Combining wine with the complex and exhilarating flavours of Indian cuisine can appear both challenging and exciting. As one of London's oldest Indian restaurants, Tower Tandoori takes pride in curating a wine selection that harmoniously complements our authentic Indian dishes, ensuring an unparalleled and sensational dining experience. With our vast knowledge and expertise in understanding the nuances of Indian flavours and the characteristics of wine allow us to guide you through the captivating realm of expertly matched wine pairings that elevate your Indian gastronomic journey to new heights.

Indian cuisine, with its myriad regional influences and diverse array of flavours, offers countless possibilities for wine pairings. Whether indulging in the rich and creamy curries of North India or the tangy and vibrant specialities of the South, our range of carefully selected wines has been meticulously curated to embrace the intricate layers of flavours, textures, and spices that define our culinary identity. Drawing on our vast experience and innovative spirit, we have crafted extraordinary wine pairings that enhance your Indian dining experience while fostering a deeper appreciation for the timeless beauty and complexity of our dishes.

At Tower Tandoori, we invite you to delve into the magical interplay between fine wine and Indian cuisine as you explore our thoughtfully prepared recommendations, which promise to both delight and intrigue. Join us in celebrating the art of wine and Indian dining as we elevate each and every dish with the perfect accompaniment, revealing the stunning potential for harmony, contrast, and sensory wonder that awaits within our carefully crafted wine list.

1. Understanding the Essentials: The Art of Pairing Wine with Indian Cuisine

To fully immerse your senses in the magic of Indian flavours and wine, it is vital to understand a few key principles that govern successful pairings:

• Balance of Tastes: A well-matched wine pairing should enhance the flavour profile of the dish, striking a balance between acidity, sweetness, saltiness, and spice.
• Texture and Aroma: The texture of the wine should complement the dish's consistency and intensity, while the aroma should harmonise with the dish's fragrance.
• Grape Varieties: Choosing wines made from various grape varieties can bring distinctive elements to your Indian meal, enriching the overall experience.

2. Exemplary Wine Choices for Classic Indian Dishes

Below, we share some expert recommendations for wine pairings to elevate the enjoyment of several iconic Indian dishes:

• Butter Chicken: A creamy, mildly spiced dish like butter chicken calls for a wine with a hint of sweetness and a rich mouthfeel. A well-rounded, fruity Chardonnay fits the bill perfectly.
• Biryani: This aromatic, spice-laden rice dish can be beautifully complemented by a fragrant, medium-bodied red wine such as a Grenache or Tempranillo.
• Palak Paneer: The earthy flavours of this spinach and paneer dish pair well with an aromatic and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, which brings a hint of zesty acidity to the mix.
• Tandoori Chicken: The smoky, charred flavours of this classic dish find a harmonious match in a bold, spicy red wine such as a Zinfandel or Syrah.

3. Diverse Pairings for a Collection of Indian Delicacies

When indulging in an array of Indian dishes, it is essential to select versatile wines that can navigate a range of flavours and textures:

• Riesling: With its diverse flavour spectrum offering bright acidity and varying levels of sweetness, Riesling is an adaptable choice that pairs well with several Indian dishes, from tangy, tomato-based curries to spicy, stir-fried creations.
• Pinot Noir: The delicate, fruity charm of Pinot Noir can stand up to the aromatic depth of Indian spices, while its gentle tannins won't overpower the nuances of the dish.
• Rosé: A crisp, refreshing rosé is a versatile option, bridging the gap between lighter, vegetarian dishes and more robust, meat-based mains with its delicate balance of flavours and textures.

4. A Guide for Vegetarian and Vegan Indian Dishes

Indian cuisine boasts a wealth of tempting vegetarian and vegan specialities that can be expertly accompanied by a well-chosen wine:

• Masoor Dal: The earthy, subtly spiced flavours of this red lentil dish are perfectly complemented by a fruity, mineral-rich white wine such as a Chenin Blanc.
• Vegetable Curry: A zesty, herbaceous Vermentino beautifully balances the rich, savoury notes of a hearty vegetable curry, adding an invigorating lift to each mouthful.
• Aubergine Bharta: The smoky, gently spiced profile of this roasted aubergine dish harmonises with the vibrant red fruit flavours and velvety textures of a Merlot.

Embarking on a Journey of Wine and Indian Dining at Tower Tandoori

At Tower Tandoori, we invite you to experience the enthralling world of Indian cuisine and wine pairing, a gateway to a new dimension of flavour and sensory delight. Our expertly crafted recommendations are designed to ignite your curiosity and enrich your appreciation for the complexity and elegance of Indian flavours, while our diverse wine list showcases the vast potential for thrilling, transformative pairings.

Join us on this voyage of discovery and savouring the magic of our exceptional Indian dishes and masterfully matched wines, immersed in an atmosphere of warmth, passion, and culinary mastery. Book your table at Tower Tandoori and embark on an unforgettable journey today.