Top 10 beers most frequently ordered at Lambic
Compiling a beer chart is no easy task, as everyone has different tastes. But statistics are stubborn things. We analyzed actual orders at Lambic beer restaurants and prepared an honest rating of the most popular beer brands for you. For convenience, we divided it into two categories: bottled and draft. So, here are the best Belgian (and other) beers according to our guests!
Top 10 bottled beers
Bottles allow brewers to create ideal conditions for maturation and preserve complex flavors. These varieties are favorites among those who appreciate authenticity and depth.
1. Riegele Feines Urhell
— An exemplary German lager. Golden, crystal clear, with a pronounced hop bitterness that is perfectly balanced with malt sweetness. The taste is fresh, with light herbal notes.
— Alcohol content: 4.7%
— Suitable for connoisseurs of classic and pure flavors. An excellent choice for those who are tired of watery mass-produced lagers and are looking for the gold standard.
— What to order with it: pretzels, grilled sausages, potato salad, burgers.
Bartender's comment: “Often ordered by guests who want a ‘good light beer’. Perfect for the first glass."
2. Eggenberg, Freibier
— Non-alcoholic lager with the classic taste of Austrian beer. It has a fresh taste with a delicate bitterness. The aftertaste is long and pleasant.
— Alcohol content: 0.5%.
— Suitable for those who want to enjoy an evening without alcohol.
— What to order with it: seafood.
3. Barbe Ruby
— A genuine cherry lambic from Belgium. It has a bright, berry flavor with a pleasant natural tartness and a refreshing aftertaste.
— Alcohol content: 7%.
— Suitable for lovers of fruit varieties and those who are just discovering the world of Belgian lambics. Often enjoyed by those who usually drink wine or cider.
— What to order with it: light salads, meat dishes, desserts.
Bartender's comment: “Very often ordered for women's groups or as a dessert beer."
4. Schnitzlbaumer Weisse Alkoholfrei
— Non-alcoholic fruity and tart wheat beer. It has a light refreshing taste with a delicate hop bitterness in the aftertaste.
— Alcohol content – 0.4%.
— Suitable for drivers, athletes, pregnant women, or simply those who don't want alcohol today but crave the taste of real beer.
— What to order with it: light salads, soups, grilled vegetables, cheeses. Very refreshing on its own.
Guest comment: “I'm driving, but I don't want to drink juice with my friends at the bar. This beer is just what I need. It feels like I'm drinking real wheat beer, but I'm not getting drunk.”
5. Delirium Red
— Dessert beer with cherries and elderberry juice. The taste is very juicy, berry-like, sweetish, with a slight sourness in the finish.
— Alcohol content: 8.0%.
— Suitable for those who like sweet and fruity varieties. Ideal as a digestif.
— What to order with it: berry cheesecakes, chocolate fondant, sweet waffles, nuts, fruit.
6. Cider Rebel Apple Nympho
— Non-alcoholic apple cider, balanced and moderately sweet.
— Alcohol content: 0%.
— Suitable for cider lovers who, for whatever reason, cannot order alcoholic options.
— What to order with it: light snacks, pastries, desserts.
Guest comment: “Great as an aperitif and, overall, a very decent non-alcoholic cider.”
7. Pauwel Kwak
— A legendary Belgian strong amber ale. It has a rich, caramel-sweet taste with malty notes. It is famous for being served in a unique glass mug on a wooden coaster.
— Alcohol content: 8.4%
— Suitable for lovers of history and rich malty flavors. A beer that turns drinking into a ritual.
— What to order with it: roast duck or beef, aged cheeses.
8. Kasteel Rouge
— A powerful, dessert cherry ale based on strong dark Kasteel beer. The taste is like cherry jam, liqueur, and dark chocolate in one glass. Velvety, sweet, with an almost imperceptible sourness.
— Alcohol content: 8.0%
— Suitable for those with a sweet tooth and those looking for a substitute for dessert wine or liqueur. Best enjoyed in small portions.
