Cider & Spice & Everything Nice
There’s nothing quite like spicy food, and some of us really do like it HOT. If you’re a fan of the slow burn—that pleasure/pain thing that happens when you’re eating a delicious inferno—then you know how important it is to have the right beverage to wash it down. The right cider can complement your favorite spicy dish, with acid to balance the heat and a lower alcohol level to keep that spice manageable and enjoyable.
Portland has so many great choices for a good, hot meal, and between celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and the release of our new Holy Habanero Cider, we’re feeling a little spicy. Next time you’re grabbing takeout in Portland, use our guide and be prepared with the perfect cider pairing.
Ramen Ryoma’s original location next to Uwajimaya in Beaverton has been worth the trip for years. And now they’re open in downtown Portland, too! With plenty of ramen-to-go options, we recommend you check out the Killer Spicy Miso Ramen and make sure you have a 6-pack of Kinda Dry Cider on hand.
Salvador Molly’s has been an oasis in SW Portland’s Hillsdale neighborhood for more than 25 years, and their Great Balls of Fire are hot enough that you can get your pic on the wall if you eat five of them. You can order Great Balls mix to make your own at home now, and we suggest the tropical flavors of our Strawberry PIneapple Cider to ease the burn.
Hat Yai’s Southern Thai Ground Pork is the kind of dish you remember for that heat that keeps building with every bite—but it’s too good to stop! Order online for pickup at either the NE Killingsworth or SE Belmont location, and keep the True Brut Cider nearby for a crisp, acidic pairing that’ll quench the heat.
Frank’s Noodle House (Beaverton and NE Portland) lets you customize the heat on a scale of 0-4 on any of their chewy, hand-pulled noodle dishes, so choose wisely. For a balanced meal with a steady supply of heat, try a lower spice level, like 2-3, and match it up with our Holy Habanero Cider.
KaTi’s all-vegetarian menu on SE Division is always a winner, with traditional Thai dishes that are just exceptionally good. Their Pad Kee Mao is made with a spicy garlic sauce that is delightful alongside the acids and light tannins of our Imperial Peach Tea Cider.
No matter what spice level is right for you, you can’t go wrong with a cold Proper Pint of cider with your meal. Cheers!