The New Trend of Wine Pairing: The Perfect Companion for Hong Kong-style Cha Chaan Teng Dishes
New Year’s Eve dinner: An exquisite combination of Chinese cuisine and wine that enhances the flavor of the reunion dinner.
Reunion dinner is a traditional Chinese festival, symbolizing the reunion and harmony of family as they welcome the new year. Sharing delicious food with family is not merely about satisfaction, but a gathering of affection and a feast for the taste buds. The appropriate pairing of exquisite dishes and fine wines can elevate this banquet to an artistic level. The diversity of Chinese cuisine demonstrates endless possibilities when pairing with wine.
The reunion dinner is a traditional Chinese festival, symbolizing family reunion and harmony as we welcome the new year. Gathering together with family to share delicious food is not just about satisfying hunger, but about the bonding of family ties and a feast for the taste buds. The appropriate pairing of exquisite dishes and fine wine can elevate this banquet to an artistic level. Wine is not just a drink; it is an artistic experience that enhances the enjoyment at the dining table. The diversity of Chinese cuisine reveals endless possibilities when paired with wine.
Guide to Pairing Wine with Chinese Dishes for Reunion Dinner
During the reunion dinner, each dish has its unique meaning and flavor. From exquisite appetizers, sumptuous main courses to sweet finales, the selection of wine at each stage can add a luxurious and profound enjoyment to the entire feast. Below are several classic pairing suggestions for reunion dinner dishes to help you choose the perfect wine.
1. Sichuan Cuisine with Wine Pairing: Balancing the Spicy and Hot
Sichuan cuisine is known for its spicy and numbing flavors, and this addictive spiciness requires a wine that can soothe the sensations on the palate. A chilled Riesling is the top choice, bringing a slight acidity and fruity aroma with a refreshing palate that can soften the spiciness, making it suitable for pairing with both spicy and light dishes.
Taste and Flavor: Riesling is a high-acid white wine, typically showcasing prominent fruit aromas, including peach, pear, lemon, and green apple. Its fragrance often carries floral notes like jasmine and citrus blossoms, and may have hints of honey and spices. As it ages, Riesling can develop unique petrol notes, due to natural compounds formed during the aging process.
2. Cantonese Cuisine with Red Wine Pairing: Dancing with the Complexity of Flavor
Cantonese cuisine emphasizes the original taste of ingredients, often focusing on steaming and soup-making. These dishes require low-tannin, high-acid wines to accompany them. Pinot Noir with its acidity can balance the sweet and sour profile of soy sauce, enhancing each bite to be more refined and fresh, making it very suitable for pairing with rich meats or light fish.
Taste and Flavor: Pinot Noir is a light to medium-bodied red wine, renowned for its red fruit flavors like cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. This wine typically has lower tannins and higher acidity, providing a smooth and elegant mouthfeel. In terms of aroma, Pinot Noir often displays earthy, tea-like, and subtle spice and herb flavors. With aging, it may develop notes of mushrooms and leather, adding complexity.
Chinese cuisine emphasizes the perfect combination of “color, aroma, taste, and presentation,” while wine offers layers of rich flavors and fragrances. The fusion of the two is like a symphony, harmonious and moving. As a food capital, Hong Kong boasts a rich and diverse Chinese culinary culture, ranging from the spiciness of Sichuan cuisine to the lightness of Cantonese cuisine, each flavor profile requiring different styles of wine to complement.
3. Shanghai Cuisine Matching with Wine: Sweet and Savory Blend
Shanghai cuisine is represented by braised dishes, favoring sweet and savory flavors. At this time, the full-bodied Shiraz is an ideal partner, as its rich fruit aroma and spicy notes can perfectly blend with the fragrant sauce of Shanghai dishes. Shiraz is very suitable for pairing with barbecue or heavily flavored dishes.
