Welcome to the appetising world of tandoori mixed grill. The dish can surely make your mouth water with its fiery and bold flavours.
Tandoori grill is mainly made with chicken and marinated with spices and yoghurt. Though it's known as a spicy dish, the level of spiciness can be adjusted according to your preference.
But what drink can you pair with this dish? Most people get confused about it while ordering in a restaurant.
Don't worry! We've got you covered.
This article will introduce you to some flavourful beverages that will elevate your tandoori grill experience and leave you craving more.
Drinks to Pair with Tandoori Mixed Grill
Whether you're a beer lover, wine enthusiast, or prefer a non-alcoholic drink, there's something for you. You will find at least one drink, if not more, from the following that you can pair with your tandoori mixed grill.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Here is a list of non-alcoholic drinks you can pair with your favourite Tandoori platter.
Mango Lassi
This yoghurt-based drink pairs exceptionally well with the tandoori mixed grill. The mango lassi is made with mango mixed with yoghurt, milk, sugar, and a pinch of cardamom.
This beverage has a creamy texture and sweet, tropical flavours that soothe your palate and complement the spiciness of the tandoori grill. Whether you're dining alone or with family in a restaurant, this choice of drink will surely enhance your overall dining experience.
Spiced Chai Tea
Nothing is more comforting than a cup of warm, spiced chai tea. This flavourful and aromatic tea is made with spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, and black pepper.
The comforting and warm notes of spiced chai tea nicely complement any tandoori dish's bold and fiery flavour. The spices will add depth and complexity to each sip, letting you enjoy your tandoori grill to its fullest.
Alcoholic Drinks
The following list will help you enjoy your tandoori grill dish to the fullest when considering alcohol-based drinks.
Red Wines
Syrah/Shiraz: This full-bodied, bold red wine pairs well with Indian mixed grill platters. Syrah/Shiraz has dark fruit flavours like plum or blackberry, with peppery notes. Its intense and rich characteristics complement the smoky flavours of mixed grill, creating a harmonious combination.
Zinfandel: This versatile red wine can be a delightful option to pair with tandoori chicken. It has rich blackberry, raspberry, and cherry flavours, with a hint of pepper and spices. The bold and fruity characteristics of Zinfandel complement the spiciness of this popular Indian dish, while its acidity helps to cleanse the palate.
White Wines
Riesling: This popular white wine comes with the flavours of citrus, green apple, and stone fruit, with floral and honeyed notes. Its vibrant acidity and sweetness level will let you enjoy the bold flavours and spices of mixed grill.
Gewürztraminer: Gewürztraminer is famous for its aromatic and exotic characteristics and can be an intriguing option to pair with a tandoori grill platter. Its aromatic flavour is quite intense and complements the spiciness of any tandoori mixed grill.
Beer
Beers with strong flavours and higher alcohol content can be a great option. This refreshing drink can help balance the heat from the spices, letting you enjoy the dishes.
You can go for any beer of your choice. Also, some popular Indian decisions, such as wheat beer or Indian Pale Ale (IPA) complement the grill dishes.
Whiskey
It's a classic choice to enjoy with any Tandoori dish. Whether it's the sweetness of Bourbon or the earthy flavours of peated whiskies, the rich and full-bodied profile can easily stand up against the spiciness of grilled chicken.
It would help if you always remembered to sip and savour the whiskey alongside every bite of the tandoori grill to appreciate both flavours fully.
Rum
Another delightful choice to pair with tandoori grills. The caramel and molasses flavour in rum can create a harmonious balance with the spicy and smoky flavours of the dish.
We recommend you go for a dark or aged rum. It's because their rich and complex flavour profile can stand up to the boldness of any Indian spicy dish.
Whether you're sipping neat or having it as a base of any cocktail, rum will surely bring a tropical flair to your tandoori grill paring experience.
Spicy Margarita
If you're a cocktail lover, margarita can be your go-to drink since it complements the bold and flavourful profile of the tandoori dish. Its tangy and refreshing notes combined with the smoky and spicy flavours of grilled chicken can create a delightful contrast on your palate.
Bloody Mary
The iconic bloody mary comes with a bold and savoury flavour and is a perfect match for the spicy tandoori mixed grill.
This famous drink is made with vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This tangy, savoury, and slightly spicy drink will give you a refreshing feeling while enjoying a spicy Indian dish.
Ending Notes
Understanding the art of paring the right beverage with a mixed grill is crucial for enhancing the overall dining experience. Whether you're considering alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, the right pairing will allow you to enjoy your favourite spicy dish.
The abovementioned drinks can complement the famous grill platter in their unique way. So next time you're trying your favourite tandoori mixed grill dish in a restaurant, don't be shy about trying a drink or two.
