What to Pair with Medjool Dates: Coffee, Tea and Cheese
Dates are naturally sweet, soft and rich, which is why they work so well with coffee, tea and cheese. A bitter drink, fragrant tea or savoury cheese adds contrast and stops the sweetness from becoming overwhelming.
Whether you are preparing something for guests or simply want to enjoy your dates differently, these pairings are an easy place to start.
If you are unsure which variety to choose, read our guide to the difference between regular and Medjool dates.
Three simple pairing principles
You do not need specialist knowledge to pair dates well. Keep these three ideas in mind.
-
Balance the sweetness
Choose coffee and tea without too much added sugar. Dates already provide plenty of natural sweetness.
-
Match the intensity
A plain Medjool date suits a delicate drink, while dark chocolate and nut fillings can stand up to stronger coffee, spiced tea or mature cheese.
-
Add contrast
Soft dates benefit from crisp nuts, crackers or kunafa. Sweet dates also work particularly well with bitter, salty or slightly acidic flavours.
The best coffee pairings for dates
Arabic coffee with plain Medjool dates
Gulf style Arabic coffee is often lightly roasted and flavoured with cardamom. Its aromatic character works naturally with the caramel flavour of a plain Medjool date.
Serve the coffee without sugar and take a sip before eating the date. This allows the coffee to refresh the palate between bites.
Turkish coffee or espresso with pistachio dates
Strong coffee needs a date with enough flavour to match it. Pistachio Kunafa Dark Chocolate Dates combine dark chocolate, pistachio and crisp kunafa, making them a good partner for espresso or Turkish coffee.
The roasted coffee notes complement the pistachio, while the dark chocolate prevents the pairing from tasting excessively sweet.
Flat white with coffee cream dates
For a creamier option, pair a flat white or cappuccino with Coffee Cream with Crispy Crepe Milk Chocolate Dates.
The milk softens the coffee flavour, while the crispy crepe adds texture. Avoid flavoured syrups with this pairing, as the date already brings enough sweetness.
The best tea pairings for dates
Mint tea with baklava cream dates
Fresh mint tea is a good match for richer, pastry inspired flavours. Its clean finish balances the sweetness of Baklava Cream Dark Chocolate Dates.
This is an easy pairing to serve after a meal, particularly when guests want something sweet without a full dessert.
Jasmine green tea with mango dates
Jasmine green tea has a light floral flavour that works well with fruit. Pair it with Mango Cream with Kunafa Dark Chocolate Dates for something fresh and slightly more unusual.
Brew the tea gently and avoid leaving the leaves in the water for too long. Overbrewed green tea can become too bitter.
Chai with cinnamon and walnut dates
The warming spices in chai naturally complement cinnamon, walnut and chocolate. This pairing works especially well during colder evenings or as part of an afternoon tea spread.
Choose an unsweetened or lightly sweetened chai so that the spices remain noticeable alongside the date.
Which cheese goes well with dates?
Cheese works with dates because salt and acidity cut through sweetness. Plain Medjool dates are the easiest to pair, although nut filled and dark chocolate dates can also work with stronger cheeses.
Goat cheese with plain Medjool dates
Soft goat cheese has enough acidity to balance a sweet Medjool date. Split the date, remove the stone and add a small spoonful of cheese inside.
A few chopped pistachios or walnuts can provide some crunch.
Brie or Camembert with nut filled dates
Creamy cheeses such as Brie and Camembert work particularly well with nut flavours. Try them with the Nutty Collection Dark Chocolate Dates.
Cut each date into two or three pieces rather than serving it whole. This makes the pairing easier to taste and prevents the chocolate from overpowering the cheese.
Mature cheddar or blue cheese with dark chocolate dates
Mature cheddar creates a firm, salty contrast with dark chocolate. Blue cheese is a more adventurous option, but its saltiness can work surprisingly well with the rich sweetness of a date.
Use only a small piece of cheese with each bite. The aim is balance, not for one flavour to dominate the other.
If halal or vegetarian suitability is important, check the cheese label for information about the type of rennet used.
How to build a date pairing board
For four people, start with:
-
Eight to twelve dates in two or three flavours
-
One mild cheese and one stronger cheese
-
Plain crackers or crisp flatbread
-
A small bowl of unsalted nuts
-
Coffee, mint tea or another unsweetened drink
Halving the dates allows everyone to sample more flavours. Remove the stones from plain dates before placing them on the board.
If your chocolate dates have been chilled, allow them to sit at a cool room temperature for about fifteen minutes before serving. This helps the filling and chocolate soften slightly.
Keep the rest of the board simple. Dates already provide plenty of sweetness, so honey, jam and sweet biscuits are optional rather than essential.
Frequently asked questions
What coffee goes best with dates?
Arabic coffee, Turkish coffee and espresso all pair well with dates. Plain Medjool dates suit aromatic Arabic coffee, while dark chocolate or nut filled dates can handle a stronger espresso.
What tea tastes best with Medjool dates?
Mint tea, jasmine green tea, Earl Grey and chai are all good options. Choose the tea according to the filling and serve it without too much added sugar.
How many dates should I serve per person?
Two or three dates per person is usually enough when they are being served with coffee, tea or cheese. For a tasting board, cut each date into smaller portions so guests can try several flavours.
Start your own tasting
If you want to explore several flavours without choosing a full box of each, begin with the Chocolate Date Discovery Pack.
You can also browse the complete Salahuddin chocolate date collection and choose a selection for your next coffee evening, afternoon tea or sharing board.