Taste and Flavor: The characteristic of Shiraz is its rich black fruit flavors, such as blackberry and blueberry, accompanied by notes of black pepper, smokiness, and earthy undertones. This wine typically has medium to high tannins, giving it a full mouthfeel and strong structure. In terms of aroma, Shiraz often exhibits intense fruit scents and spicy undertones, which may develop chocolate and coffee flavors over time.
4. Shanghai Cuisine Matching with Wine: Aroma Blend
Shanghai cuisine is known for its sweet and savory flavors, with common braised dishes needing to be paired with fruit-forward wines. Merlot is an ideal choice, as its soft tannins and rich fruit aroma can perfectly blend with the fragrant sauce of Shanghai dishes. For example, braised lion's head paired with a quality Merlot not only enhances the deliciousness of the meatballs but also adds layers to the entire dish. Moreover, this wine pairs well with various dishes, including roasted meat, pasta, or rich cheeses.
Taste and Flavor: Merlot is a medium to full-bodied red wine, known for its smooth and easy-drinking characteristics. Its main flavors include red fruits, such as cherry, plum, and raspberry, along with notes of vanilla, spices, and a slight smokiness. Merlot usually has lower acidity and supple tannins, making it feel round and balanced in the mouth.
During the important traditional occasion of reunion dinner, choosing the right wine can not only enhance the flavors of the dishes but also elevate the overall dining experience. The reunion dinner is not just about enjoying food; it is also a way of family gathering and cultural exchange. Through carefully selected wines, you can add a sense of ceremony and luxury to the gathering, allowing everyone to feel the joy and warmth of the festival. Whether gathering with family or celebrating with friends, the right wine can add endless charm to your reunion dinner!
New Year’s Eve dinner: An exquisite combination of Chinese cuisine and wine that enhances the flavor of the reunion dinner.New Year’s Eve dinner: An exquisite combination of Chinese cuisine and wine that enhances the flavor of the reunion dinner.
The Perfect Pairing of Hong Kong Street Food and Craft Beer: Discover New Food Trends
The street food culture in Hong Kong has a long history, from crispy egg waffles to spicy curry fish balls, each bite carries the unique memories and flavors of this city. In recent years, with the rise of craft beer culture, a new food trend is sweeping through Hong Kong—skillfully pairing traditional street food with craft beer, creating an astonishing taste experience. This is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a way of life that blends tradition with innovation, reflecting the diversity and vitality of Hong Kong's food culture.
The Rise of Craft Beer Culture in Hong Kong
Hong Kong's beer culture has undergone tremendous changes in recent years. According to data from the Hong Kong Wine & Spirits Industry Coalition, the craft beer market in Hong Kong saw a growth rate of 15% in 2022, far exceeding the growth rate of traditional mass beer brands. This wave of excitement is attributed to the rapid development of local craft beer brands like Young Master and Gweilo, as well as the influx of international brands.
Behind this trend is the consumers' pursuit of personalized and high-quality beverages. According to a report from market research firm Statista, the average beer consumption per person in Hong Kong is about 24 liters per year, with the share of craft beer rising from 5% in 2018 to 12% in 2023. The younger generation, in particular, is eager to explore new flavors, providing fertile ground for the pairing of street food and craft beer.
As the cornerstone of Hong Kong's food culture, street food similarly possesses remarkable vitality. According to statistics from the Hong Kong Tourism Board, more than 70% of tourists say that street food is an important way for them to experience local culture. Today, this tradition is being revitalized through its combination with craft beer.
Classic Pairings of Hong Kong Street Food and Craft Beer
The pairing of street food and craft beer is an art, requiring a balance of taste, flavor, and layers. Below are 10 craft beers available in supermarkets and convenience stores in Hong Kong (such as 7-11, Circle K, and ParknShop), along with their perfect combinations with street food, based on real brands and actual experiences:
Young Master Classic Pale Ale
Pairing: Curry Fish Balls
Reason: This pale ale brings citrus and floral notes that complement the spices of curry, creating a balance of freshness and heat.
