Calling all wine lovers! Filipino cuisine is incredibly diverse, blending sweet, sour, and savory flavors with a variety of textures. Pairing wine with Filipino dishes can be an adventure due to its rich and bold flavors.
Today, I have put together a cheat sheet on some of my favorite wine pairings with some of my favorite Filipino dishes. Are you ready to go on an adventure with me? 🍷
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Adobo
With its savory and tangy flavors, Filipino Adobo can be wonderfully paired with red wines that complement its richness without overpowering its nuanced taste. Here is a good choice of wine options that can complement the flavors of Adobo:
- Pinot Noir: Its lighter body, red fruit flavors, and subtle earthy notes can harmonize well with the savory and tangy elements of Adobo without overwhelming the dish.
- Gamay (Beaujolais): Known for its light to medium body and bright red fruit flavors, Gamay can be a fantastic pairing, providing a refreshing contrast to the savory aspects of Adobo.
- Tempranillo: With its medium body and balanced profile, Tempranillo can complement the dish's flavors, especially if the Adobo has a slightly smoky or peppery undertone.
- Grenache/Garnacha: This wine often offers red fruit flavors, mild tannins, and a hint of spice, which can enhance the savory and tangy notes of Adobo.
Remember, the choice of wine ultimately depends on personal preferences. Some might prefer a lighter-bodied wine to contrast the richness of Adobo, while others might enjoy a more medium-bodied option that complements its savory elements. Feel free to experiment to find the perfect pairing that suits your taste buds!
Afritada
Filipino Afritada, a flavorful stew typically made with chicken or pork and simmered in a tomato-based sauce with vegetables, calls for a wine that complements its savory and tangy elements. The best wines that can pair nicely with Afritada:
- Pinot Noir: Known for its lighter body, red fruit flavors, and subtle earthy notes, Pinot Noir can harmonize well with the savory and tangy aspects of Afritada without overpowering the dish.
- Grenache/Garnacha: Offering red fruit flavors, mild tannins, and sometimes a hint of spice, Grenache can complement the flavors of Afritada, especially if the dish has a slightly spicy kick.
- Zinfandel: This wine often exhibits jammy fruit flavors and a touch of spice, which can complement the tanginess and richness of Afritada and provide a pleasant contrast.
- Tempranillo: With its medium body and red fruit flavors accompanied by subtle earthy tones, Tempranillo can complement the savory elements of Afritada.
Consider wines with moderate tannins and medium-bodied characteristics that won't overpower the dish's flavors. As personal taste preferences vary, experimenting with different wine options can help you find the perfect pairing that enhances your enjoyment of Afritada.
Barbecue
Filipino barbecue, often marinated in a sweet and savory sauce (soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin sauce), pairs well with wines that complement its bold and flavorful profile. The best choice of red wine that could pair nicely with skewered Filipino barbecue:
- Zinfandel: Known for its jammy fruit flavors and hints of spice, Zinfandel can complement the sweetness and savory notes of Filipino barbecue, offering a pleasant contrast.
- Syrah/Shiraz: Offering a balance of fruitiness and spice, Syrah/Shiraz can stand up to the bold flavors of Filipino barbecue, especially if the marinade includes spices or tangy elements.
- Malbec: With its bold fruitiness and hints of spice, Malbec can enhance the richness and sweetness of Filipino barbecue without overwhelming it.
- Rosé: A dry or off-dry Rosé with its refreshing acidity can be a versatile pairing option. It can provide a contrast to the sweetness of the barbecue while complementing its savory elements.
When pairing wine with skewered Filipino barbecue, consider red wines with medium to full bodies and a good balance of fruitiness and spice. These wine options can complement the bold flavors of the barbecue, enhancing your dining experience.
Bistek
Filipino Bistek, a dish made with thinly sliced beef marinated in a tangy soy sauce and citrus mixture, pairs well with wines that complement its savory and tangy flavors. The types of wine that could pair nicely with Bistek:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: This bold red wine, with its structured tannins and dark fruit flavors, can complement the richness and savory elements of Bistek. It can stand up to the dish's bold flavors.
- Merlot: Offering moderate tannins and plummy flavors, Merlot can work well with the savory taste of Bistek without overpowering it, providing a harmonious pairing.
- Tempranillo: With its medium body, red fruit flavors, and subtle earthy tones, Tempranillo can complement the flavors of Bistek, especially if the dish has additional spices or tangy notes.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its bright acidity and citrusy notes, Sauvignon Blanc can be an interesting pairing with Bistek, offering a refreshing contrast to the dish's savory and tangy components.
Consider wines with good structure and balanced flavors that won't overpower the tanginess of the dish. These wine options can complement the savory and citrusy notes of Bistek, enhancing your dining experience.

