Perfect Pairings: Indian Lunch Dishes and Drinks

 When it comes to Indian cuisine, flavors are layered, vibrant, and bursting with personality. But what truly elevates a delicious Indian lunch into a memorable dining experience is the perfect drink pairing. Whether you’re indulging in a spicy curry, a fragrant biryani, or a light tandoori platter, the right beverage can balance heat, enhance spices, and refresh your palate. In this blog, we’ll explore the best Indian lunch pairings and highlight why you should enjoy them at a top-rated Indian restaurant in Amsterdam like Miri Mary.

Why Pairing Matters in Indian Cuisine

Indian food is known for its use of spices — cardamom, cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric — and its diversity in flavor profiles, from fiery to sweet, sour to savory. Choosing the right drink helps cut through the richness, amplify subtleties, and cool the palate when needed. When done right, Indian lunch and drink pairings can offer a balance of taste, refreshment, and cultural richness.

1. Mango Lassi & Spicy Curries

Dish: Chicken Tikka Masala, Paneer Butter Masala
Drink: Mango Lassi (or Salted Lassi)

A classic pairing, Mango Lassi is rich, creamy, and slightly sweet — making it perfect for counterbalancing the heat of spicy dishes. At Miri Mary, our mango lassi is a guest favorite, especially when paired with richly spiced tikka gravies or tandoori delights.

2. Masala Chai & Light Lunch Plates

Dish: Vegetable Samosas, Chole Bhature, or Bhel Puri
Drink: Indian Masala Chai

This isn’t just a tea — it’s an experience. Masala Chai, brewed with black tea, milk, cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon, pairs perfectly with lighter lunch items. This combo is especially comforting during cooler days in Amsterdam.

3. Kingfisher Beer & Tandoori Platters

Dish: Tandoori Chicken, Seekh Kebabs, Mixed Grill
Drink: Kingfisher Lager or a light IPA

Tandoori dishes are smoky, earthy, and bold. Pair them with a crisp Indian lager like Kingfisher, which offers a refreshing bite that complements the charred flavors. If you’re searching for the best lunch Amsterdam has to offer, try a tandoori platter at Miri Mary with a cold beer on our outdoor patio.

4. Sparkling Water & Biryani

Dish: Lamb Biryani, Vegetable Biryani, or Chicken Dum Biryani
Drink: Sparkling Water with Lemon

Biryani is packed with aromatics, layers of spice, and richness. A fizzy, lightly flavored sparkling water helps cleanse the palate between bites. It’s a simple yet effective pairing — especially during a long, flavorful lunch in Amsterdam.

5. Coconut Water & South Indian Flavors

Dish: Dosa, Idli Sambar, or Coconut-based Curries
Drink: Fresh Coconut Water or Coconut Lemonade

South Indian lunches are often lighter and coconut-heavy. Coconut water is cooling, slightly sweet, and full of electrolytes — making it a fantastic companion. Refreshing and healthy, this pairing is popular for those who want a light lunch option in Amsterdam.

6. Red Wine & Rich Gravies

Dish: Rogan Josh, Dal Makhani, or Lamb Vindaloo
Drink: A Glass of Medium-Bodied Red Wine (like Syrah or Zinfandel)

If you’re looking for an indulgent lunch with wine, a good red complements the creamy, spiced gravies of North Indian dishes. This pairing is great for weekend brunch in Amsterdam, especially when you’re looking to slow down and savor.

7. Buttermilk (Chaas) & Vegetarian Thalis

Dish: Gujarati or South Indian Thali
Drink: Spiced Buttermilk (Chaas)

Chaas is a savory yogurt-based drink seasoned with cumin and herbs. It’s cooling, tangy, and perfect for washing down an assorted thali meal. It’s also one of the most authentic lunch pairings found in traditional Indian homes.

8. Craft Cocktails & Fusion Plates

Dish: Indo-European Fusion Dishes, Chaat with a Twist
Drink: Craft Cocktails with Indian Ingredients (like Tamarind Mojito, Masala Gin & Tonic)

At a modern Indian restaurant in Amsterdam like Miri Mary, we love to blend cultures. Fusion plates deserve adventurous drink pairings. Our house cocktails are infused with Indian elements that complement and contrast the innovative dishes we serve.

Pairing Tips for the Perfect Indian Lunch

  • Match intensity: Bold dishes go with bold drinks; lighter plates pair better with gentle beverages.
  • Think of temperature: Hot meals often benefit from cool drinks; the contrast enhances enjoyment.
  • Consider sweetness and acidity: A sweet or acidic drink balances out spice and richness.
  • Be adventurous: Indian cuisine is diverse, so don’t be afraid to try something new.

Where to Enjoy These Pairings? Miri Mary, of Course!

If you’re looking for the best lunch Amsterdam has to offer, look no further than Miri Mary, your go-to Indian restaurant in Amsterdam. We’ve curated a menu that celebrates Indian flavors while offering perfect pairings for every dish — from traditional lassis and chaas to hand-crafted cocktails and carefully selected wines.

Whether you’re craving a spicy biryani with sparkling water or enjoying samosas with a cup of masala chai, Miri Mary offers an elevated lunch experience that delights every palate. Join us for a memorable lunch in Amsterdam, explore our unique drinks menu, and discover the power of perfect pairings!

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