Purchase Locations: ParknShop, 7-11
Gweilo Session IPA
Pairing: Egg Waffles
Reason: The light bitterness of the IPA balances the sweetness of the egg waffles, making the hot snack perfectly matched with the cold beer.
Purchase Locations: Circle K, Wellcome
Hoegaarden White
Pairing: Siu Mai
Reason: The soft taste of wheat beer complements the fresh aromas of siu mai, with flavors of clove and orange peel adding layers.
Purchase Locations: 7-11, ParknShop
BrewDog Punk IPA
Pairing: Pan-Fried Stuffed Tofu
Reason: The intense bitterness of the IPA contrasts with the oiliness of the pan-fried stuffed tofu, enhancing the overall flavor.
Purchase Locations: ParknShop, Taste
Asahi Super Dry
Pairing: Fish Ball Skewers
Reason: The refreshing taste pairs well with the freshness of fish balls, simple yet delicious.
Purchase Locations: 7-11, Circle K
Hitachino Nest White Ale
Pairing: Cheung Fun
Reason: The gentle fruitiness of Japanese white ale pairs beautifully with the smoothness of cheung fun, with the soy sauce's saltiness being easily highlighted.
Purchase Locations: ParknShop, Don Don Donki
Stone IPA
Pairing: Chicken Wings
Reason: The strong hop flavor contrasts with the greasiness of the chicken wings, providing a refreshing experience.
Purchase Locations: Taste, Wellcome
Guinness Stout
Pairing: Pig's Intestine Rolls
Reason: The caramel and coffee flavors of the stout complement the rich sauce of the pig's intestine rolls.
Purchase Locations: 7-11, ParknShop
Leffe Blonde
Pairing: Beef Offal
Reason: The sweet aroma of Belgian blonde ale enhances the rich broth of the beef offal, warm and satisfying.
Purchase Locations: Circle K, Taste
Brooklyn Lager
Pairing: Fried Sesame Balls
Reason: The crispness of lager contrasts interestingly with the sweet and crunchy sesame balls, perfect for a leisurely afternoon tea time.
Purchase Locations: Wellcome, ParknShop
Historically, Hong Kong's street food originated from the working class diet of the early 20th century, simple yet full of human warmth. The craft beer, on the other hand, has emerged as a 'new luxury' in the past decade. The combination of the two retains the down-to-earth characteristics of street food while incorporating the sophistication of high-end beer culture, serving as a model of cultural integration.
The Art and Science of Pairing Beer with Street Food
The success of beer pairing is not a random combination; it is built on a deep understanding of flavors. Here are a few core principles to consider when pairing:
Complementary Principle: Similar flavors can enhance each other. For example, the caramel notes of dark beer resonate with the rich sauce of curry fish balls.
Contrast Principle: Opposing tastes can create surprises, such as the bitterness of IPA contrasting with the sweetness of egg waffles.
Balance Principle: Avoid one element overpowering another, for instance, a light wheat beer will not overshadow the freshness of siu mai.
Historically, Hong Kong’s street food originated in the working-class diets of the early 20th century, simple yet filled with warmth. Meanwhile, craft beer has only emerged as a
New Year’s Eve dinner: An exquisite combination of Chinese cuisine and wine that enhances the flavor of the reunion dinner.New Year’s Eve dinner: An exquisite combination of Chinese cuisine and wine that enhances the flavor of the reunion dinner.
Hong Kong-style afternoon tea, as a unique symbol of Hong Kong's culinary culture, has always been popular with locals and tourists alike. However, with the passage of time and the elevation of tastes, traditional Hong Kong afternoon tea is quietly undergoing a revolutionary change. Recently, a trend that blends innovative cocktails with classic Hong Kong dim sum has swept the city, injecting new vitality and charm into this century-old tradition.
