What appetizers will go with ale: looking for the right combinations
While the lager is a universal, because it goes with both gourmet dishes and the simplest snacks, the ale always requires a special attitude. It's all about the complex rich flavor, for which it is appreciated by many fans all over the world. Bouquet of ale unfolds only at room temperature, so it is categorically not recommended to serve it much chilled. The same goes for the hors d'oeuvres, which, if not properly chosen, may drown out the taste of the drink. And on the contrary, with a competent accompaniment it is possible to emphasize even the most imperceptible flavor nuances.
What to combine it with?
First of all, it depends on the variety. Here are some general tips:
— Amber ales go with most dishes in principle, even soups, the only thing is that you should not mix them with sweet snacks.
— Light and golden varieties reveal themselves perfectly in combination with spicy dishes. It can be Thai, Indian, Mexican cuisine - it depends on preferences.
— Dark ale will be in perfect harmony with chicken dishes, game, sausages, hamburgers. It's also a perfect pairing for desserts, like chocolate, cheesecake, ice cream, and so on.
More specifically, there are even more interesting flavor combinations to be found. For example, Belgian wheat ale can be paired with soft cheese, salads with citrus dressing, and other light dishes. You can also play on contrasts - for example, pair fish marinated in lemon or lime juice.
American wheat ale is better mixed with seafood, standard pale ale with smoked meats, Indian ale with curry or original desserts like fried ice cream. White and cream ales are a great choice for spicy food lovers: they are perfect with chili, spicy snacks and spicy dishes. Brown ales are the perfect accompaniment to meats, such as pork or smoked sausages, chicken marinated in a variety of sauces and herbs.
If you're not planning a full meal, you can choose something neutral, like nuts. They go well with any kind of ale, as long as they are not too salty and without additives.
Try a delicious ale in combination with properly chosen dishes at Brasserie. At any of our beer restaurants you can find a huge selection of beer, from simple to refined sorts, from strong to non-alcoholic drinks, as well as a big menu of various snacks. We guarantee the best combinations, cozy atmosphere and maximum pleasure of taste!
Summer lambics: refresh yourself with a fruity beer from Belgium
When the thermometer is high, nothing is as refreshing as a cold beer. Especially if it’s lambics — a traditional Belgian sour beer with natural juice, which not only gives a pleasant coolness, but also pleases with deep flavor. Why fruit beer saves you in the heat Light sourness, sparkling «character» and juicy fruit notes make lambics an ideal drink for summer. Unlike heavy ales or bitter IPAs, fruit beers are easy to drink, almost like lemonade, but with a distinctive beer depth. It stimulates the appetite, quenches thirst and gives a feeling of freshness thanks to the natural juices in the composition — cherry, raspberry, peach or other fruits and berries. What to choose The best option for hot weather — sour lambics, which do not leave an unpleasant feeling of lusciousness, like a sweeter beer or soda. For example, the classic cherry Kriek MAX. The bright flavor of ripe berries and pleasant sourness make it perfect for a hot day. «Kriek» is not too sweet, with a slight tartness and a long aftertaste. If you like softer, sweeter options, Lindemans Pecheresse is your choice. This peach lambic has a honeyed and fruity bouquet, a light sparkle and velvety texture, and a slight acidity and refreshing note in the finish. A variant for cider lovers, but it’s still a lambic — Lindemans Apple. The drink has a bright rich taste, which perfectly balances the sweetness of red and sourness of green apples, pleasant aroma and refreshing aftertaste. Perfect for a hot day! How to drink lambics in the heat For a beer to be truly refreshing, proper serving is important. Lambics should be: — Cool down to 6-8°C — this will reveal all the nuances of flavor, but will not lose the freshness.— Serve in tall glasses — the flavor will «play». If desired, you can add ice to the drink, but do not get carried away — there is a chance to «dilute» the deep flavor of Lambic. And it is better to just have to go to Lambic! In our beer restaurants — a large selection of varieties from Belgium and other countries of the world. Proper serving of drinks, delicious food, cozy atmosphere and excellent service are guaranteed!
21 June 2025
Summer appetizers for Belgian beer: from seafood to desserts
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy Belgian beer. But what to pair it with? When it’s hot outside, you want something light, fresh, yet rich. And that’s where seafood, cheeses, fruits and desserts come in, which perfectly complement the rich flavors of Belgian brews. Seafood In summer, chilled shrimp with lemon and garlic sauce are especially good — they set off the malty sweetness of pale ales and wheat beers. But other seafood can pair well with Belgian beers, too. Here are some ready-made tips: — Blanche de Bruxelles or Hoegaarden — whizbiers with citrus notes — can be served with mussels and low-fat sauces. — Saison Voisin, a farmhouse ale with a spicy hop bitterness, will accentuate the flavor of grilled oysters or calamari. Cheeses The Belgians know a lot about cheese, and their beers harmonize well with different varieties: — Sharp aged cheeses (such as gorgonzola) are a great pairing for a strong Tripel Karmeliet.— Delicate goat cheeses with honey go perfectly with fruity lambics like Lindemans Kriek. Fruit salads and berries In the heat of the day, it’s especially nice to snack on fresh fruit — it enhances the fruity notes in the drink itself: — Cherries, strawberries, peaches — a win-win for Kriek or Framboise.— A fruit salad with citrus and mint is a refreshing pairing for a blanche, such as Corsendonk Blanche. Desserts If you want to end the evening on a sweet note, give these a try: — Waffles with berries and whipped cream — duo with St. Bernardus Abt 12 or Chimay Blue.— Lemon tart — will emphasize the citrus tones of the vitbiers or lambics.— Chocolate desserts — the perfect accompaniment for Kasteel Rouge, Petrus Aged Red and Delirium RED, as well as all chocolate and coffee varieties. And remember: summer appetizers should be light and should accentuate, not overpower, the flavor of the beer. It is best to serve them chilled to keep the balance and enjoy every sip. Come to Lambic — in our beer restaurants you will find the best beer from all over the world and the perfect accompaniment to it. We look forward to seeing you!
21 June 2025