— What to order with it: meat dishes, barbecue, dark rice, dark chocolate, coffee tiramisu, nut tartlets.
Bartender's comment: “It is most often ordered at the end of dinner. One glass per group to try. A great way to end the evening.”
9. Corsendonk Blanche
— A benchmark Belgian witbier. Cloudy, golden in color, with a refreshing taste of coriander, orange zest, and a slight spicy kick. Incredibly aromatic.
— Alcohol content: 4.3%.
— Suitable for lovers of light, summery, aromatic varieties. An ideal aperitif.
— What to order with it: seafood salad, mussels in white wine, goat cheese.
10. Tripel Karmeliet
— The pinnacle of Belgian brewing. Brewed according to the original recipe from 1679. The taste combines notes of hops, herbs, citrus, banana, pear, and flowers. Despite its strength, it is incredibly drinkable.
— Alcohol content: 8.4%.
— Suitable for absolutely everyone. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned connoisseurs.
— What to order with it: low-fat cheeses, fried shrimp, dishes with lemon sauce.
Bartender's comment: “Our absolute bestseller. When guests ask us to ‘recommend something cool,’ we often suggest Karmeliet. No one has ever regretted it. A legendary beer.”
Top 10 draft beers
Freshness is the main advantage of draft beer. It is served at the perfect temperature, with the right head, and has that unique “freshly poured” taste.
1. Schnitzlbaumer Lagerbier Hell
— A high-quality, pure German lager. It has a pleasant malty base, a light bread-like sweetness, and a soft, noble bitterness. Very smooth and balanced.
— Alcohol content: 4.9%.
— Suitable for those who want to drink fresh, light, high-quality beer glass after glass. A reliable and win-win option.
— What to order with it: pizza, burgers, French fries, any classic bar snacks.
2. Bourgogne des Flandres
— A legendary Flemish brown ale. It has a smooth, sweet taste with hints of cherry, caramel, vanilla, and malt. Incredibly refreshing and complex.
— Alcohol content: 5.0%
— Suitable for gourmets and those who want to try “sour beer” in its most accessible and delicious form.
— What to order with it: tuna steak, dishes with cheese sauce, duck.
Guest comment: “I tried it for the first time on the bartender's recommendation. I really liked it! Now it's my must-have when I come to Lambic.”
3. Gordon Five
— An exquisite premium lager. Dry, refreshing, with a slight sourness and bitterness in the taste.
— Alcohol content: 5%.
— Suitable for fans of light and fresh beer. An excellent choice for an evening with friends.
— What to order with it: cheese platter, fried chicken wings, salmon steak.
4. Eggenberg Helle Weisse
— Austrian unfiltered wheat beer. It has a rich flavor with notes of banana, bubble gum, honey, and white pepper, and a bitter aftertaste.
— Alcohol content: 5%.
— Suitable for wheat beer lovers. Refreshing, aromatic, ideal for warm weather.
— What to order with it: pretzels, white sausages, vegetable salads.
Bartender's comment: “We recommend this variety when guests ask for ‘something light and aromatic’. The perfect balance of banana and spices — a benchmark wheat beer.”
5. St. Feuillien Grisette Blanche
— Belgian witbier with a smooth, soft, creamy taste, notes of banana, citrus, spices, and minimal bitterness. Very refreshing.
— Alcohol content: 5.5%.
— Suitable for those looking for a light but interesting beer.
— What to order with it: seafood salads, light pasta dishes, goat cheese.
6. Sater Premium Lager
— A clean, classic, well-fermented lager. It has a slight hop bitterness, which is balanced by malt sweetness. The taste has notes of toast, biscuit, nuts, caramel, and honey.
— Alcohol content: 4.8%.
— Suitable for those who appreciate the classic beer taste and for those who want to “refresh” themselves after stronger varieties.
