Beers From Around the World and Snacks to Match

Żywiec Beer

Hailing from the town of the same name, Żywiec is a classic Polish lager: dry, refreshing and showing herbal and floral aromas from the use of local Polish hops. Founded by the Habsburg Imperial Family in 1856, the brewery has produced one of Poland’s favourite beers for generations. Żywiec has remained a symbol of Polish pride and brewing tradition, enjoyed in homes, restaurants and neighbourhood bars across the country.

Pairing

Crispy, savoury placki ziemniaczane pair beautifully with Żywiec’s clean, floral profile. This lager’s firm malt

and carbonation both complement and contrast the richness of the pancakes, enhancing their comforting flavours without overwhelming them.

Placki Ziemniaczane (Polish Potato Pancakes)

Polish potato pancakes are a beloved comfort food made from grated potatoes, onion and egg, fried to a golden crisp. Found in homes and restaurants alike, they hold a special place in the country’s culinary lore as a simple, satisfying dish—especially topped with sour cream, green onions and bacon.

Czechvar Dark Lager

While Czechia is well-known and revered for producing the world’s first golden lager, Pilsner Urquell, Czechvar Dark Lager honours the country’s centuries-old tradition of tmavé pivo (dark beer). It dates back to the 15th century, when dark beers were favoured across Bohemia. Brewed using Moravian malt and Old World brewing techniques, the beer has retained its authenticity and flavour, as a touchstone of Czech brewing heritage.

Pairing

Czechvar Dark Lager’s malty depth and subtle smokiness are heightened by the similar flavours in the dish, while its crisp finish cuts through the richness of braised sausage.

Buřty Na Pivu (Sausages in Beer Gravy)

This traditional Czech dish consists of sausages simmered in dark beer with onions, aromatics and spices. Originating in Czech countryside homes and hospody (pubs), it’s a rustic staple often enjoyed with rye bread and, naturally, paired with beer. Simple, hearty and meant to be shared, the dish reflects Czechia’s beer and communal dining cultures, offering warmth, flavour and a taste of culinary history in one dish.

Sapporo Premium Beer

In business since 1876, Sapporo is Japan’s oldest brand of beer and an important part of Japan’s brewing history. Brewing at the government-founded company was led by Seibei Nakagawa, who studied brewing in Germany for two years before becoming a certified brewmaster. The brewery’s opening marked the beginning of Western-style beers in Japan. Brewed with a portion of rice along with the traditional barley, it offers a balanced and easy-drinking profile that has helped give a name to Japanese beer for over 100 years, both locally and around the world.

Pairing

Sapporo Premium’s light and refreshing nature provides a pleasant pause between the sweet, salty and richly umami-flavoured wings, readying the palate for many subsequent bites.

Tebasaki No Obunyaki (Sweet Soy Baked Chicken Wings)

Japanese chicken wings are baked in a glossy sweet glaze until caramelized and tender. Typically marinated in soy sauce, mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine), sugar, garlic and ginger, the wings are then roasted to create a rich, umami-laden flavour with lightly crisped edges. Often served as a snack in izakayas (pubs), they’re a popular choice for home entertaining: simple to prepare, satisfying to eat and perfect with a cold, palate-cleansing lager.

Blanche de Chambly

A recipient of dozens of international medals, Blanche de Chambly is a stylish and balanced Belgian-style witbier, crafted in Quebec by Unibroue since 1992. One of the first widely distributed craft beers in Canada, Blanche introduced many beer drinkers to Belgian-inspired brewing and flavour. Named after the town where it’s brewed, with a nod to Quebec’s French heritage, it remains a standout in Canadian beer today.

Pairing

Blanche de Chambly’s citrusy and spicy coriander notes complement the smoked meat’s spice rub, while its bright character and effervescence help to cut through the rich gravy and cheese curds.

Smoked Meat Poutine

Many Montreal delis feature this dish on their menus to utilize the flavourful ends of their briskets after slicing. Smoked meat takes a classic poutine to a new level of flavour and indulgence.

England

Timothy Taylor’s Landlord

A benchmark of the English Pale Ale style, Landlord is the UK’s only beer to win Champion Beer of Britain four times.

Germany

Schneider Aventinus

The first weizenbock in Bavarian history, Schneider Aventinus is warming and rich with layered flavours of caramel, raisin and clove.

Belgium

Orval Trappist Ale

Made by monks since 1931, Orval is a unique and complex ale brewed using wild yeasts and dry-hopping techniques.