Chicken Shawarma Wine Pairing
Choosing the perfect wine to pair with chicken shawarma can elevate your dining experience to a whole new level. As wine enthusiasts, Ada & I have experimented with various wines to find the best match for this spicy and creamy dish.
One of the key factors to consider when pairing wine with chicken shawarma is the spices used in the marinade. Cumin, paprika, coriander, and turmeric are just a few of the spices that give this dish its unique flavor profile. Wines with higher acidity, such as crisp whites can help cut through the richness of the spices and complement the creaminess of the garlic sauce. On the other hand, red wine can also work well, especially if the dish includes grilled beef or lamb.
Best White Wines to pair with Chicken Shawarma
My research reveals several white wines that would pair well with chicken shawarma. Here are a few suggestions:
- Sauvignon Blanc – This light and crisp wine has a refreshing acidity that complements the bold flavors of chicken shawarma. One we have really enjoyed is Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc.
- Chardonnay – A full-bodied Chardonnay with a buttery finish can balance the spices in chicken shawarma. Give Canyon Road Chardonnay a try.
- Pinot Grigio – This light and refreshing wine has a citrusy flavor that can complement the tangy yogurt sauce often served with chicken shawarma.
- Riesling – A slightly sweet Riesling can balance the heat in chicken shawarma and provide a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors.
- Chenin Blanc – This versatile white wine has a range of flavors, from dry to sweet, and can pair well with the spices and herbs in chicken shawarma.
Best Red Wines to Pair with Chicken Shawarma
While white wines are typically the go-to pairing for chicken shawarma, I found a few red wines that can also work well with this dish. Here are a few suggestions:
- Pinot Noir – This light-bodied red wine has a delicate flavor that can complement the spices in chicken shawarma without overpowering them. Try Bread & Butter Pinot Noir here.
- Grenache – A medium-bodied Grenache with a fruity flavor can balance the bold flavors of chicken shawarma and provide a refreshing contrast.
- Zinfandel – A full-bodied Zinfandel with a spicy flavor can complement the bold flavors of chicken shawarma and provide a rich, satisfying pairing. We can personally recommend Seven Deadly Zins Old Vine Zinfandel
- Syrah – This full-bodied red wine has a smoky flavor that can complement the charred flavors of grilled chicken shawarma.
- Beaujolais – This light-bodied red wine has a fruity flavor that can complement the tangy yogurt sauce often served with chicken shawarma.
Other Middle Eastern Dishes to Pair with Wine
With regards to Middle Eastern cuisine, there are plenty of other dishes that can be paired with wine besides chicken shawarma. I have tried and tested various combinations and have come up with some recommendations that are sure to impress your taste buds.
Hummus— Hummus is a creamy dip made of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and pairs well with white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc. The acidity of these wines cuts through the richness of the hummus, making for a well-balanced pairing.
Falafel— Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made of ground chickpeas or fava beans formed into balls or patties and fried until crispy. This dish pairs well with light-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais. The acidity and fruitiness of these wines complement the earthy flavors of the falafel.
Baba Ganoush— Baba Ganoush is a dip made of roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. This dish pairs well with full-bodied red wines like Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon. The smokiness of the roasted eggplant complements the bold flavors of these wines.
Tabbouleh— Tabbouleh is a salad made of parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat. This dish pairs well with light-bodied white wines like Pinot Grigio or Albariño. The crispness of these wines complements the fresh flavors of the salad.
Shawarma Salad— Shawarma Salad is a salad made of chicken shawarma, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers. This dish pairs well with rosé wines like Grenache or Zinfandel. The fruitiness of these wines complements the spices in the shawarma.
Chickpea Salad— Chickpea Salad is a salad made of chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers. This dish pairs well with light-bodied red wines like Gamay or Pinot Noir. The acidity of these wines complements the tangy flavors of the salad.
Lamb Koftas— Lamb Koftas are spiced meatballs made of ground lamb and spices like cumin, coriander, and mint. This dish pairs well with medium-bodied red wines like Merlot or Tempranillo. The tannins in these wines complement the richness of the lamb.
Greek Tzatziki— Greek Tzatziki is a dip made of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill. This dish pairs well with light-bodied white wines like Vermentino or Grüner Veltliner. The acidity of these wines complements the tanginess of the yogurt.
Mezze— Mezze is a selection of small dishes served as appetizers or snacks. It includes dishes like stuffed grape leaves, fried kibbeh, and muhammara. This dish pairs well with medium-bodied red wines like Chianti or Sangiovese. The acidity and tannins in these wines complement the variety of flavors in the mezze.
I hope you have enjoyed this article on Chicken Shawarma wine pairing. By following these recommendations, you can elevate your dining experience and impress your guests with your wine knowledge.