This "Cocktail Afternoon Tea Revolution" is not simply about adding cocktails to the afternoon tea menu, but is a deep cultural fusion and innovative attempt. It reflects Hong Kong people's respect for tradition while also showcasing an open attitude towards new things. This innovation not only enriches the content of afternoon tea but also brings new development directions to the entire beverage culture.
In this new trend, bartenders are unleashing their creativity by cleverly incorporating traditional Chinese elements into Western cocktails, creating a series of innovative cocktails unique to Hong Kong. For example, the "Dried Tangerine Peel Martini" based on dried tangerine peel not only retains the classic flavor of the martini but also adds a hint of Eastern charm. Another example is the "Milk Tea Old Fashioned," which perfectly combines the rich aroma of Hong Kong-style milk tea with the smoothness of whiskey, becoming a new favorite among many young people.
At the same time, dim sum chefs are also rising to the occasion, launching innovative dim sum that perfectly pairs with cocktails. Traditional classic Hong Kong dim sum, such as shrimp dumplings and siu mai, while retaining the original taste, have been infused with elements that enhance the flavors of the cocktails. For example, adding a touch of juniper berries to the shrimp dumplings not only adds layers of flavor but also complements cocktails based on gin.
This innovation goes beyond enjoyment on the palate; it extends into the visual and experiential realms. Many high-end hotels and restaurants have begun to launch themed cocktail afternoon teas, transforming the traditional three-tiered stand into a miniature cocktail bar, with each tier showcasing different styles of cocktails paired with dim sum. This new presentation method brings an unprecedented visual impact and tasting experience to guests.
The "Cocktail and Dim Sum" Project
The Hong Kong Lan Kwai Fong dining landmark "Fang Fang" launched an innovative "Cocktail and Dim Sum" unlimited brunch project in 2018, reconstructing Cantonese tea-drinking aesthetics with a concept of fusion between East and West. The bar team is led by international competition champion bartender Gagan Gurung, whose special Bloody Mary incorporates Southeast Asian-style spicy sauce made with curry leaves and lemongrass, creating a flavor dialogue with innovative Hong Kong dishes like bamboo charcoal black truffle wild mushroom dumplings and black caviar siu mai.
This project emphasizes the concept of "Tea and Alcohol Coexistence," combining classic dim sum craftsmanship with molecular mixology techniques. For instance, the signature "Fang Fang Shrimp Dumplings" are filled with three fresh shrimps and paired with 11-fold handmade crystal skin; the black truffle wild mushroom dumplings are wrapped in bamboo charcoal powder skin filled with mixed mushrooms and cloud ear mushrooms, complemented by the unique Tieguanyin cold brew base in the cocktail, creating a layered experience of "rich tea essence colliding with spicy alcohol body."
Credit: Weekend Weekly
In this perfect encounter of cocktails and afternoon tea, we see a harmonious coexistence of tradition and innovation. The bartenders fully unleash their creativity, incorporating local specialty ingredients such as longan, lychee, and osmanthus into the cocktails, creating a series of cocktail masterpieces with Hong Kong characteristics. These cocktails not only complement the flavors of Hong Kong-style dim sum but also possess great visual appeal, becoming a hot topic on social media.
It is worth mentioning that this innovation is not limited to high-end restaurants and hotels; some local tea restaurants and street vendors have begun to try launching their own specialty cocktail afternoon tea sets. They bring this trendy phenomenon into the daily lives of ordinary citizens with more affordable prices and a more down-to-earth approach. For example, one tea restaurant has introduced a "Cocktail Milk Tea" series that cleverly combines traditional Hong Kong-style milk tea with various spirits, creating flavors that are both familiar and novel.
This innovation has not only enriched Hong Kong's food culture but also brought new opportunities to the local beverage industry. More and more local bartenders are beginning to explore how to incorporate Chinese elements into Western cocktails, and many bars are starting to collaborate with dim sum chefs to create dedicated afternoon tea cocktail menus. This cross-disciplinary collaboration not only stimulated creative collisions but also injected new vitality into Hong Kong's drinking culture.
