I’ve been enjoying a lot of wine lately, especially since opening our wine bar on Great Portland Street in London. It’s been an exciting journey, and it’s got me thinking about what wines truly complement Middle Eastern cuisine.
For many, the instinct is to pair wine dish by dish. But a Middle Eastern meal is a lively mix of flavors—all on one table at once. Instead of trying to match wine to each dish, consider which wines reflect the overall character of the food.
Take a sharp, herby salad from Yotam Ottolenghi. It’s bright and zesty. The same goes for comforting Palestinian fare or vibrant grilled dishes—like Diana Henry’s spiced lamb. These meals call for wines that are lively—wines that have acidity to balance citrus, texture to support olive oil, and freshness to cut through spices.
The key is alignment. Wines from the Mediterranean region, especially Greece, Lebanon, and Israel, often share traits with Middle Eastern food. They bring sun, salt, and herbs to the table. A Greek assyrtiko, for instance, offers a saline quality that enhances many dishes. This connection makes the wine feel less like a pairing and more like a natural extension of the meal.
Recent trends show a rising interest in Middle Eastern wines. According to a 2022 report by Wine Intelligence, the demand for Mediterranean wines has grown by 15% in major urban areas, reflecting how food culture is continually evolving and embracing new flavors.
At our bar, presenting wines from these regions sparks conversation. Guests taste something different, something unexpected. Often, these discussions are enlightening and joyful.
In our culinary adventures this month, we’re also excited about seasonal ingredients.
Waste Not, Want Not: Tim Anderson’s new book, JapanEasy Kitchen, offers great ideas for using up food. If you find jars of ingredients gathering dust in your kitchen, this book could be your new best friend.
Fruitful Endeavours: May brings with it the loquat season. This fruit is a Mediterranean favorite. It’s a blend of sweetness and tang, evoking memories of childhood for many who grew up around such trees. They’re available now in markets, so grab them while you can!
Best Bar None: Recently, Phil Khoury, a beloved baker and author, stopped by our restaurant with his famous chocolate bars. We couldn’t resist indulging in them instantly—they were that good!
Bringing together the right wines and flavors opens up new experiences. The combination of lively wines and diverse Middle Eastern dishes can truly make any meal memorable.