— What to order with it: any grilled dishes, fish with fried potatoes, sandwiches.
Guest comment: “I don't like experiments, I just want a simple, good beer. Sater is just that: a clean taste, a pleasant bitterness, no unnecessary sweetness.”
7. Palm
— The most popular Belgian beer in the “special ale” category. Honey-amber in color, with light caramel, bread tones, and a mild bitterness. Incredibly drinkable and versatile.
— Alcohol content: 5.2%.
— Suitable for any occasion. A Belgian classic that you can drink by the liter without getting tired of the taste.
— What to order with it: mussels, carbonara, burgers, grilled sausages.
8. Timmermans Kriek Lambicus
— An authentic cherry lambic. Bright, sour cherry flavor with a characteristic “wild” aftertaste from barrel aging. Fresh and sparkling.
— Alcohol content: 4.0%.
— Suitable for connoisseurs of traditional lambic and those who love fruity sourness.
— What to order with it: waffles, light desserts, salads with berries.
Bartender's comment: “When you pour it, the cherry aroma spreads throughout the bar. Often people at the next table turn around and ask, ‘What's that?’ It sells itself.”
9. Petrus Aged Red
— A Flemish red ale aged in oak barrels. When bottled, its complex sweet and sour profile with cherry and malt notes becomes even more pronounced.
— Alcohol content: 8.5%.
— Suitable for lovers of fruity varieties.
— What to order with it: meat, smoked meats, aged cheeses, desserts.
10. Affligem Blonde
— A light Belgian abbey ale with notes of malt, tropical fruits, citrus, vanilla, and honey.
— Alcohol content: 6.7%.
— Suitable for those who love Belgian classics.
— What to order with it: grilled chicken wings, seafood pasta, fish, spicy appetizers.
As you can see, our beer rating includes classic lagers, complex Belgian ales, and refreshing wheat beers. The main thing is quality, taste, and proper serving. Choose from our proven top varieties or trust the advice of the bartenders at Lambic. They will help you choose the perfect variety for your mood and dish. Come and try it!
Chimay Red: A Unique Trappist Beer with Monastic Roots
Contents Back to the Past: The Monks’ First Beer Taste Profile: Fruity Depth and Malt Softness Food Pairings: What to Serve It With Chimay Red — a legendary Belgian beer brewed under the supervision of Trappist monks at the Notre-Dame de Scourmont Abbey. The beer’s main strength is its rich, silky flavour, where pronounced sweetness intertwines with a slight bitterness and pleasant astringency. In this article, we will explore the history of Chimay Red, its distinctive taste characteristics, and how to pair it properly with food. Back to the Past: The Monks’ First Beer The history of Chimay Red began in 1862, when brewers at Scourmont Abbey first brewed this beer. At the time, it was called «Première», meaning «first». Production was later suspended, and after the Second World War, the beer was recreated according to a recipe by Father Theodore. Chimay Red was the starting point for the legendary range that later included the world-famous Chimay Blue and Chimay Triple. The beer is produced in accordance with strict rules that allow it to carry the status of an authentic Trappist beer. It is brewed on the monastery grounds under the supervision of the community, while the proceeds are used for charitable causes and the maintenance of the abbey. The beer is neither filtered nor pasteurised, but undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle, which makes its flavour more intense and complex. Taste Profile: Fruity Depth and Malt Softness Chimay Red — a 7% dark ale with top fermentation. Its colour ranges from copper to deep ruby red, while the head is dense and cream-coloured. Fruit and berry notes intertwine in the flavour and aroma — strawberry, apricot, cherry and fig. The malt adds notes of nuts and caramel. You may also detect hints of liquorice, spices, and even subtle earthy or leathery notes characteristic of the Trappist style. The hop bitterness is present in the flavour, but it is soft and refreshing, helping to balance the sweetness of the malt. The finish is long and warming, leaving a pleasant caramel aftertaste. Food Pairings: What to Serve It With Chimay Red — a versatile beer: its rich yet soft flavour complements a wide range of dishes: Cheeses. Mature, buttery cheeses (Gouda, Brie) or piquant washed-rind cheeses are excellent choices. Those who like to experiment can try it with Gorgonzola or nutty cheeses. Meat and poultry. The beer makes an excellent pairing with poultry, braised meat or meat stews. It also pairs well with beef, pork and especially dishes served with tomato-based sauces. Desserts. Chocolate desserts and caramelised nuts are the best choices. To experience the unique character of Chimay Red for yourself, visit any Lambic beer restaurant — we will serve it according to all the proper traditions: at an optimal temperature of 10—12°C in a traditional glass. Our waiters will also help you choose the perfect appetiser to accompany it and recommend other interesting beers from our beer menu. We look forward to welcoming you!
