Beatrix Montes
Singapore has a thriving beer industry, with a variety of local and imported brands available. The local beer industry began in the early 1930s with the formation of Malayan Breweries Limited, which produced Tiger Beer, now Singapore's official beer. Tiger Beer is affordable, with a signature smoothness that comes from its blend of premium malted barley and hops. Other popular domestic brands include Anchor Beer, Heineken Lager Beer, and Carlsberg. Singapore also has a lively craft beer scene, with over fifteen microbreweries in the country and hundreds of craft beer brands imported from around the world.
What You'll Learn
Popular beer brands in Singapore
Singapore is a hot country, and with temperatures regularly hitting 35°C, it's important to stay hydrated. When it comes to alcoholic drinks, beer is a popular choice. The local beer industry in Singapore began in the early 1930s with the formation of Malayan Breweries Limited (MBL) in 1931. MBL went on to produce Tiger Beer, which has been Singapore's official beer since 1932.
Tiger Beer
Tiger Beer is a pale lager with a 5% alcohol content. It is affordable and can be found at hawker centres and bars across the country. It is produced by Asia Pacific Breweries (APB), which was formed in 1990 through a merger of MBL and Heineken Asia Pacific.
Anchor Beer
Anchor Beer is another popular domestic beer brand in Singapore. It is produced by the Archipelago Brewery, which was established in 1933. The brewery was taken over by the British during World War II and then by the Japanese, who ordered Dai-Nippon Breweries to produce beer from the breweries. After the war, the brewery was returned to Malayan Breweries.
Heineken Lager Beer
Heineken Lager Beer is also widely consumed in Singapore. The beer is produced by APB under a license from its parent company, Heineken. Heineken has a distinct green and red design and is known for its rich lager flavour.
Carlsberg
Carlsberg is another popular beer in Singapore, with a heritage dating back to 1904. The Carlsberg Pilsner is a well-balanced beer with a mix of bitterness and sweetness, and it has an ABV of 5%. Carlsberg also offers an alcohol-free wheat beer option.
Hoegaarden White Beer
Hoegaarden is a Belgian white beer that originated over 500 years ago in the small Belgian town of the same name. The beer is spiced with coriander and orange peel, giving it a unique aromatic spiciness and sweetness. Hoegaarden also offers a pink wheat beer, Hoegaarden Rosee, which has only 3% alcohol.
In addition to these popular brands, Singapore is also home to a thriving craft beer scene, with numerous microbreweries and craft beer brands such as Brewerkz, Brooklyn Brewery, and Lost Coast Brewery.
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Where to buy beer in Singapore
If you're looking to buy beer in Singapore, you're in luck! There are many options, from physical stores to online retailers, that can help you get your hands on a cold one.
Physical Stores
If you're looking to buy beer in person, there are several options to choose from. Beer Force, for example, is a store located in Holland Village that offers a wide range of craft beers from over 80 international and local breweries. They also offer free same-day delivery for orders over $120.
Alternatively, you can try visiting a local supermarket or convenience store, which often stock a variety of beer options, including both local and imported brands. Some popular supermarkets in Singapore include FairPrice, Cold Storage, and Giant.
Online Retailers
If you prefer to shop online, there are also several options available. Websites like Beer Force, Thirsty, and AlcoholDelivery offer a wide range of beer options that can be delivered straight to your doorstep. Thirsty, for instance, offers free same-day delivery for orders over $69, while AlcoholDelivery provides live chat support daily from 1PM to 10PM SGT.
Local Breweries
Lastly, if you're interested in trying some local brews, you can visit one of the many craft breweries in Singapore. Some popular options include Archipelago Brewery, which produces Anchor Beer, and Malayan Breweries Limited (MBL), which produces Tiger Beer. These breweries often have taprooms or shops where you can purchase their beers directly.
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Beer prices in Singapore
Singapore is known for its high taxes on alcohol, which contributes to the overall expense of drinking in the country. According to GoEuro's Beer Price Index, Singapore ranks as the 6th most expensive city in the world and the 2nd most expensive in Asia to buy beer. An average can or bottle of beer (330ml) at bars in Singapore is priced at roughly US$8.37 ($11.40), while the same at a supermarket costs around $2.60.
When it comes to specific beer brands, prices can vary. A single can of Carlsberg Pilsner (490ml) can be purchased for $39, while a bundle of 24 Heineken Lager Beer (320ml) cans is priced at $156. Craft beers, such as the Brooklyn Brewery Defender IPA Craft Beer, can be found within a similar price range.
For those looking for a more affordable option, it is recommended to purchase alcohol from supermarkets or duty-free stores, as bars and restaurants in Singapore tend to charge a premium. Additionally, certain areas, such as China Town and Little India, are known to offer drinks at more reasonable prices compared to tourist hotspots.
