As we enter the multicultural universe of Latin cuisine, the diversity of food, drinks, and desserts is truly amazing. Latin food of our culture can be hard to digest, but once we swallow and tangle ourselves in it, we find a symphony of flavors and textures that leave us in awe.

Pairing food and wine is an experience unto itself that elevates the entire dining experience. Yorùbá, Igbo, and other ethnic foods are the kinds of Latin food that can elevate any meal, especially when paired with the right wine, side, or dessert. It’s about finding what works and balancing things out to make the perfect pairing.

Let’s dive into some of the most loved pairings for Latin food. We will look at the best wine for Latin food, recommend mouthwatering accompaniments to complete your meal, and even provide you with sweet dessert endings that will keep you hungry for more. Perfect for foodies of all levels, this Latin cuisine pairing guide has you covered on the best pairings for Latin cuisine.

The Art of Pairing: Latin Food and Wine

At Empanada Mama, knowing how to pair Latin food with proper wine can make a delicious meal and give you an experience you won’t forget! Good food deserves to be paired with good wine. Let's dig into two of our favorite Latin food categories and the best wine pairings.

Best Wines for Mexican Food: Bold and Spicy Flavors

Mexican cuisine is a melting pot of flavors, and at Empanada Mama, we serve the best tacos al pastor, tapas, and mole. Zinfandel pairs well with Mexican food as it amplifies the spiciness of the food because of its notes of ripe fruit.

Denna’s food is rich, and its deep flavor and smooth texture make Malbec a perfect pairing. Margaritas, a classic, lime-based version balances the richness of cheesy enchiladas and cuts through the spiciness of tacos, making it a classic favorite.

Remember that how it’s made — blended or on the rocks — changes what it needs to be paired with. So choose wisely, a bit of thoughtfulness in your selection will bring out the best in these bold flavors.

Perfect Wine Pairings for Cuban Dishes: Complex and Hearty Flavors

Cuban food, a popular offering at the Empanada Mama locations, is known for its rich, robust flavors. To further elevate this experience, we suggest pairing dishes with Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.

Chardonnay's bright acidity balances the pork's richness, while the earthy notes in Pinot Noir work to provide a counterpoint to the spices in many Cuban dishes. With the right pairing, a dish’s best features can be enhanced, rendering every bite and sip delicious.

Pairing wine with grilled meats or comforting rice and beans can take your culinary exploration to the next level. Sit back and enjoy this flavorful exploration to find the perfect match for your favorite Cuban dish!

Delicious Sides to Complement Latin Cuisine

At Empanada Mama, one of the most adored reasons to celebrate a food holiday involves a full spread. After all, a meal worth celebrating also features the sides that make it a meal. Let’s get into some tasty sides that up the ante on Latin food.

The Essential Latin Sides: Rice, Beans, and Beyond

Entrana a La Plancha - grilled steak, rice and beans, and vegetables.

Some of the most beloved Latin sides we rely on include rice, beans, and plantains. These staples not only fill you up, but they are quality ingredients that, when used right, add layers of flavor and texture to any meal. Our delicious Latin rice and beans are a great protein-rich dish to pair with many meals. We especially love to serve Cuban black beans with arroz con pollo, as the sticky, creamy beans complement the savory chicken perfectly.

Another beloved side – plantains, are a staple side dish in Latin cuisine. Fried, baked, or boiled, they provide a sweet note that complements savory entrees. This delicious and nutritious side dish also completes the meal giving it a sweet-savory kick.

Fresh and Tangy: Salads and Salsas

Avocado salad with lettuce, avocado, cucumber, and tomatoes.

We typically add fresh and tangy salads and salsas to add a pop of something green and refreshing to our plates. Dishes such as ceviche and tomato-cucumber salads are ideal for adding a refreshing burst of flavor. You might try our fan favorite– the Ceasar salad, with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, homemade croutons and delicious Parmesan cheese.

The finest Latin salsas, salads, and sides may also lead you to some interesting discoveries. They let us dig deeper into the intricate flavors while highlighting the meal. Each bite reminds us why Latin food is one of the most beautiful culinary heritages.

Indulgent Desserts to End Your Latin Feast

While enjoying our Latin feast at Empanada Mama, we can’t forget the equally important role of indulgent desserts. After enjoying the bold flavors of a main course, it's always better to end on a deliciously sweet note.

Sweet Endings: Traditional Latin Desserts

Traditional Colombian style flan from Empanada Mama.

