Today I’m keeping things lighthearted. While I’ve got plenty more stories about how food shapes our experience of cultures and landscapes, they will have to wait because this post is all about the fun, silly topic of brands of beer in Southeast Asia!
A Locavore’s Guide to Beer in Southeast Asia
Truthfully, I’m not much of a beer drinker but somehow at the end of a hot, humid, busy day exploring Southeast Asia, I often craved a cold one. As it is often the most affordable, easily accessible and safest alcoholic drink in many places, it isn’t uncommon for travellers to gather over a meal and a local beer.
In each of the countries I visited I quickly became aware of a ubiquitous national brand that truly defined the beer market. While there are some other brands available, the five beers below are symbolic of each country. Take it from me, once you lay your eyes on one of these bottles, you’ll know you’ve arrived.
1. Thailand – Chang
Whether you are dancing the night away on Khao San Road, chilling on the beaches of Railay or enjoying a spicy bowl of curry in Chiang Mai, a bottle of Chang Beer is never hard to find in Thailand. Capital: Bangkok. Currency: Baht. Don’t miss: The Food!
2. Laos – Beerlao
After a day of cycling the red dirt roads of Si Phan Don, floating down the Nam Song River or motorbiking around the Bolaven Plateau, enjoy a Beerlao, the go-to drink throughout Laos. Capital: Vientiane. Currency: Kip. Don’t miss: The Great Outdoors!
Want to hear more about all the fun Laos has to offer? Click here!
3. Cambodia – Angkor
Best enjoyed while soaking up the sun on Otres Beach or strolling along Pub Street in Siem Reap, Angkor Beer isn’t fancy but it sure is affordable when travelling in Cambodia. Capital: Phnom Penh. Currency: Riel. Don’t miss: The History, recent & ancient!
4. Philippines – San Miguel
Whether partying at an all night karaoke bar or quietly watching the sunset on the beach, San Miguel is the beer of choice in the Philippines. Capital: Manila. Currency: Peso. Don’t miss: The Friendly People!
5. Singapore – Tiger
In a city known for its diverse and delicious food culture, a Tiger beer can be enjoyed at a hawker food centre or a five star restaurant (although more likely the former!). Capital: Singapore. Currency: Singapore Dollar. Don’t miss: The shopping!
Are you a fan of beer? What other beers of Southeast Asia would you recommend?
Stay tuned as I share more food and drink experiences from Asia and around the world! To read all my stories from Southeast Asia subscribe here!
Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post nor did I receive any drinks free of charge. The photos in this post are not mine and full credit goes to the individual Instagram accounts.
I think San Miguel is my favourite. Although I’d say Angkor would be the cheapest. How beer can cost 50c is beyond me!
Bianca recently posted…The World’s Best Cities To Explore On A Bicycle
Haha! I know it’s actually crazy how cheap Angkor is! I love San Miguel too because it comes in a Light version which is more to my taste. 🙂
Only tried Tiger! Quite refreshing in the warmth of Singapore and lighter than the Belgian beers of my region in Belgium 😀
Mmmm! Again, I’m no beer expert, but I do like Belgium wheat beer, especially with orange! Now that feels summery. 🙂
My favorite of the listed is definitely Chang. I found Cambodian beers to be… well, not very good.
LOL!! I actually found Chang to be questionable and choose Leo when in Thailand if I could. I didn’t mind Cambodian beers, but I was sitting on a beach basking in the sun at the time – so that might have helped! Actually thinking about the whole thing just makes me wish for a glass of wine. 😉
I shall share this post with my husband for sure. He will love to learn about new beers to try.