Planning a dinner with Asian flavours and the inevitable question arises: what should you drink with your meal? Or perhaps you're simply curious to venture off the beaten path of brewing? The world of Asian beer is as vast as it is fascinating, and it's easy to get lost.
Our mission is to guide you. Forget the marketing jargon; this guide is designed to give you clear benchmarks and help you choose the beer that will meet your expectations. Let's embark on a tour of the finest selections from Thailand, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.
Before we dive into our selection, here are a few simple criteria to guide you and help you buy the Asian beer that perfectly matches your taste.
In Asia, beer is almost exclusively synonymous with lager. These are bottom-fermented beers, typically light, clear, and very thirst-quenching. Their aromatic profile, often less complex than that of ales, makes them ideal companions for cuisines rich in spices and flavours. Their role is not to dominate the palate, but to refresh it.
The right beer can truly elevate your meal. Here are a few tips to ensure a perfect match:
Each country has developed its own style, often by incorporating local ingredients like rice or corn alongside traditional barley malt. Exploring the different origins is an excellent way to create a world beer discovery pack for a memorable tasting session with friends.
Here are our recommendations—proven winners that are representative of their home countries and praised for their quality.
Why it stands out: Brewed since 1933, Singha is Thailand's historic beer. Its name, inspired by the mythical lion of Hindu-Thai tradition, promises a strong character. It is renowned for its full-bodied profile, which is more pronounced than most Asian lagers.
Advantages:
Who is it for? For those who want a beer with body and character to pair with a green curry, pad thai, or satay skewers. Its 24-pack format is ideal for large gatherings.
Why it stands out: In 1987, Asahi Super Dry revolutionised the Japanese market with its "Karakuchi" (dry) profile. Its mission: to be crisp, clean, and leave no aftertaste, cleansing the palate between each bite.
Advantages:
Who is it for? For lovers of Japanese cuisine and those seeking a highly thirst-quenching beer with no sweetness. It's the choice for purity, ensuring it never overshadows the subtlety of a dish.
Why it stands out: Cass Fresh is simply one of the most popular beers in South Korea, inseparable from "chimaek" culture (the pairing of fried chicken and beer). Its secret? An impressive freshness and an easy-drinking profile that pleases everyone.
Advantages:
Who is it for? Essential for a Korean barbecue or fried chicken night. It's the ultimate social beer—simple, fresh, and incredibly effective.
Why it stands out: A true symbol of Vietnam, Saigon Beer is brewed in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Recognisable by its brown bottle, it stands out with an aromatic profile that incorporates notes of rice, a key ingredient in the local cuisine.
Advantages:
Who is it for? For those nostalgic for a trip to Vietnam or anyone wanting the perfect pairing for Bò bún, Bánh mì, or spring rolls with a 100% local drink.
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They are predominantly pale lagers, designed to be light and refreshing. The frequent use of grains like rice or corn gives them a lighter body and a cleaner finish than many of their European counterparts. Above all, they are crafted to pair with local cuisines, which are often highly aromatic or spicy.
Asian grocery stores and specialised online retailers, like the one featuring our selection, offer a wide range of imported beers. This is ideal for comparing Korean beer and Japanese beer, for example, and having them delivered directly to your home.
The best approach is to pick one beer from each major brewing country: a Singha for Thailand, an Asahi for Japan, a Cass for Korea, and a Saigon for Vietnam. This will give you a superb overview of the different styles of Asian lager and everything you need to host an excellent tasting night with friends.