Pad Thai Goong

Estimated from typical Thai recipe portions; verify against exact brands and serving sizes before publishing formal nutrition claims.

1. Prepare before heating: Cut every ingredient before the wok goes on. Slice meat across the grain into thin 3-5 mm pieces, keep vegetables dry, and mix sauces in a small bowl so the stir-fry moves quickly.
2. Heat the wok: Heat a wok or wide frying pan over high heat until very hot, about 230-250°C surface heat. Add oil and swirl until shimmering.
3. Cook the protein: Add garlic, chilli or aromatics briefly, then add the protein in a single layer. Stir-fry for 1-3 minutes until almost cooked, keeping it moving only after it has had a few seconds to sear.
4. Add noodles or vegetables: Add noodles, rice or vegetables and toss firmly from the base of the wok. Let the noodles sit for 20-30 seconds at a time so they pick up light caramelisation.
5. Season and finish: Pour sauce around the hot side of the wok so it sizzles, then toss until everything is coated. Add herbs or bean sprouts right at the end.
6. Serve immediately: Transfer to warm plates straight away. Add lime, herbs, crushed peanuts or fried egg depending on the dish.

#1 Great match White

Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris

Why it works: Pinot Grigio Pinot Gris suits Pad Thai Goong because the dish is balanced, savoury and approachable, with the main ingredient supported by herbs, acidity, fat and seasoning; the wine keeps the finish balanced rather than heavy.

Clean, easy-drinking white with pear, apple and citrus. Good for light starters, mild fish, salads and simple vegetable dishes.

GrapePinot Grigio, Pinot Gris

RegionVeneto, Friuli, Alsace, Oregon

Wine flavourpear, apple, lemon, white peach

Serve at7-10°C

• Flavour bridge: The pairing links acidity, body and aroma to the main ingredients, giving freshness for rich dishes and enough weight for hearty ones.
• Acidity: Use acidity to lift richness, salt, fried texture, cream, butter or slow-cooked depth.
• Body: The wine body is chosen to avoid overpowering the dish while still standing up to the main ingredient.
• Tannin: Low or moderate tannin is safest unless the recipe is built around red meat, roasting or deep savoury sauces.
• Sweetness: Keep the wine dry for savoury recipes; use gentle sweetness for desserts or spicy dishes.
• Best for: Main pairing for testing and editorial menus.

#1 Great match Sparkling

Champagne / Traditional Method Brut

Why it works: High acidity and fine bubbles cut through fat, salt and crisp coatings while matching the dish without overwhelming it.

High-acid, dry sparkling wine with fine bubbles, citrus, apple, brioche and mineral notes. It cuts through fried food, cream and salt while making starters feel celebratory.

GrapeChardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier

RegionChampagne, Franciacorta, English sparkling wine, Crémant

Wine flavourcitrus, green apple, brioche, chalk, almond

Serve at6-8°C

• Flavour bridge: crisp bubbles with fried, salty or creamy textures
• Acidity: High acidity refreshes the palate.
• Body: Medium body suits starters and fried food.
• Tannin: Low tannin is safe with seafood and salt.
• Sweetness: Dry sweetness avoids making savoury dishes cloying.
• Best for: A credible food-led pairing for this recipe.

#1 Great match White

Sauvignon Blanc

Why it works: Sauvignon Blanc mirrors herbs and citrus while its acidity suits green vegetables, fresh cheese and shellfish.

Zesty white wine with lemon, gooseberry, grass and herb notes. It refreshes green vegetables, goat cheese, seafood and herb-led dishes.

GrapeSauvignon Blanc

RegionLoire, Marlborough, Bordeaux, Chile

Wine flavourlemon, gooseberry, grass, passion fruit, herbs

Serve at7-9°C

• Flavour bridge: citrus and herbal notes echo the dish
• Acidity: High acidity matches lemon and fresh herbs.
• Body: Light body suits delicate ingredients.
• Tannin: Low tannin is seafood-friendly.
• Sweetness: Dry style preserves freshness.
• Best for: A credible food-led pairing for this recipe.

#1 Great match White

Albariño / Vinho Verde

Why it works: Saline citrus fruit and high acidity make Albariño or Vinho Verde a particularly credible match for shellfish, salt cod and Atlantic fish.

Fresh coastal white wine with citrus, peach, sea-spray minerality and bright acidity. Excellent with seafood, salt cod, octopus and light fried fish.

GrapeAlbariño, Alvarinho, Loureiro, Arinto

RegionRías Baixas, Minho, Vinho Verde

Wine flavourlime, peach, saline, green apple, blossom

Serve at7-9°C

• Flavour bridge: salinity and citrus connect directly to seafood
• Acidity: High acidity cuts oil and salt.
• Body: Light body respects delicate seafood.
• Tannin: Very low tannin prevents metallic notes.
• Sweetness: Dryness keeps the finish clean.
• Best for: A credible food-led pairing for this recipe.

These are wine-style pairings, so you can choose any bottle in that style rather than needing one exact producer. Look for the grape, region or style name on the label.