All throughout history, Asia has always represented a large, sprawling continent, rich in traditions old and new and thoroughly impossible to reduce to a single country or population. Traditionally spanning from the Turkish peninsula to the island coasts of Japan and from the frozen Siberian steppes to the tropical islands of Indonesia, the continent of Asia is by far the largest on our planet and currently the most populated. 60% of the world population resides in Asia, single-handedly hosting more people than all other continents combined.
Such a vast variety of environments, climates and cultures led to the impressive culinary diversity we can witness and taste nowadays. Some flavours, spices or dishes may certainly be recurring in asian food, but rest assured that no two dishes will be the same. Today we will embark on a humble but daring "Journey to the East", in the words of Hermann Hesse, renowned German author who was particularly enthralled by the countless mysteries of this beautiful continent. Come along on an exciting discovery of some of the best asian food and wine pairings, asian recipes and the myriad of ways to pair the best wine with asian food.
Asia is not just a continent, but a well defined yet mysterious place, situated somewhere between India and China.
Hermann Hesse, Proverbs.
Asian Noodles - Cornerstone of Asian Food
Almost no ingredients is as present and ubiquitous in the Eastern continent as asian noodle. This simple yet adaptable asian food component constitutes the base of a great number of recipes from many countries. Due to this variety, we will focus today on the Chinese variants of this ingredient, in one of its most renowned iterations, Chow Mein.
Chow Mein is essentially stir-fried noodle which are enriched with meat, vegetables and sometimes Tofu. This asian food is present not just in China but in many other countries thanks to the Chinese Diaspora, which brought along the recipe to India, the UK, the US and more. Chǎomiàn, literally meaning stir-fried noodles, is traditionally originary to Northern China, but from its ancient birthplace it trickled over the years to several neighbouring regions, gradually changing in form and preparation.
While Chow Mein is the most popular form of asian noodles and a staple in Chinese cuisine, noodles are prepared and consumed typically in other Asian countries as well, one such example is Yakisoba from Japan. Chow Mein and Yakisoba might be both stir-fried noodle at its core, but don't be confused! They embody the very different essence of two proud and ancient countries such as China and Japan.
Asian Noodles Trivia
Noodles are one of the oldest Asian food ever consumed, and their presence is recorded already in 2000 B.C. China. Around 4000 years later, during the 20th century, Japan invented Instant Ramen. A bowl of Asian Noodles has even been to space in 2005, thanks to astronaur Soichi Noguchi. Talk about a millenary history!
Asian Noodles - Asian Food Wine Pairing
Pairing wines with Asian food consists of a delicate balance of flavours. Some wines may come out of this combination victorious, with their flavours enhanced and strenghtened, while others would result in a losing battle, leading to a flat or bitter taste. In the case of noodles, owing to the infinite variety of Asian dishes they can be used for, it would be useful to recommend a generic pairing which would work for most Asian recipes including this essential Asian food. Two very renowned and appreciated wines, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris, are best suited to combine with Asian noodles.
Pinot Gris of Venice DOC could for this reason be a great example of a suitable winer for asian noodles such as Chow Mein or Yakisoba.
Pad Thai - Heart of Thai Cuisine
Pad Thai may have an appearance and preparation affinity with some of the Asian food mentioned up until now, however it represent such a core aspect of the world popular Thai cuisine that it deserved a spot on its known. Some of the main difference Pad Thai enjoys compared to other Asian food including noodles are:
- Noodles utilized for Pad Thai are traditionally rice noodles, differently from Chow Mein or Yakisoba where the main ingredient is Wheat.
- The flavour play on sweet and sour components is much more enhanced in Pad Thai, whereas the role of soy sauce and saltiness tends to lose to more sour and umami combinations.
- Eggs are a main aspect of Pad Thai, more so than Chow Mein. And this Thai food includes peanuts, which are absent from other Asian noodle dishes.
These differing characteristics, however, are not to be considered set in stone. As mentioned, Asian food and Asian cuisine is vast and varied and enjoy an uncountable amount of variations and regionalities on popular dishes such as Asian noodle recipes.
It is furthermore important to underline how Pad Thai directly benefit from Chinese influences on the Thai inland, bringing stir-frying techniques and many ingredients not originally available in the region. That is to say, Pad Thai certainly owes a great debt to Chinese cuisine in the landscape of Asian food.
Patriot Pad Thai
Shortly after World War II, the country of Thailand versed in grave economic hardship and rice shortage. A staunch propaganda in favour of noodles, which were cheaper and required less rice to produce, was initiated by the government. "Noodle is your launch" was the slogan, and consuming Pad Thai became a patriotic act of support to the country. This historical necessity is partly behind the immense popularity of this Thai food nowadays.
