Top Chinese Mezes to Pair with Your Favorite Wines

When it comes to pairing food with wine, Chinese cuisine offers a delightful array of flavors that can enhance the tasting experience. Mezes, or small dishes, are a fantastic way to enjoy an assortment of flavors while sipping on your favorite wines. Here’s a curated list of top Chinese mezes that perfectly complement various wines.

1. Dumplings (Jiaozi)

Dumplings are a quintessential Chinese appetizer that comes in various fillings, from pork to vegetables. These bite-sized treats are often served with a tangy dipping sauce. Pair them with a light white wine, such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc, which can balance the richness of the dumpling filling.

2. Spring Rolls (Chun Juan)

Spring rolls are crispy, golden delights filled with vegetables or meat. Their crunchy texture and savory fillings make them an excellent match for sparkling wines like Prosecco. The bubbles in the Prosecco enhance the freshness of the rolls, creating a refreshing combination.

3. Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing)

These flaky, savory pancakes are a popular street food in China. Their rich, buttery flavor goes wonderfully with a glass of Chardonnay. The wine’s creamy notes temper the savoriness of the pancakes while enhancing the scallions’ fresh taste.

4. Kung Pao Chicken Bites

This dish features marinated chicken stir-fried with peanuts and chili peppers, offering a kick of heat. Pair Kung Pao chicken bites with a fruity Zinfandel. The wine’s ripe fruitiness can counterbalance the spices and provide a sumptuous flavor profile.

5. Char Siu (BBQ Pork)

Char Siu, or Cantonese BBQ pork, is known for its sweet, sticky glaze. A glass of Pinot Noir beautifully complements Char Siu with its acidity and soft tannins, highlighting the sweetness of the meat while balancing its richness.

6. Edamame

These young soybeans are lightly salted and serve as a healthy nibble. Edamame pairs nicely with a Sauvignon Blanc, as its crispness and acidity cut through the saltiness, refreshing the palate with every sip.

7. Mapo Tofu

This spicy and numbing dish made with tofu and minced meat is bursting with flavor. A bold Syrah or Shiraz pairs well with Mapo Tofu, offering a rich counterpoint to the dish’s heat while enhancing its savory elements.

8. Woo-Poo Choy (Chinese Broccoli)

This simple yet delicious vegetable dish is commonly served with oyster sauce. For this, a dry Riesling is a perfect match. Its acidity can balance the richness of the oyster sauce, making it a refreshing complement to the greens.

9. Fried Rice (Chao Fan)

A classic comfort food, fried rice can feature a variety of ingredients. Pair it with a medium-bodied Merlot, which has enough softness to not overpower the dish while lending a hint of fruitiness that enhances the meal.

10. Hot and Sour Soup

This soup offers a delightful balance of spicy and tangy flavors, making it a complex dish to pair. A Gewürztraminer works beautifully here, as its floral notes and slight sweetness can offset the soup’s heat and acidity.

Exploring the pairing of Chinese mezes with wine can elevate your dining experience and introduce you to exciting flavor combinations. So, next time you’re indulging in Chinese cuisine, consider these pairings to make your meal even more enjoyable!