ASIANS are good beer drinkers and Kingfishers, Tigers, Bintangs and various hop concoctions can be found across the region. While Europeans still consume more beer on average, the surge in popularity and production of beers in Asia is notable. Most of these are light, crisp beers that are perfect for the tropics and for some travellers are considered as much part of the experience of the region as seeing the temples, the markets and other attractions.
A large billboard advertising beer hangs over a river in the Mekong Delta in Southern Vietnam. Pic: AP.
Bintang Bir Pilsener, Indonesia
If you’ve sat on a beach anywhere in Indonesia you’ve no doubt sucked down a Bintang at some point. If you haven’t you’ll surely have seen a backpacker in a Bintang shirt. While it’s decidedly popular amongst tourists the Indonesians like their national beverage too; something the name should tell you – Bintang means star in Indonesian. It’s 4.7 alcohol and easy on the palate – perfect for the tropics.
Bia Hoi, Vietnam
The light lager of the Vietnamese is like drinking water for some with such low alcohol content (three percent) but really it’s the cultural experience as much as anything that has helped Bia Hoi make this list over other choices such as Hanoi or Saigon beer. Bia Hoi is brewed daily and is made to be consumed quickly. It is sold on bustling street corners and it’s cheap. Keep a look out for people drinking glasses of golden liquid on plastic chairs – it could be a Bia Hoi corner.
Pic: urbanhikers.com
San Miguel Pale Pilsen, Philippines
The first San Miguel was produced in Manila in 1890 thanks to a grant from Spain, hence the Spanish name. At a solid five percent, the beer is the most popular in the Philippines and apparently you need only order a “Pale” and you’ll be understood by waiters and bar staff across the country.
Kingfisher, India
India’s famed beer was first launched in 1978. It remains the top selling beer in the country and is found almost everywhere, particularly in more relaxed states like Goa. Light gold, clean and refreshing, it is considered a fine accompaniment to curries and other spicy dishes.
Photo: ALAMY
Angkor Beer, Cambodia
Perfectly named for a beer from this nation, Angkor beer can be found just about anywhere in the country from restaurants to stores and bars. It’s been churned out since the 1960s and remains a hoppy, 5.5 percent experience. The ultimate tourist experience is to imbibe after a day spent exploring the Angkor temples.
Everest Beer, Nepal
For the taste of the Himalayas, or at least something to down after a long day’s trek, Everest Beer will probably be your beer of choice. And if the picture below is anything to go by – porters carting it somewhere in the mountainous country – it’s available everywhere. According to the Everest Beer Facebook page it’s the best selling domestic brew. Balanced and a little fizzy, the Everest Premium Lager Beer was introduced in 2003 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Sir Edmond Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa’s ascent of Everest.
Pic: Everest Beer Facebook site.
Tiger, Singapore
This smooth, well hopped beer from Singapore was first brewed back in 1932. It remains a popular brand, available throughout Singapore and another 60 nations. If you haven’t had the full experience you may have seen its slogan “It’s time for a Tiger” or seen it being downed in the movie The Transporter. The beer is a fabulous addition to dining at a hawker food stall.
XXXX, Australia
The XXXX (pronounced Fourex) is an Aussie beer, but as Australians are very parochial in their beer choice it is important to note this is a Queensland beer so the wrath of other Aussies is not provoked. The brand dates back to 1924 and the name comes from a tradition of using Xs to indicate the strength. However today there are pale, mid and full strength beers on offer to cater for all tastes. XXXX sponsors a lot of sports team, most notably the Queensland Maroons in the popular rugby league State of Origin series.
Pic: EzykronHD, Creative Commons
Beer Lao, Laos
Another beer drinking nation, Laos, has this creation produced by the Lao Brewery Company of Vientiane. The lager is five percent and sells for as little as USD $1 for a 640ml bottle. Thanks to the former French colonialists the beer is light and crisp, considered a good palate cleanser and partner to Laotian cuisine.
Tsingtao, China
Pronounced Qingdao, this Chinese beer may now be a nationalist symbol but owes its existence to German settlers who founded it in 1903. Today the flagship beer is 4.7 percent alcohol and the recipe has been reworked somewhat to contain more rice than mash. Tsingtao is the best selling Chinese beer in the US.
A Chinese waiter holds a jug of brewed beer inside the Tsingtao Brewery factory in Qingdao, Gandong province, China. Pic: AP.
Read about other unique Asian beverages here: http://www.travelwireasia.com/2013/04/10-unique-asian-beverages/
See this list of Australia’s top 10 beers here: http://www.travelwireasia.com/2011/10/australias-top-10-beers/