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Beer alternatives in Singapore
Singapore's beer industry began in the early 1930s, with the formation of Malayan Breweries Limited (MBL) in 1931, which produced Tiger Beer. Since then, the country has seen the rise of Archipelago Brewery, which produces Anchor Beer, and the emergence of numerous microbreweries, fostering a lively craft beer scene. While beer is undoubtedly popular in Singapore, the country also offers a variety of alternative beverages to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some beer alternatives to explore when visiting or living in Singapore:
Coffee and Tea
Singapore has its own unique coffee culture, with "Kopi" being the quintessential Singaporean coffee. Kopi is typically served with sweetened condensed milk, providing a double punch of caffeine and sugar. It is widely available at hawker centres, food courts, and kopitiams (traditional coffee shops) and is quite affordable. If you're looking for a cold coffee, ask for a "kopi beng," which is served with ice.
Singapore also has a variety of tea options, including herbal tea and herbal tonic tea. In Chinatown, you'll find big metal urns of tea outside traditional medicine shops. These teas often have a bitter taste due to the addition of medicinal herbs and are believed to have health benefits. For something sweeter, try chrysanthemum tea, which is known for its cooling properties.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Singapore has a range of non-alcoholic drink options for those who want to avoid alcohol or are looking for a refreshing alternative. Barley water, made by boiling pearl barley and rock sugar, is a traditional Chinese remedy believed to reduce body heat, making it popular in Singapore's hot weather. You can find it at coffee shops, hawker centres, or even make it at home.
Another unique drink is Bandung, a bright pink beverage made from milk and rose cordial syrup. It is commonly found at Malay coffee shops and offers a sweet and sticky flavour. Sugar cane juice is also a popular choice, and you can find fresh-pressed sugar cane juice with a squeeze of lemon at many hawker stalls for a refreshing kick.
Cocktails
If you're looking for something more sophisticated or want to explore the cocktail culture in Singapore, the Singapore Sling is a signature cocktail worth trying. It's a mix of gin, cherry brandy, pineapple juice, and bitters, usually garnished with a pineapple wedge and a cherry. While it can be pricey, it's worth trying at the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel, where it was allegedly invented.
Local Specialties
Singapore also has some unique local drinks that you may not find elsewhere. One such drink is Melati, a non-alcoholic aperitif crafted with healing Asian botanicals like goji berry, hibiscus, raw cacao, and ginger. Each ingredient is traditionally cold-extracted for up to six weeks to draw out its flavours and antioxidants. Melati can be enjoyed as a spritz or mixed with alcohol for a low ABV cocktail.
In conclusion, while beer is certainly a popular drink in Singapore, the country offers a diverse range of alternatives to suit different tastes and preferences. From traditional coffee and tea to unique local specialties and non-alcoholic options, there is something for everyone looking for a beverage to enjoy in the Lion City.
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Singapore's craft beer scene
The local beer industry in Singapore began in the early 1930s with the formation of Malayan Breweries Limited (MBL), which produced Tiger Beer—the country's official beer since 1932. However, the craft beer scene has faced challenges due to the dominance of commercial breweries and the high cost of brewing innovative beers for a small market. Despite this, a dedicated group of bar owners, bottle shop proprietors, hip hawkers, and distributors has driven the growth of the craft beer culture.
The craft beer scene in Singapore has also been influenced by imports, with hundreds of craft beer brands from around the world available in bars, restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets. While craft beer sales currently account for less than 2% of Singapore's beer market, the segment is growing as consumer appetites shift towards premiumisation. The annual Beerfest Asia, held every June, attracts over 30,000 beer enthusiasts and features over 500 beers and ciders from international exhibitors.
The success of the craft beer movement in Singapore is also evident in the increasing demand for premium craft beer at restaurants and bars. Visitors to the country can now find craft beer served alongside traditional local fare in hawker centres and even in mainstream nightlife districts like Boat Quay. The growing interest in craft beer has led to the development of educational initiatives, such as workshops and masterclasses, to cater to both newcomers and enthusiasts.
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Frequently asked questions
Tiger Beer is the most popular domestic beer brand in Singapore and has been the country's official beer since 1932.
Other popular beer brands in Singapore include Anchor Beer, Heineken Lager Beer, Carlsberg, and Guinness Draught Beer.
For cheap beer, try Hawker centres, supermarkets, or the bar On Tap in Chinatown.
Yes, Singapore has a lively craft beer scene with over fifteen microbreweries. Some popular microbreweries include The Alpine Restaurant & Microbrewery, Brewdog, and Archipelago Brewery.
Craft beers can be found at bars, restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets such as supermarkets and craft beer stores. Some specific locations include Thirsty, JiBuru Craft Beer Bar, and LeVel 33.
