A perfect foodpairing on the rise

Across Europe and beyond, Asian cuisine has earned its place at the table, from the street food stalls of Bangkok to the elegant sushi bars of Tokyo. Dishes like sushi, ramen, dim sum, satay, and rendang are now menu staples at both casual and high-end venues. And with this culinary boom comes a new trend: cocktails designed to pair beautifully with Asian flavours.

At Bandoeng’22, we believe in the power of pairing and we’re proud to be part of a movement that brings a distinct Asian twist to the cocktail experience.

A world of flavours
The Asian Culinary Landscape. The term Asian cuisine covers a broad and colourful spectrum. Think of; Chinese dim sum parlours, Japanese ramen shops and sushi restaurants, Thai street food kitchens, Vietnamese pho cafés, Korean BBQ joints, Indonesian warungs or Indo-Dutch eateries rooted in heritage. These culinary styles span everything from sweet-sour and spicy to umami-rich and fermented, offering bartenders and chefs endless opportunities to pair food and drink creatively.

Indonesian & Indo-Dutch food culture in Europe
In the Netherlands especially, Indonesian and Indo-Dutch cuisine holds a deep-rooted cultural presence, shaped by the country’s colonial past. Generations grew up with dishes like soto ayam, nasi kuning, spekkoek, and rendang, recipes built around Rempah, the Indonesian word for a traditional spice mix.

This blend, which often includes galangal, cloves, nutmeg, lemongrass, and pandan, forms the aromatic soul of many dishes and it’s exactly these warm, recognizable flavours that define products like Bandoeng’22 Pandan Liqueur.

Global evolution cocktails & Asian dining
Today, more Asian restaurants, from local ramen joints to upscale fusion spots are adding craft cocktail menus alongside their food offerings. Where soft drinks, beer, and sake once ruled, there’s now a growing appetite for cocktails that complement the complexity of Asian dishes.

Light, layered, and flavour-forward drinks are in demand. Bartenders are embracing Southeast Asian ingredients like ginger, yuzu, lemongrass, and pandan to design cocktails that feel both refreshing and rooted in culinary tradition.

Asian bites at the cocktail bar
It’s not just restaurants, even cocktail bars are serving Asian bites. Small dishes like sushi rolls, bao buns, gyozas, and satay skewers now sit alongside classics like Dutch bitterballen, burgers, or crisps. Why? Because it works. These flavour-packed bites are easy to serve, available pre-prepped in high quality from wholesale suppliers, and pair perfectly with cocktails.

Spirits with an Asian soul
This evolution goes beyond garnishes and mixers; there’s a rising demand for spirits with distinctly Asian character. Think: yuzu-infused gin, kombucha spritzers, aromatic soju and of course, pandan-based liqueurs like Bandoeng’22.

Bandoeng’22 crafted for cocktails with an Asian twist
Bandoeng’22 Pandan Liqueur was created specifically to bring the flavours of Southeast Asia into the cocktail glass. Its notes of pandan (soft, fragrant, slightly nutty) are balanced with delicate spices drawn from Rempah tradition.

And because pandan is used across Southeast Asia, from Indonesia and Malaysia to Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, Bandoeng’22 is a natural fit for pairing with dishes from across the region, not just the Indo-Dutch kitchen.

Pairing cocktails & dishes
We believe that cocktails shouldn’t just be delicious, they should amplify the dish they’re served with. That’s why our website doesn’t just feature cocktail recipes but also curated food pairing suggestions for each drink.

Here are just a few examples:
Kombucha Highball, perfect with gyozas or dumplings
Pandan Coconut Mule, ideal next to a spicy Thai or Indonesian curry
Bandoeng’22 Paloma, refreshing with a vibrant Gado Gado salad
Yuzu Highball, a clean, citrusy match for sushi or sashimi
Bandoeng’22 Mai Tai, bold enough to stand up to pad Thai or stir-fry
Pandan Coco-Tonic, fantastic with grilled satay or mini rendang sliders
Every cocktail has its own story, just like the dishes they’re paired with.

Ready to explore the possibilities?
Want to bring an Asian twist to your own cocktail menu or dining concept?
Visit our cocktail recipe page to discover easy-to-make drinks and thoughtful food pairings that bring bold flavours together in perfect harmony.