Hong Kong-style Innovative Cocktails
Crafted with ingenuity, the "Milk Tea 9-Yeah" special cocktail reconstructs the genetic essence of Hong Kong tea drinks using unique methods. The product employs a three-step refining process: the first step uses handmade, freshly brewed secret tea soup as the base, combined with classic condensed milk to outline a creamy texture; then, it gathers traditional Eastern huadiao wine with Western Scotch single malt whiskey, complemented by the fruitiness of yellow plum brandy, calibrated repeatedly by professional bartenders to achieve a golden triangle balance system of tea aroma (42%), alcohol fragrance (33%), and creaminess (25%).
This 6.6% ABV low-alcohol specialty drink breaks the traditional boundaries of tea and alcohol, achieving molecular reconstruction of the drink body through cold brew integration technology. On entry, it exhibits a velvety smooth texture, with initial notes of bergamot and roasted tea aroma intertwining, the mid-palate releasing hints of whiskey oak barrel aging and the sweetness of huadiao, while the finish concludes with the fruit acidity of plum brandy, shaping the three layers of taste: "rich - fragrant - refreshing." The special low-sugar formula retains the signature creamy mouthfeel of Hong Kong-style milk tea but without the cloying burden of traditional milk cap drinks.
Credit: Si Fu Good Tea Tea Cocktail Series – Milk Tea
However, this innovation also faces some challenges. How to maintain the essence of tradition amidst innovation, and how to ensure that cocktails and dim sum pair in a complementary rather than overpowering manner are issues the industry needs to continually explore and improve. At the same time, ensuring that this new trend can develop sustainably, and is not just a passing fad, is also a long-term issue for the industry to contemplate.
Nevertheless, the innovative concept of "Cocktail Afternoon Tea" undoubtedly brings new possibilities to Hong Kong's culinary culture and beverage industry. It is not only an innovative extension of traditional afternoon tea culture but also a vivid manifestation of Hong Kong's continuous fusion of Eastern and Western cultures and its constant evolution.
Looking to the future, we can expect to see more surprising innovations. Perhaps one day, "Hong Kong-style Cocktail Afternoon Tea" will become a new calling card for Hong Kong to showcase its unique cultural charm to the world, alongside the Italian Aperitivo culture and Spanish Tapas culture as internationally renowned culinary cultures.
For the food and drink lovers in Hong Kong, this is undoubtedly an exciting era. Whether you are a loyal supporter of traditional afternoon tea or a passionate enthusiast of cocktails, this "Cocktail Afternoon Tea Revolution" offers you a brand-new perspective to rediscover and appreciate the food culture of this city. The next time you stroll through the streets of Hong Kong, why not step into a restaurant that offers innovative cocktail afternoon tea, personally experience this revolution of flavors, and feel the sparks created by the collision of tradition and innovation? You will surely find that in this ever-hustling city, even the most traditional afternoon tea can radiate new charm.
New Year’s Eve dinner: An exquisite combination of Chinese cuisine and wine that enhances the flavor of the reunion dinner.New Year’s Eve dinner: An exquisite combination of Chinese cuisine and wine that enhances the flavor of the reunion dinner.
The Lunar New Year is one of the most significant traditional festivals in Asia and the Chinese world, as well as a precious moment for family and friends to gather and share delicious food. As the focal point of the annual reunion dinner, each meticulously prepared festive dish not only carries hopes for the new year but also profoundly reflects human warmth and cultural depth. If a well-chosen wine can accompany these traditional dishes at the banquet, it not only enhances the entire dining experience but also brings a refined and charming atmosphere to the guests.
Why Festive Dishes Need Wine Pairing
The pairing of wine with food has always been a science as well as an art. In the reunion dinner, where traditional dishes carry cultural significance and culinary essence, seemingly traditional flavors actually offer more possibilities for wine pairing. A successful pairing can be said to be a resonance between taste buds, a perfect embodiment of integrating global wine culture into Eastern dining traditions. In fact, this is not only a means of enhancing flavor but can also add taste and layers to the banquet. The aroma and flavor of a carefully selected wine can add depth to festive dishes, and the interaction between the wine and the dishes can highlight delicate and rich layers of flavor.
