6 Surprising Flavor Combinations to Look for on Menus

Julio Neves
November 11, 2024

1. Strawberry and Basil

You might have tried strawberries with whipped cream or even dipped in chocolate, but strawberries with basil? This duo seems unusual at first glance but is quickly becoming a favorite in dishes around the world. Strawberries, with their inherent sweetness and subtle tartness, pair beautifully with the herbal, almost peppery undertone of fresh basil. It’s a combination that feels light, fresh, and sophisticated.

One reason this combo works so well is that basil has a slight hint of clove and anise flavors, which amplify the fruity, sweet aspects of the strawberry. In dishes, this pair often shows up in salads, where ripe strawberries and fresh basil leaves are mixed with other ingredients like arugula, balsamic vinegar, and sometimes even a sprinkle of goat cheese. The result is a salad that balances sweet, herbaceous, and tangy flavors, making it an ideal summer dish.

Cocktails also love this duo. Think strawberry-basil mojitos or spritzers, where the fresh ingredients add a fragrant and refreshing twist to your drink. In desserts, basil can be infused into syrups or creams served with strawberries, offering a light touch that enhances the strawberry without overwhelming it. This pairing brings a touch of sophistication to any dish it graces and is an easy one to replicate at home.

2. Watermelon and Feta

Watermelon is known for being juicy, refreshing, and inherently sweet, while feta cheese is salty, briny, and packed with a creamy tang. When you bring these two together, magic happens. The contrast between the sweet juiciness of watermelon and the salty, tangy flavor of feta is a surprising delight for the palate.

In Mediterranean cuisine, this pairing has long been enjoyed, particularly during the warmer months when both watermelon and feta are readily available. Often, watermelon is cut into cubes or wedges, layered with crumbled or cubed feta, and garnished with fresh mint leaves. The result is a salad that feels light yet indulgent, with each bite offering a cooling burst of flavor followed by a savory kick.

But it’s not just salads that benefit from this combination. You’ll find that watermelon and feta also make an excellent topping for crostinis, where a slice of crusty bread serves as the foundation. The texture of the bread, combined with the softness of the watermelon and the creaminess of the cheese, creates a layered bite that’s perfect for an appetizer. Additionally, some menus experiment with this duo in soups, where chilled watermelon and feta soups are served with a drizzle of olive oil and a touch of black pepper. It’s a blend that surprises but rarely disappoints.

3. Chocolate and Chili

It might seem strange to combine the heat of chili with the richness of chocolate, but this pairing has historical roots that go back centuries. The Aztecs and Mayans are credited with first mixing cocoa and chili to create a spicy, chocolatey drink used in rituals and enjoyed by royals. Today, chefs around the world are rediscovering the power of this combination.

The reason these two flavors pair so well has to do with how they interact on the palate. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, has a natural bitterness and depth that complements the spiciness of chili. The initial sweetness of the chocolate gives way to a lingering warmth as the chili kicks in, creating a layered tasting experience.

On restaurant menus, you’ll often find this combination in chocolate-based desserts, like chili-spiked chocolate mousse or a dark chocolate fondant with a hint of cayenne pepper. Mexican hot chocolate is another popular choice, where cinnamon and chili are blended with cocoa to create a comforting drink with a kick. Some chefs are even incorporating chocolate-chili rubs in savory dishes, using the combo to season meats for a bold, complex flavor profile. This duo showcases how two intense flavors can harmonize beautifully, creating a balance that’s exciting and unforgettable.

4. Pineapple and Avocado

Both pineapple and avocado are staples of tropical cuisine, but it’s not common to see them side by side. Pineapple is sweet, acidic, and tangy, while avocado is creamy, mild, and slightly nutty. However, this combination has been making its way into salads, tacos, and salsas, where the two ingredients create an unexpected, vibrant contrast.

The acidity in pineapple cuts through the richness of avocado, while the creaminess of the avocado softens the pineapple’s sharpness. This dynamic works particularly well in Mexican cuisine, where both ingredients are commonly used. In a salsa, for instance, diced pineapple and avocado are mixed with lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of chili for heat. The resulting salsa is a perfect topping for tacos, grilled fish, or even as a dip for chips.

Some chefs are taking this pairing to new heights by incorporating it into sushi rolls or poke bowls, where the pineapple provides a pop of brightness that offsets the buttery texture of the avocado. Even in smoothies, the two blend together for a creamy, tropical drink that’s both refreshing and satisfying. This combination showcases how a creamy texture can balance a sharp, acidic fruit, creating an unexpectedly harmonious match.

5. Bacon and Maple Syrup

Bacon and maple syrup might sound like a common breakfast pairing, but this flavor combination has crossed into other meal categories and continues to win fans worldwide. Bacon brings a smoky, salty savoriness, while maple syrup provides a deep, sweet richness. Together, they create a taste profile that’s both bold and addictive.

One reason this combo works so well is because of the balance between salty and sweet. Salt naturally enhances sweetness, making the maple syrup taste even more intense, while the syrup brings out the natural smokiness of the bacon. You’ll find this combination in a variety of dishes, from maple-bacon donuts to cocktails featuring a maple syrup and bacon garnish.

On savory dishes, maple-glazed bacon can top everything from roasted Brussels sprouts to gourmet burgers, where the maple syrup creates a caramelized crust around the bacon that complements the dish’s other flavors. It’s even become popular on pizza, where a few crispy slices of bacon, drizzled with maple syrup, bring an unexpected twist. This pairing is a celebration of opposites, where the sweetness of the syrup and the saltiness of the bacon come together in perfect harmony.

6. Mango and Chili

Mango and chili might seem like an unlikely pair, but this combination is cherished in cuisines across Asia and Latin America. The natural sweetness of ripe mango contrasts beautifully with the heat of chili, creating a flavor experience that’s both refreshing and fiery.

One of the reasons this pairing works so well is that the spice of the chili enhances the mango’s sweetness without overpowering it. In many Latin American countries, you’ll find street vendors selling sliced mango seasoned with lime, salt, and chili powder. The heat of the chili adds complexity to the mango, making it an addictively good snack.

In Asian cuisine, mango-chili sauces and salsas are used to add a spicy-sweet touch to grilled meats, seafood, and salads. The balance of sweet and heat is particularly refreshing in summer, when these dishes are most popular. Some restaurants even serve mango-chili cocktails, where the sweetness of the mango offsets the sharpness of the chili for a drink that’s both fruity and spicy. This combination brings a tropical flair and a touch of excitement to any dish, proving that a bit of heat can make even the sweetest fruit even better.

These surprising flavor combinations remind us that some of the best culinary experiences come from stepping outside the traditional flavor box. Whether it’s pairing fruit with herbs, chocolate with spice, or salty with sweet, each of these combinations creates something memorable and unique. So, next time you see one of these pairs on a menu, don’t hesitate to try it. You might just discover a new favorite that changes how you think about flavors!