Among our favorite Latin desserts, is the irresistible dessert empanada, which we serve in a variety of flavors of. We, at Empanada Mama serve a variety of dessert empanadas for various unique flavors. We also love the rich textures and flavors of goodies like tres leches cake, flan, and churros. Tres leches cake is milky, and moist and completely satisfies the palate, while flan is a smooth temptress that is entirely irresistible. Churros, with their crunchy coating and sugary interior, deliver another texture that pairs beautifully with our beloved Latin pastries.

To elevate the finishing touch of our dessert experience, we recommend some dessert wine pairings that work well with the sweetness of these treats. Moscato, which has so many fruity notes, is great with tres leches cake, and a Port helps with the richness of flan. Making the best Latin dessert pairings can add life to one of the sweetest sides of Latin food.

Lighter Latin Sweets: Fruit-Based and Refreshing Desserts

When we need something lighter, there are lots of refreshing options. One of the best ways to end a heavy meal is with fresh fruit shakes. We offer a range of fruit shakes with flavors from banana and guava, to mango and strawberry. Latin desserts, such as sorbets and guava pastries also make a good end to a Latin meal.

We like to pair lighter desserts with a fruity citrus wine or a splash of simple spiced rum to give the whole affair additional tropical flair. Fruit tarts also make for a lovely finish, showcasing the freshness of seasonal fruits. Some of our best Latin desserts, ranging from fruit-based to light Latin desserts, can be found here!

Exploring Fusion Pairings: Latin Dishes with Global Influences

At Empanada Mama, we dare to explore the dynamic world of Latin fusion with traditional Latin ingredients. It gives us an excuse to dig into oddball wine and side pairings that enhance and elevate the embodiment of each dish.

Latin Fusion Pairings: Classic Dishes with a Modern Twist

One delightful aspect of Latin fusion cuisine is how it can take a familiar dish and give it a modern twist. Like Peruvian sushi rolls, which mix classic sushi techniques with the punch of Latin seasoning, we love a bit of creativity. These rolls pair perfectly with a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc’s zesty acidity enhancing the clean taste of the fish and the colorful elements.

Likewise, we love the satisfying pairing of tacos al pastor, with its succulent marinated pork and pineapple, with a refreshing Saison beer. It complements the dish’s spice and provides a slight fizz that cuts the richness of the pork.

Latin fusion wine pairing is a new world where we can acknowledge our culinary roots while adding a pinch of internationality. From sipping a good wine with a twist on traditional flavors to finding a unique brew to pair with our favorite Latin-inspired bites, we seek endless joy in these global Latin food pairings!

We invite you to savor this and much more, and see how Latin fusion allows us to treat our meals as experiences of exploration in flavor and creativity!

Why Empanada Mama is a Must-Try for Latin Food Lovers

The Perfect Place to Experience Latin Food Pairings

Get ready for the best experience with Latin food pairings at Empanada Mama NYC. Here, we pride ourselves in presenting a wide array of Latin-inspired food with an invitation to choose from a wide range of thrilling wines, sides, and desserts to accompany your dishes.

We specialize in authentic Latin empanadas, made to order with love and fresh ingredients! Some are classic favorites, and some are more contemporary pleasures. Combined with our vibrant cocktail menu, the experience is heightened, and we can have fun pairing various things to create a memorable meal.

Whether you’re a true wine lover searching for the best Latin food NYC has to offer or a foodie searching for new and exciting flavors, Empanada Mama is the restaurant for you. We provide an extraordinary dining experience for all those who come and have something for everyone!

Conclusion

As we have seen, intentional food pairings are critical to making the most of the Latin cuisine experience. Every dish has its own flavor profile, and by combining different ensembles of wine, sides, and desserts, we discover what makes each dish shine. This experience reminds us of the power of culinary exploration.

If and when you visit your favorite pitstop (like Empanada Mama) again, we’d love for you to try any of these pairings! With a delicious authentic Latin all-in-one menu, your taste buds are in for a crazy ride. Each pairing introduces you to new flavors, from delightful empanadas to refreshing cocktails and sweet desserts.

At Empanada Mama, we are committed to showing you the best of the Pan-American spirit of food and wine pairing and bringing the joy of culinary exploration to every meal. Visit your nearest Empanada Mama in NYC for your next culinary adventure!

The Ultimate Guide to Latin Food Pairings: Best Wines, Sides, and Desserts