Caldereta
Caldereta, a Filipino stew usually made with goat meat, tomato sauce, liver paste, and vegetables, has bold and savory flavors. Here are some good wine options that could complement the richness and robustness of Caldereta:
- Merlot: With its moderate tannins and plummy flavors, Merlot can work well with the richness of Caldereta, enhancing the savory elements without overpowering the dish.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Known for its boldness and structure, Cabernet Sauvignon can complement the hearty flavors of Caldereta, especially if the dish has a tomato-based sauce.
- Tempranillo: This wine offers a medium body, red fruit flavors, and subtle earthy tones that can harmonize with the spices and richness of Caldereta.
- Malbec: With its bold fruitiness and hints of spice, Malbec can stand up to the robust flavors of Caldereta, providing a complementary pairing.
Given Caldereta's savory and robust nature, wines with moderate tannins and bold flavors often pair well with it. Consider trying these red wine options to see which complements your taste preferences and enhances your enjoyment of Caldereta.
Chicken Curry
Filipino chicken curry, known for its creamy and flavorful sauce, pairs well with wines that complement its richness and spices. The perfect accompaniment with Filipino chicken curry:
- Chardonnay: A buttery and oak-aged Chardonnay can complement the creaminess of the curry sauce. Look for a balanced acidity that can enhance the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Gewürztraminer: With its aromatic and slightly sweet profile, Gewürztraminer can harmonize with the spices in Filipino chicken curry, contrasting the dish's richness pleasantly.
- Riesling: Riesling, with its varying levels of sweetness and acidity, can be a versatile pairing, especially if the curry has a touch of sweetness or heat, providing a balanced and refreshing accompaniment.
- Pinot Noir: For those who prefer red wine, a lighter-bodied Pinot Noir can complement the chicken curry without overwhelming it. Look for a Pinot with a soft and fruity profile.
Consider wines that offer a balance of flavors and acidity to complement the creamy and spiced elements of Filipino chicken curry. These wine options can enhance your dining experience by pairing with the dish pleasantly.
Kare Kare
Kare-Kare, a Filipino stew known for its rich peanut sauce and tender meat, calls for a wine that can complement its complex and nutty flavors. A great choice of wine options that could pair well with Kare-Kare are:
- Gewürztraminer: This aromatic white wine often has floral notes and a touch of sweetness, which can complement the nuttiness of Kare-Kare's peanut sauce without overpowering it.
- Riesling: With its varying levels of sweetness and acidity, Riesling can harmonize with the flavors of Kare-Kare, especially if the dish has a slightly sweet undertone, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Viognier: Offering floral aromas and flavors of stone fruits, Viognier can complement the richness of Kare-Kare without clashing with its flavors.
- Rosé: A dry or off-dry Rosé with its refreshing acidity and versatile nature can be a pleasant pairing, providing a contrast to the richness of Kare-Kare.
Given the creamy and nutty elements of Kare-Kare, white wines with a touch of sweetness or acidity can be excellent choices. Experimentation is key, so try different wine options to find the one that best suits your preferences and complements the flavors of this delightful Filipino dish.
Macaroni Salad
Filipino Macaroni Salad, a sweet and creamy pasta salad typically made with elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, condensed milk, and various fruits and vegetables, calls for wines that balance its creamy sweetness. Here are some wine options that could pair nicely with Filipino Macaroni Salad:
- Riesling: Riesling's varying sweetness and acidity can complement the sweetness of the salad while providing a refreshing contrast.
- Moscato: With its fruity and sweet profile, Moscato can harmonize with the sweetness of the salad, offering a complementary pairing.
- Rosé: A slightly off-dry or dry Rosé with its refreshing acidity can provide a balanced pairing, cutting through the creaminess of the salad.
- Prosecco or other sparkling wines: The effervescence and crispness of sparkling wines can provide a delightful contrast to the creamy and sweet components of the salad.
Consider slightly sweet wines or have a touch of fruitiness to complement the creamy sweetness of Filipino Macaroni Salad. These aromatic wines can enhance your dining experience by providing a pleasant accompaniment to the dish.
Mechado
Pairing wine with Mechado, a flavorful Filipino beef stew, requires a wine that can complement its rich and savory profile. Given Mechado's robust flavors and tomato-based sauce, here are a few wine options that can make for a delightful pairing:
- Malbec: Its bold fruitiness and moderate tannins can complement the richness of Mechado without overpowering it. Look for a Malbec with ripe fruit flavors and a hint of spice.
- Merlot: With its softer tannins and plummy flavors, Merlot can be a great match for Mechado. It complements the beef and tomato elements of the dish without dominating the palate.
- Syrah/Shiraz: The peppery and spicy notes of Syrah/Shiraz can harmonize well with the savory flavors in Mechado. It brings a layer of complexity that pairs nicely with the dish's robustness.