Classic Examples of Festive Dishes and Wine Pairing
During the Lunar New Year, the reunion dinner is the highlight of family gatherings, and each exquisite festive dish carries blessings and expectations. Pairing these delicacies with suitable wine can not only enhance the dining experience but also add an elegant atmosphere to the entire banquet. Here are some classic festive dishes and their best wine pairings, allowing you to enjoy a richer taste experience during the Spring Festival.
1. The Irreplaceable “White Cut Chicken”
Dish Flavor Characteristics: White cut chicken is renowned for its delicate meat that is oily yet not greasy, emphasizing the original flavor of the chicken with a light yet layered taste.
Best Wine Pairing: A refreshing white wine from Chablis is the most suitable choice. Its slightly mineral taste can balance the fat of the chicken and delicately highlight its sweet and fresh flavor. The fresh acidity of Chablis is like a clear spring, perfectly melting away the richness of the meat, making each bite refreshing.
2. Aromatic “Braised Lion’s Head”
Dish Flavor Characteristics: This famous Jiangsu and Zhejiang dish is known for its rich sauce and tender meat, offering a full and mouthwatering taste.
Best Wine Pairing: It is recommended to pair it with a soft-bodied Pinot Noir. Its medium body and delicate layers can make the rich sauce of the lion's head smoother, not overpowering the main dish while providing a rich contrast on the palate. In Hong Kong, many families choose this pairing to welcome the new year and enhance the festive atmosphere.
The benefits of pairing reunion dinner with wine lie in enhancing the dining experience and adding to the festive atmosphere. The right wine can balance the rich flavors of the traditional dishes, especially the greasy ones. Sparkling wine or rosé, with their refreshing taste, can effectively neutralize the oily sensation, making each bite more palatable. Additionally, the tannins in red wine can reduce the greasiness of meat and enhance the overall flavor, allowing everyone to enjoy the wonderful time of reunion more. Choosing the right wine not only adds color to the dining table but also promotes interaction and joy among family members.
3. The "Steamed Grouper" with Abundance Every Year
Dish Flavor Characteristics: Grouper has a tender texture, usually paired with light sauces to showcase the freshness of seafood.
Best Wine Pairing: Italian Vermentino white wine is an excellent choice. Its unique citrus aroma and subtle salinity complement Asian seafood dishes well, providing a naturally rewarding acidity that makes the entire dish more vibrant.
4. Satisfying "Claypot Rice with Preserved Meats"
Dish Flavor Characteristics: Claypot rice with preserved meats is rich and oily, with an abundance of savory flavors. It features both crisp and soft textures, making it one of Hong Kong's iconic cuisines.
Best Wine Pairing: Best paired with Spanish Rosé. The fresh fruitiness of Rosé wine perfectly balances the heaviness of the preserved meats, enhancing the dish's layers. Especially those with a hint of sweetness, the Rosé elevates the crispness of the rice, making it a favorite.
5. Perfectly Sweet "Freshly Ground Almond Tea"
Dish Flavor Characteristics: Almond tea is sweet without being cloying, with a rich almond aroma, and is a common dessert during the New Year period.
Best Wine Pairing: Moscato d’Asti is an excellent dessert companion. It carries notes of honey and almond, as if tailor-made for almond tea. The slight effervescence and low alcohol content make it refreshing and pleasant, without overshadowing the main course, enriching the overall dining experience.
Wine is not just a beverage; it is a lifestyle. With the rise of social media, people increasingly enjoy sharing their dining experiences. During reunion dinners, inviting friends and family for delicate tasting exchanges not only strengthens relationships but also allows everyone to enjoy food and wine in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.
