One thing I really loved about SEA as a Brit was the strong national pride and identity that was evoked by the distinct national beers. In contrast to my own homeland, every country has at least one of their own which is ubiquitous and dominates the market. For instance, Thailand has the popular Chang and Leo brands owned by the Singha beer company that can be found just about everywhere in the land of smiles. I spent many a waking moment thinking carefully about the relative merits of each of these national treasures and am ready to share the fruits of my labour with you today.
#8 – Saigon Beer – Vietnam
Look, it is a tough and crowded field, and while all of these tasty beverages get a participation medal at the least, the bottom does indeed need to start somewhere.
So with that in mind – Saigon beer. South Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City is known for being the more corporate polished version of Hanoi. That being said Bui Vien Street is a wild ride. Anyway, this is tangential to Bia Saigon unfortunately being the most watery beer on this list and for that reason comes last.
5/10
#7 – Chang – Thailand
This might be controversial among the handful of people who find their way to this blog, alongside my friends who I have strong-armed into clicking, but Chang isn’t actually that good.
It’s the casual dining Pizza Express of Thai beers. It is perfectly light and refreshing, but lacks any sort of notes that a beer sommelier would approve of. All in all work in progress.
6/10
#6 – Beer Hanoi – Vietnam
And this liscticle is catching a flight back to Vietnam here for this next entry. While Saigon is the watery taste of the moneyed south Vietnam, Hanoi is the cultured flavour of the north.
Some might evoke the chaotic streets of Hanoi here and speak of it as a metaphor for crossing those perilous streets. Personally I don’t see that, but it works as a literary device. Beautiful when looking out on the paddy fields of north Vietnam (as pictured).
7/10
#5 San Miguel – Philippines
Not to be confused with the Spanish San Miguel commonly found in Europe, though owned by the same company, beer in the Philippines is a very different beast. Not only that but beers in the Pacific tend to be pretty damn strong. More on that later.
Anyway, San Miguel in the Philippines is an excellent addition to our imbibed tour of South Asia.
7/10
#4 Angkor – Cambodia
The national beer of the Khmer represents the majesty of the ancient Kingdom by referencing the famous Angkor Wat spires in its logo.
And if that’s not a good reason to rank it this high then I don’t know what is. Aside from that, it’s cool & refreshing for those scoring Khmer days. Would highly recommend.
7.5/10
#3 Leo – Thailand
Back to the kingdom of smiles here where Chang and Leo (and also Singha) dominate the local market. Chang is a worthy beers, but lacks substance.
Leo on the other hand is the intellectual beer – the Denis Villeneuve of Thai beverages. Full bodied and strong, and available just about everywhere, Leo has truly cornered this market (me).
8/10
#2 Red Horse – Philippines
What to say about Red Horse? Well if the alcoholism that led you to this article makes getting drunk an expensive enterprise then boy do I have a treat for you.
While most countries relegate beers about 6% to IPA guys in 2011 hipster styles brewed in industrial parks, the Philippines takes a different approach and offers Red Horse as a principal beer of the archipelago. Also brewed by San Miguel, it is a fine way to spend some time in a stupor on an idyllic tropical clime.
9/10
#1 – Beer Lao – Laos
You may be asking how whats so special about Beer Lao. The official beer of Laos – the least visited country in South East Asia (excluding Myanmar). Well, to speak of Beer Lao evokes many different things in my mind.
- The tranquility of the Mekong river in the 4000 islands
- Sunset beers looking at the hot air balloons of Vang Vien
- Enjoying the colonial architecture of Luang Prabang
But, this is more than just a nostalgia session. Like Laos itself, Beer Lao is less known than the larger trendier parts of SEA. But has a flavour and subsistence to it which truly deserves more merit. For that reason 10/10 would recommend.
10/10
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