- Tempranillo: This wine offers a balance of fruitiness and earthy tones that can complement Mechado's flavors. Its medium body and subtle spiciness can blend well with the stew's savory nature.
When pairing wine with Mechado, consider the wine's body, acidity, and flavor profile to ensure it complements rather than overwhelms the dish. As taste preferences vary, don't hesitate to explore these options or try different wines to find the perfect match that suits your palate.
Nilaga
Beef Nilaga, a Filipino beef stew featuring tender beef, vegetables, and a flavorful broth, requires a wine that complements its richness and savory flavors. Here are some wine options that could pair well with Beef Nilaga:
- Merlot: With its moderate tannins and plummy flavors, Merlot can complement the richness of Beef Nilaga without overpowering the dish.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold and structured, Cabernet Sauvignon can stand up to the hearty flavors of Beef Nilaga, especially if the stew has a tomato-based broth.
- Syrah/Shiraz: Offering a balance of fruitiness and spice, Syrah/Shiraz can complement the savory elements of Beef Nilaga, especially if the stew has added spices.
- Tempranillo: Medium-bodied with red fruit flavors and subtle earthy tones, Tempranillo can harmonize with the flavors of Beef Nilaga without overwhelming it.
When pairing wine with Beef Nilaga, consider red wines with moderate tannins and a good balance of fruitiness and structure that can complement the richness of the stew. Experimentation with these red wine options can help you find the perfect pairing that suits your taste preferences and enhances your enjoyment of Beef Nilaga.
Opo Squash
Sauteed opo squash offers delicate flavors, and when considering wine pairings for such a dish, lighter wines that complement rather than overpower the subtle taste of the squash work well. Here are some wine options that could pair nicely with sauteed opo squash:
- Sauvignon Blanc: With its bright acidity and herbal notes, this wine can complement the mild flavors of opo squash without overwhelming them. Look for a Sauvignon Blanc with a crisp and refreshing profile.
- Pinot Grigio: Crisp and light-bodied, Pinot Grigio's clean taste can be a good match for sauteed opo squash, enhancing its subtlety without overpowering it.
- Chardonnay (Unoaked): Unoaked Chardonnay tends to have vibrant acidity and fruit-forward flavors that can harmonize with sauteed opo squash, providing a balanced pairing without dominating the dish.
- Vermentino: With its bright acidity and citrusy notes, Vermentino can complement the delicate flavors of the squash, offering a refreshing pairing.
Consider wines with lighter bodies, good acidity, and subtle flavors that won't overpower the delicacy of sauteed opo squash. These white wine options can enhance your dining experience by providing a pleasant accompaniment to the dish.
Paksiw
Filipino Paksiw, a savory and tangy stew typically made with vinegar, garlic, and various meats or seafood, can be complemented by wines that balance its acidity and bold flavors. Here are some wine options that could pair nicely with Filipino Paksiw:
- Riesling: Riesling's varying sweetness and acidity can complement the tangy flavors of Paksiw while offering a balance to the dish's boldness.
- Gewürztraminer: With its aromatic, slightly sweet profile, Gewürztraminer can provide a pleasant contrast to the bold, tangy elements of Paksiw.
- Pinot Noir: A light-bodied Pinot Noir with soft tannins can complement the dish without overpowering it. Look for a Pinot with red fruit flavors and a subtle earthiness.
- Sparkling Rosé: The crispness and slight sweetness of a sparkling Rosé can provide a refreshing contrast to the tanginess of Paksiw, creating an enjoyable pairing.
Consider wines with good acidity and sweetness or fruitiness to balance the tangy and bold flavors of Filipino Paksiw. These wine options can enhance your dining experience by providing a pleasant accompaniment to the dish.
Pancit
Pancit, a versatile Filipino noodle dish with various regional variations, pairs well with wines that complement its diverse flavors. Here are some wine options that could pair nicely with Pancit:
- Chardonnay: A versatile white wine like Chardonnay can complement many types of Pancit due to its varying styles. With its vibrant acidity and fruit-forward profile, Unoaked Chardonnay can be a good match, especially with seafood-based Pancit, providing a refreshing contrast.
- Pinot Grigio: Crisp and light-bodied, Pinot Grigio's clean and refreshing taste can complement the flavors of Pancit, particularly vegetable-based or lighter variations.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its bright acidity and citrusy notes, Sauvignon Blanc can be a delightful pairing with Pancit, enhancing the dish's overall freshness.
- Riesling: Riesling's varying sweetness and acidity make it versatile enough to pair with different variations of Pancit. A slightly off-dry Riesling can complement the flavors without overwhelming them.
When choosing wines for Pancit, choose white wines with good acidity and refreshing qualities that complement the dish's diverse flavors. Experimentation is key, so try these white wine options to find the one that best suits your taste preferences and enhances your enjoyment of Pancit.