Pad Thai - Asian Food and Wine Pairing
From Pinot Gris, our selected suggestions for the delicious fullnes of Asian noodles such as Chow Mein, to Gamay, the new candidate of choice for Pad Thai today. As mentioned, Pad Thai plays on uncommon combinations such as the sweet and sour duo, naturally hard to associate with wines of any kind, due to the stark contrast of taste experiences this pair provides. Gamay, however, thanks to the fruity forwardness of its flavour and the medium to moderate acidity, finds a good halfway between lighter or stronger bottles, which would either disappear or overpowers the traditional notes of this Asian recipe. Pour yourself a glass of Beaujolais Red Villages and enjoy the harmonic combinations of this great Asian food and wine pairing.
Wine Tasting and Tour at PB Valley Khao Yai Winery
📍Pak Chong, Thailand
Get lost in the exotic fruit orchards including fruit trees such as dragon fruit, passion fruit and others. At Pb Valley Khao Yai Winery you will be able to experience their unique range of 3 wines: “PB Khao Yai Reserve Shiraz” “Sawasdee Shiraz” and “Sauvignon Blanc”
Pho - Hearty Vietnam Soup
Pho, pronounced "fuh", more than just a dish, is a symbol of Vietnamese culture and a culinary masterpiece that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people worldwide. Pho is an asian food hailing from Vietnam. The French colonial era is the responsible period for the consolidation of this asian recipe into a staple among asian food recipes all over the world. Pho draws inspiration from the slow beef bones cooking broth, resulting into a tasting and hearty soup that can be adapted through countless toppings and additional ingredients.
The aromatic broth is the absolute cornerstone of this asian recipe and is produced from many hours of beef bones simmering over slow fire. But Pho Vietnam doesn't stop there. This Asian food recipe offers a symphony of flavors through a plethora of toppings and accompaniments. Diners are invited to personalize their bowls with a plate of fresh herbs, including Thai basil, bean sprouts, and cilantro, which lend a burst of freshness to the dish. Lime wedges add a tangy twist, enhancing the overall harmony of flavors.
Like many other asian food recipes, Pho is not immune to regional variants and differences. In Northern Vietnam, for example, Pho is served with sliced rare beef, while the southern regions boast a sweeter and more robust broth with various beef cuts and meatballs.
Pho - Asian Food and Wine Pairing
Pinot Blanc - Klaus and Maj Britt Vorgrimmler is our selection for the perfect Asian food and wine pairing with Pho. This playful Pinot Blanc is light bodied and easy on the tongue. Pho is a rich and hearty soup, which can be very salty and filling on the flavour side. This strong combination of spices and exotic ingredients require a fresh and light bodied wine, which can roll well on the tongue and positively combine together. Vorgrimmler Winery takes wine-making very seriously and turns their long standing passion into their premium line of wines. Don't underestimate this surprising and special wine and food wedding, it could very well shine a new light on this iconic Vietnamese and Asian food recipe.
Wine Tasting and Tour at Ladora Winery
📍Lam Dong Province, Vietnam
The breathtaking Dalat Highland region of the country of Vietnam is the natural background to this innovative winery. Ladora is currently the most popular and renowned winery in Vietnam. You will be able to enjoy their premium line of Wines produced under the brand of Chateau Dalat.
Asian Food Recipes - Honourable Mentions
A few honourable mentions will now be included, these are extensively popular and appreciated Asian food recipes from all over the world, which captured the heart and palates of Asian food lovers everywhere and became staples in many ethnic cuisines.
The first spot will once again belong to Yaki Udon, a truly beloved Japanese stir-fried noodle dish that combines chewy udon noodles, vegetables and savory sauces in a great symphony of taste.
The comforting warmth of Miso Soup embraces you with its fermented soybean paste broth, delicately enhanced by tofu, seaweed, and scallions, creating a nurturing experience in every spoonful. Miso soup is especially delicious in between dishes or right at the beginning and end of a good asian food meal, as a comfort side soup.
What Asian food and asian recipes list would be complete without the crispy goodness of Spring Rolls, an appetizer beloved throughout the continent of Asian but everywhere in the world as well. Wrapped in rice paper, these rolls contain a filling of fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and oftentimes succulent meats or shrimp, guaranteeing an unforgettable blend of textures and flavors.
Don't miss the chance to savor the tangy punch of Kimchi, a Korean culinary gem, often unknown and underappreciated, which manages to elevate fermented vegetables into a captivating side dish. Kimchi is zesty, spicy, and owns a very crunchy profile which adds a punch of flavor to any meal and showcases the art of pickling and preserving Asian food in Asian cuisine.
Finally, the undeniable fame of Sushi attracts Asian food lovers everywhere, with its wisely crafted rice, fresh raw or cooked fish, and vibrant side dishes and ingredients. Sushi can be a masterpiece of Japanese culinary finesse and a spectacular Asian food. Each sushi roll represents a crafted work of art and a delicate balance of tastes and textures that entices both the eyes and the palate.
