Bold Bites & Fine Wines: Exploring the Best Punjabi Food Pairings

Punjabi cuisine is rich, spicy, and full of character, making it surprisingly compatible with carefully selected wines. Whether it's creamy gravies or smoky tandoori dishes, pairing Punjabi food with wine can elevate the experience into something extraordinary.

The Harmony of Punjabi Food and Wine

Pairing wine with Punjabi cuisine is about balancing boldness. Creamy dishes like butter chicken go well with smooth whites, while spicy grilled meats love a good red. The richness of ghee, yoghurt, and spices finds a perfect counterbalance in crisp or fruity wines.

Best Pairings to Try:

Butter Chicken + Chardonnay – Creamy and buttery, this combo melts together beautifully
Tandoori Chicken + Pinot Noir – Smoky and spicy flavours softened by a light red
Chole Bhature + Rosé – Tangy chickpeas and fried bread meet a refreshing pink wine
Paneer Tikka + Sauvignon Blanc – Grilled flavours with citrus notes from the wine
Rogan Josh + Shiraz – Bold lamb curry matched by a full-bodied red

Queens Restaurant: A Refined Take on Punjabi & Wine

Queens Restaurant doesn’t just serve great Punjabi food, it curates an experience. Their menu now includes handpicked wine suggestions with signature dishes, making it one of the few places where traditional Indian cuisine meets refined dining.

Signature Pairings at Queens:

Dal Makhani + Merlot – Earthy lentils meet smooth, fruit-forward wine
Amritsari Fish + Riesling – Crispy fish with tangy sauce finds balance in a semi-sweet white
Garlic Naan + Zinfandel – Rich Indian bread with a medium-bodied red

Tips for Pairing Wine with Indian Food

Go for wines with low tannins and moderate alcohol
Off-dry whites and fruity reds work best with spice
Avoid heavily oaked wines, which clash with Indian spices
Sparkling wines add fun contrast to heavy, rich dishes

Final Sip: Wine and Punjabi Cuisine are a Perfect Match

The idea of pairing wine with Indian food is catching on, and Punjabi cuisine is leading the charge. With its complex spice profiles and diverse textures, it's a perfect partner for the right glass of wine. Restaurants like Queens are showing just how magical this fusion can be.