Shrimp with Lemon-Lime Soda
Shrimp cooked with lemon-lime soda, a popular Filipino dish known as "Ginataang Hipon," pairs well with wines that complement its tangy and subtly sweet flavors. Here are some white wines that could pair nicely with this dish:
- Sauvignon Blanc: With its bright acidity and citrusy notes, Sauvignon Blanc can complement the tanginess of the lemon-lime soda in the dish, offering a refreshing contrast.
- Riesling: Riesling's varying sweetness and acidity levels can balance the shrimp dish's tangy and slightly sweet flavors, providing a harmonious pairing.
- Pinot Gris/Grigio: With its clean taste, Crisp and light-bodied Pinot Gris/Grigio can complement the dish's citrusy elements without overpowering them.
- Chenin Blanc: Offering a range from dry to slightly sweet, Chenin Blanc can harmonize with the dish's tanginess, especially if the shrimp dish has a touch of sweetness.
Consider aromatic wines with good acidity and a refreshing profile to complement the tangy and subtly sweet flavors of the shrimp cooked in lemon-lime soda. These white wines can enhance your dining experience by providing a pleasant accompaniment to the dish.
Sinangag (Filipino Garlic Fried Rice)
Sinangag, a Filipino garlic fried rice dish, can be complemented by wines that balance its savory flavors and aromatic qualities. While wine might not traditionally pair with this dish due to its strong flavors, here are some options that could work well:
- Sparkling Wine/Champagne: The effervescence and crispness of sparkling wine can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and garlicky flavors of sinangag.
- Off-Dry Riesling: The slight sweetness and acidity of an off-dry Riesling can balance the savory elements of the fried rice while adding a complementary touch to the dish.
- Gewürztraminer: With its aromatic and slightly spicy profile, Gewürztraminer can complement the garlic and savory flavors of sinangag, providing an interesting pairing.
- Pinot Gris/Grigio: The clean and refreshing profile of Pinot Gris/Grigio can offer a pleasant contrast to the savory notes of the fried rice.
While wine pairings with sinangag might not be traditional, these white wines could provide interesting complements to the dish. Experimentation is key, so feel free to explore different wines to find the one that suits your taste preferences best.
Sinigang
Sinigang, a Filipino sour soup characterized by its tangy and savory flavors, requires a wine that can complement its acidity and enhance its overall taste. Here are some wine options that could pair well with Sinigang:
- Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its bright acidity and citrusy notes, Sauvignon Blanc can complement the sourness of Sinigang. Its crispness can cut through the richness of the soup and provide a refreshing contrast.
- Riesling: With varying levels of sweetness and acidity, Riesling can balance the sourness of Sinigang. A slightly off-dry Riesling can complement the dish's tanginess without overwhelming it.
- Chardonnay (unoaked): Its vibrant acidity and fruit-forward profile can match Sinigang well, offering a complementary flavor without overpowering the soup's taste.
- Pinot Grigio: Crisp and light-bodied, Pinot Grigio can complement the acidity of Sinigang while providing a refreshing and clean taste.
When pairing wine with Sinigang, consider wines with good acidity that can complement the soup's sourness without clashing with its flavors. As personal preferences vary, experimenting with these white wine options can help find the perfect pairing that enhances the enjoyment of Sinigang.
Tinola
Chicken Tinola, a Filipino ginger-based soup with chicken and vegetables, calls for wines that complement its light and aromatic flavors without overwhelming them. Here are some wine options that could pair nicely with Chicken Tinola:
- Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its bright acidity and herbal notes, Sauvignon Blanc can complement the ginger and vegetable flavors in Chicken Tinola, offering a refreshing contrast.
- Pinot Grigio: Crisp and light-bodied, Pinot Grigio's clean taste can complement the dish's subtle flavors without overpowering them.
- Chardonnay (Unoaked): Its vibrant acidity and fruit-forward profile can be a good match, especially if the soup has a lighter, more delicate profile.
- Vermentino: With its bright acidity and citrusy notes, Vermentino can complement the light and aromatic elements of Chicken Tinola.
Consider wines with good acidity and refreshing qualities that won't overpower the delicate flavors of Chicken Tinola. These white wine options can enhance your dining experience by pairing with the dish pleasantly.
Conclusion
As a general rule, personal preferences play a significant role in wine pairing. Next time you have some Filipino or other Asian food, don't hesitate to experiment and find combinations that best suit your taste buds! And if you have a favorite Filipino dish that you're looking for wine pairing suggestions, don't hesitate to contact me. I always love to hear from you! 🥰

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Charles Krim
"This guide is a must-read for wine lovers! I can't wait to try some of these pairings on my next trip.