Wine Pairing with Filipino Food: A Delicious Balancing Act

Filipino cuisine is rich, savory, and bursting with flavor—making it an exciting (and sometimes tricky) match for wine. Whether you’re preparing for a fiesta, a cozy dinner, or a celebration with lechon, here are the best wine pairings for popular Filipino dishes.


1. Lechon + Red Wine with Bold Fruit & Acidity

Recommended Wine: Zinfandel or Spanish Tempranillo

Lechon’s crispy skin and fatty meat need a wine that can cut through the richness. A fruity red wine with good acidity works perfectly.

Try: Zinfandel, Tempranillo, or a young Cabernet Sauvignon
Available now at Wines 'n Drinks – Red Wine Collection


2. Kare-Kare + Off-Dry White or Rosé Wine

Recommended Wine: Gewürztraminer or Rosé

With its peanut-based sauce and bagoong on the side, kare-kare is flavorful and savory. An off-dry white wine balances the umami without overpowering the dish.

Try: Gewürztraminer, Chenin Blanc, or a dry Rosé


3. Chicken Inasal + Crisp White Wine

Recommended Wine: Sauvignon Blanc

The tangy and garlicky flavor of inasal is elevated with a zesty white wine. Sauvignon Blanc’s citrus notes pair beautifully with the marinade.

Try: Sauvignon Blanc or Unoaked Chardonnay


4. Sinigang na Hipon + Sparkling Wine

Recommended Wine: Brut Champagne or Prosecco

The sourness of sinigang (especially shrimp sinigang) works well with dry sparkling wines. They cleanse the palate and complement the broth's citrusy base.

Try: Prosecco or Brut Cava


5. Spaghetti (Filipino Style) + Sweet Red or Semi-Sweet Wine

Recommended Wine: Lambrusco or Semi-Sweet Red

Pinoy-style spaghetti is sweet and meaty. A slightly sweet, low-tannin wine matches its flavor profile and enhances its nostalgic charm.

Try: Lambrusco or Semi-Sweet Red Wine


6. Adobo + Earthy, Aged Red Wine

Recommended Wine: Syrah/Shiraz or Rioja

The vinegar-soy-garlic base of adobo calls for a wine that can stand up to its boldness. Aged reds with earthy notes are ideal.

Try: Syrah, Shiraz, or Spanish Rioja


🥂 Final Tip: Trust Your Taste

Pairing wine with Filipino food isn’t about rules—it’s about balance. Trust your palate and don’t be afraid to explore! At Wines 'n Drinks, we offer curated wines perfect for every Filipino dish, delivered right to your door.


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