oyster Omelette (Orh Luak) & Sparkling Wine Why: The rich, briny flavors of oyster omelette pair excellently with a crisp sparkling wine. The bubbles and acidity in the wine cut through the dish's greasiness, enhancing the seafood flavors while keeping the palate refreshed.
Recommended pairing:
Kaya Toast & Purus Blanc de Blancs Why: The light bubbles and slight sweetness of Purus Blanc de Blancs can enhance the delicate flavors of kaya toast, making it a refreshing pairing. The wine's light effervescence and no alcohol content make it a perfect match for this beloved Singaporean breakfast treat. Whilst we don't recommend one drinks all day long, some occasions require a little "je ne sais quoi" to celebrate milestones and achievements.
Recommended pairing:
Popiah & Rosé
Why: The fresh, light flavors of Popiah, a spring roll filled with vegetables, tofu, and shrimp, pair beautifully with a dry rosé. The wine's red fruit and floral notes complement the delicate, savory flavors of the dish, making for a refreshing combination.
Ah Long Pancake Popiah
Recommended pairing:
While these pairing suggestions are crafted to enhance your culinary journey, the true magic lies in personal experimentation. Everyone's palate is unique, and the best way to discover the perfect wine pairing for your favorite hawker food is to try it out yourself. So, don't hesitate to mix and match until you find the combination that excites your taste buds the most. I would love to hear your thoughts and recommendations on perfect pairings and the best hawker spots to queue at. Don't hesitate to comment below with questions or suggestions!
Mimi Giraud - A Wine Adventure founder
After completing an Executive MBA at INSEAD & passing her WSET level 3 (wine certification for professionals) with flying colors, Mimi's strongest motivation is to develop wine appreciation through games & share the amazing potential, complexity & beauty of the world of wines.
Her gamification concept for masterclasses brings a refreshing and fun way to learn about wine tasting.
If you are interested in finding out more about wine pairing, join Mimi for a masterclass.
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