Every once in a while, you might experience an odd but unexpectedly good combination and wonder how you’ve just discovered the best thing since sliced bread. French fries dipped in ice cream, melon and prosciutto, chicken and peanut butter – they shouldn’t work, yet they do. If you’re feeling adventurous, treat your taste buds to these wonderful yet weird food pairings.
Strawberries & Balsamic Vinegar
This might not raise eyebrows in foodie circles, but for the uninitiated, it might seem strange to drizzle vinegar over fruit. Yet, the tangy-sweet balance is a dream: the acidity lifts the berry’s natural sweetness while the richness of a good aged balsamic adds depth. Bonus points if you roast the strawberries and serve them with ice cream.
Chocolate & Chilli
Sweet heat is nothing new, but it still feels rebellious every time you tuck into a slab of chilli chocolate. Traditional mole sauce is a classic example of this food pairing. The spice doesn’t overpower – instead, it warms up the chocolate, bringing out earthy cocoa notes. Try stirring a pinch of chilli flakes into hot chocolate on a chilly evening. If you love spicy treats, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Enjoy these Decadent Chocolate Chilli Brownies
Peanut Butter & Pickles
Hear us out. This is the weird food pairing you didn’t know you needed. The creamy nuttiness of peanut butter meets the briny taste of pickles, and suddenly you’re crunching through a salty-sweet masterpiece. Make sure you have good-quality pickles/gherkins. Avoid the massive pickles that are drenched in brine – the crunchier, the better. Scoop the pickles into some peanut butter or enjoy them on salted crackers with sliced pickles. It’s a little retro, but delicious if you’re adventurous enough.
Watermelon Caprese
We all know about watermelon and feta, but if you’ve been on FoodTok lately, you might have seen the viral watermelon sandwich. Burrata or mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil, and topped with pickles, fresh basil, salt and pepper, sandwiched between sweet watermelon slices – it’s sensational and an absolute summer hit. Sub the burrata/mozzarella for feta; cut it down the middle if you want a thinner slice, and savour the flavours.
Mango, Tajín & Chamoy
Another swicy combo worth trying. Sweet, juicy mango sprinkled with Tajín seasoning is everything and more; the chamoy sauce just takes it to the next level! The hit of spice, salt and tangy lime notes plays against the mango’s natural sweetness, making each bite a fiesta for your taste buds. It’s just as delicious with a pineapple or zesty oranges. Trust us!
Miso & Caramel
Think of this as salted caramel’s cooler, more complex cousin. Miso lends a savoury, umami punch that deepens the sweetness of caramel, turning it into something rich and borderline addictive. Drizzle it over ice cream or swirl it through brownies for the ultimate teatime treat.
Explore these types of miso and make the most of them with these recipe ideas.
Coffee & Orange Juice
Don’t knock this one until you try it. It’s oddly delicious for a reason. Try adding a hint of orange juice to your morning brew for a zippy kick. Coffee’s roasted, bitter notes pair surprisingly well with the brightness of citrus. Coffee connoisseurs might denounce this flavour pairing, but it’s worth a gamble, especially with quality beans. Enjoy it hot or cold.
Blue Cheese & White Chocolate
This is the culinary definition of opposites attract. The pungent, salty bite of blue cheese somehow melts into the creamy sweetness of white chocolate. It’s not an everyday snack, but on a cheeseboard? A total conversation starter.
Olive Oil & Ice Cream
Luxurious, peppery olive oil drizzled over a scoop of vanilla (or even chocolate) ice cream is a revelation. Add a sprinkle of sea salt, and suddenly your dessert tastes like it came from a chic Italian trattoria. If you want to be even more daring, try it with a drop of chilli oil.
Drizzle olive oil over this Salted Dark Chocolate, Pretzel & Caramel Ice Cream.
Popcorn & Truffle Salt
Buttered popcorn will always be a winner, but a dusting of truffle salt or a drizzle of truffle oil will transform this humble movie snack. It makes it moreish and adds a delicious savoury note in this weird food pairing. Enjoy it with bubbles for the ultimate indulgence.
Love sweet and spicy treats? Get a taste of these swicy recipes.
