Overview
Ask four people what their favourite takeaway meal is and you'll probably get four different answers — and none of them will match yours. If you live with those four people, deciding what's for dinner can be as challenging as finding a supermarket that has toilet paper in stock. And, even if you get your way, the battle is only half won. To really earn those nods of approval at the end of the meal, you have to choose the perfect bottle of wine that'll make the food taste even better (and make your victory even sweeter).
Though a takeaway meal at home has many upsides — like being able to eat in your PJs — you're unlikely to have a sommelier on hand (if you do, we're jealous). Sure, we all know the basics: white wine goes well with seafood and red meat should be paired with a glass of red. But there's a little more to it than that — you also need to consider things like the acidity, tannins and weight of the wine. So, we've teamed up with online wine retailer Cellarmasters to put in some of the hard yards for you. We've selected five excellent takeaway options in your city and found a top-notch drop that'll perfectly complement each one. And thanks to Cellarmasters, which has wiped its home delivery fees on all orders, you can get your hands on all of them without having to leave your house.
RaRa by Luisa Brimble
SLURP SPICY RAMEN AND SIP FRUITY ROSÉ
Cooking a decent meal isn't that hard so, most of the time, ordering a takeaway is just a sign you can't be bothered. But if it's ramen you're craving, you're 100 percent excused. This is not a dish you can whip up in 20 minutes. No matter what base style you go for — shio (salt), shoyu (soy), miso or tonkotsu (pork) — you can be certain that the chef has had that broth bubbling away for hours to perfect the complex flavour. Considering all the flavour combinations that are available with ramen, choosing a vino can be pretty tricky, but a well-rounded rosé should do the trick. Aim for one with good acidity and a slightly dry finish, which should work with a creamy, salty broth. And, if you like to load up on the spice, look for a drop that has bold, fruity flavours to balance that hit of chilli.
What to order: In Melbourne, you can get Neko Neko's spicy tofu ramen takeaway or via Deliveroo. In Sydney, order the tonkotsu with housemade chilli and black garlic for pickup or delivery from RaRa.
Pair with: Zonte's Footstep Organic Rosé — this bright tempranillo rosé from the Fleurieu Peninsula showcases blackcurrent and red grapefruit aromas, and retains a good acidity that helps it pair well with most spicy dishes.
Capitano by Kate Shanasy
ENJOY A SLICE OF PIZZA WITH AN EARTHY SANGIOVESE
Unless you have somehow scored a woodfire oven in your crib, pizza is another dish that you could never create as well at home — try as you may. Especially not when you can get a perfectly crispy, chewy slice from some of the best in the biz with one quick phone call. The endless topping options can again make wine pairing a challenge. But if you're sticking to a classic tomato base, sangiovese will serve you well, thanks to its high acidity. Choose a wine that has rich stonefruit notes — think cherry or plum — which will balance out savoury toppings like parmesan, anchovies and olives.
What to order: In Sydney, Bella Brutta produces some of our favourite slices, including an extra-saucy marinara topped with anchovies, which are all available for pickup and delivery. Meanwhile, in Melbourne, Carlton joint Capitano is also offering takeaway and delivery on its goods, including the classic tomato pie and double pepperoni.
Pair with: Altero Sangiovese — you'll find sour red cherries and spice on the nose and oaky, earthy notes on the palate with this Fleurieu Peninsula drop.
Tipico by Julian Sansone
PAIR A BOWL OF MEAT-BASED PASTA WITH NERO D'AVOLA
A big bowl of pasta may not be the most traditional takeaway option. But given the state of the supermarket shelves at the moment, we're so fortunate that many local restaurants are remaining open so we can get our favourite carb fix. Our tastebuds deserve better than Dolmio right now anyway. A lot of time, love and (metaphorical) elbow grease goes into making a traditional meat-based pasta, and this is a dish you want to take your time eating to savour all of the complex flavours. A full-bodied Italian red will not only stay on theme, but the long finish will also linger on the palate and complement the rich sauce.
What to order: Melbourne's Tipico has launched a to-go menu with pasta and sauce packs, including beef ragu, duck ragu and beef lasagne, to whip up whenever the craving strikes. Meanwhile, Sydneysiders can get a hearty serving of lasagne from Darlo bar Love, Tilly Devine for $25, available for pickup or delivery.
Pair with: Colpasso Nero D'avola Appassimento — this award-winning Italian wine is made by partially drying the grapes prior to fermentation and has spent 6–8 months in oak resulting in an intense flavour and long finish.
Horn Please by Peter Tarasiuk
TRY CREAMY FISH CURRY WITH A GLASS OF CHARDONNAY
There's just something about an Indian curry that makes the prospect of spending yet another night at home not seem so bad. While the weather is still decent, opt for something like a mild coconut fish curry — it'll still give you that cosy, belly-warming feeling, but it's easy on the chilli so you won't need to worry about overheating. Pairing this dish with a crisp chardonnay will also help keep things light and bright. The fresh tropical fruit flavours work well with seafood, while the citrus acidity will balance out the rich creaminess of the sauce.
What to order: Sydneysiders can order the coconut fish curry with turmeric and mustard seed from Surry Hills spot Don't Tell Aunty, while Melburnians can snag the same dish from sister joint Horn Please in Fitzroy North. Both spots are offering takeaway and delivery.
Pair with: David Lowe Wines Chardonnay — expect subtle oak notes and tropical fruit flavours from this fresh, easy-drinking drop from New South Wales.
Teta Mona by Tracey Ah-kee
TUCK INTO A LEBANESE FEAST WITH A BOTTLE OF PINOT NOIR
A giant Lebanese feast can snap you out of even the lowest of stuck-at-home slumps — something many of us will likely face over the next few weeks and months. It's hard to feel bored or blue when faced with vibrant dishes like hummus and pita, fattoush, crunchy falafel, marinated chicken and spicy lamb kofta. With such diversity, a Lebanese feast will sing with almost any type of wine, but we recommend something that has a little character like pinot noir. The fruitiness will lift the peppery and spicy aspects of the dishes, while the silky tannins team well with the heartier meat dishes.
What to order: For a spread of traditional Lebanese plates, hit up Teta Mona if you're in Melbourne or Emma's Snack Bar in Sydney.
Pair with: Dovetail Yarra Valley Pinot Noir — with partial maturation in hogshead barrels, this Yarra Valley drop emits red berry fruits on the nose and subtle oak on the palate.
Be prepared for your next takeaway occasion and place an order via the Cellarmasters website. Each order includes free delivery and a 100 percent money-back guarantee. Plus, use code CPLAYGROUND for $20 off sitewide until April 26 (minimum spend of $99).
Top image: Bella Brutta by Kitti Gould