When it comes to beer, New Zealand puts its own unique spin on each variety. With its range of styles and tastes, New Zealand’s beer selection is perfect for pairing with all kinds of foods. From savory dishes to sweet desserts, New Zealand offers some of the best beer and food pairings you can find. Here we’ll take a look at the best beer and food pairings in New Zealand.
Lager and Light Beer
Lagers and light beers tend to be on the lighter side and can go well with light foods like salads, sushi, fish, and chicken. These styles of beer are often balanced, crisp, and have notes of light fruits, herbs, and spices. Here are a few great lager and light beer pairings from New Zealand:
- Emerson’s Pilsner: Try this pilsner with fish and chips, seafood chowder, or grilled veggies.
- Garage Project Pils: This light beer is great with salads, grilled chicken, and grilled shrimp.
- 8 Wired Superconductor: Enjoy this beer with sushi, spicy Thai food, pork belly, or goat cheese.
Ales and Bitters
Ales and bitters are maltier than lagers and light beers and have a richer flavor. They have notes of caramel, toffee, and nuts, making them perfect for pairing with heartier dishes. Here are a few great ales and bitters from New Zealand to try:
- Epic Hop Zombie: Enjoy this beer with smoked meats, burgers, pizza, and Mexican food.
- Hellbender Amber Ale: Pair this beer with steak, ribs, or pulled pork.
- Garage Project Thunder Child: Enjoy this beer with a curry, spicy sausage, or creamy pasta dish.
Stouts and Porters
Stouts and porters are darker, heavier beers with notes of coffee, chocolate, and roasted malt. These beers can stand up to the bold flavors of grilled meats, stews, and BBQ. Here are a few great stouts and porters from New Zealand to try:
- Panhead Supercharger: This stout pairs well with smoked brisket, pulled pork, and beef stew.
- Garage Project Dark Arts: Try this beer with steak, ribs, or burgers cooked on a charcoal grill.
- Tuatara Stout: Enjoy this beer with beef or lamb dishes, or a rich and creamy dessert.
No matter what type of beer you prefer, there are plenty of great beer and food pairings in New Zealand. From light, crisp lagers to dark and malty stouts, there’s something for everyone. Start exploring New Zealand’s beer selection and find the perfect beer for your next meal.