7 Beer Pairings That’ll Elevate Your Favourite Hawker Dishes

We wouldn’t blame you if you thought that beer was only good with a bowl of chips and a football match. Mention food and alcohol pairings, and the first image that comes to our mind is that of a restaurant setting – sipping a glass of red while savouring the classiest of cuisine. But beer in itself has got a multitude of flavour profiles, making them the perfect (and more affordable) companion to help pair with local street food. Here are some of our favourite combinations:

1. Hawthorn Pale Ale

This Hawthorn pale ale, made from a blend of five different grains, creates a complex blend of floral and spice notes which makes it such a great companion for spicy dishes like laksa. It is crisp and cuts through the fiery heat, all while enhancing the freshness of the cockles and luscious gravy.

2. 3 Ravens Golden Altbier

This German-style ale from 3 Ravens is lightly carbonated with a gentle hint of fruity notes. When paired with a plate of char siew rice, the gentle flavours get emphasised, and the bittersweet finish forms a nice contrast to the sweet glaze of the roast pork.

3. Hawthorn Golden Ale

It’s hard to go wrong with Hawthorn’s golden ale, which won the bronze medal in the International Beer Challenge, London. Made from carefully selected Garman malts, the result is a passionfruit and tropical fruit undertone that’ll cut through the grease of roti prata while refreshing your palette from the heavy flavours of the curry.

4. 3 Ravens Black Stout

The roasted chocolate malt of the 3 Ravens’ black stout might smell deceptively like a dessert beer, but the bitter coffee undertones and slightly smoky finish complements the briny oyster meat from a plate of orh luak. The caramel malts and soft chocolate flavours might sound like an uncanny pairing, but this silky stout is just what you need to wash down this strong-flavoured dish.  

5. Cavalier Brown Ale

A complex dish like satay – with spicy peanut sauce and smoky-sweet marinade – deserves a beverage that can match up to its bold flavours. Thankfully, the brown ale from Cavalier does a splendid job. The crisp and dry notes tone down the heartiness of the meat skewers, while the subtle citrus notes keep things fresh and light.

6. Hawthorn Amber Ale

This amber ale from Hawthorn might be brewed in true English fashion, but its clean taste and nutty aroma will help wash down a sinful plate of char kway tiao with ease. Clinching bronze in the Australian International Beer Awards 2015, the ale possesses rich malts and earthy flavours which help contrast the spicy sweet dish. And, the mild floral notes make it less jelat.

7. Jachmann Apple Cider

After digging into a hearty bowl of lor mee, complete with thick savoury gravy and fried yam pieces, you’ll want a drink that can cut right through the saltiness and heavy flavours. Jachmann’s apple cider will do just that, with fresh sweetness from the apples and a delightful fizz that will cleanse your palette and put you in the perfect mood for desserts.

Beyond just local cuisine, craft beer can be paired with so much more. Punt’astic Beverages is a one-stop place to start shopping for all your craft beer needs – be it light ciders or bold stouts. Select beers are also available at Wooloomooloo. You can also look forward to delivery services via foodpanda, and kegs to help spice up any party you’re throwing.

This post was brought to you by Punt’astic Beverages.