29 September 2026
What Is Gastropairing in Simple Terms: How Food and Beer Complement Each Other
Contents What Does Gastropairing Mean? The Principle of Similar Flavours The Principle of Taste Contrast Why Beer Works Well with Complex Dishes Examples of Successful Pairings at the Restaurant In good restaurants, beer is served with more than just snacks — carefully considered food pairings are offered to complement it. The same dish can reveal completely different flavours when paired with different beers, while the beer itself can taste brighter and more interesting when combined with the right food. This is what gastropairing is all about — the art of matching drinks with food. In this article, we’ll explore what this concept means, the principles behind successful pairings, and why beer can work just as well as wine with complex dishes. What Does Gastropairing Mean? Gastropairing, or food pairing — in simple terms, means combining dishes and drinks in a way that allows their flavours to complement each other. The English term food pairing literally means «combining food». It is a whole system that takes into account the taste, aroma, texture and even the temperature of both the dish and the drink. At good beer restaurants such as Lambic, staff receive specialised training and can easily recommend the perfect pairing: choosing a beer for a specific dish or a snack for a particular drink. Gastropairing works according to two main principles: pairing similar flavours and pairing contrasting ones. Let’s look at both approaches. The Principle of Similar Flavours This principle is based on the idea that the dish and the drink share common flavour notes. For example, if a dish contains caramelised vegetables or a sweet sauce, a beer with caramel nuances will complement it well. If a dish contains a lot of citrus or herbs, it is worth choosing a beer with similar flavour notes. Examples of successful pairings based on similarity: — Spiced dishes pair well with beers that have spicy notes. For example, Belgian witbier with coriander and orange peel perfectly complements spicy dishes. — Smoked meat should be served with beer featuring smoky notes. A smoked porter will enhance the flavour of the meat and make it more intense. — Creamy sauces pair well with beer that has a creamy texture, such as stout. Its creamy notes echo the richness of the cream and make the dish more harmonious. The Principle of Taste Contrast The idea behind this approach is that the flavours do not match but complement each other through contrast. Contrast creates balance: the flavours of the dish can cut through, highlight or soften the nuances of the drink. The simplest example of contrast is pairing fatty food with an astringent or sour beer. The acidity and tannins in beer counteract the richness, refresh the palate and make the dish easier to enjoy. For example, sour lambic or a fruit ale is an ideal match for fatty meat. Another example of contrast is pairing spicy food with a light, sweet beer. Sweetness tones down the heat, while light carbonation refreshes the palate. That is why wheat beer or fruit ales are often served with spicy Asian cuisine. Why Beer Works Well with Complex Dishes Beer has three key advantages over other drinks when it comes to gastropairing: — Carbonation. The bubbles of carbon dioxide refresh the palate and cleanse the taste buds. Wine does not have the same ability. — A malty base. Even the lightest beer has a malt foundation that gives the drink bready or caramel notes. This makes beer an excellent complement to complex sauces, meat and baked goods. — Bitterness. Hop bitterness highlights the sweet and fatty components of a dish without overpowering them, instead complementing them. That is why beer restaurants such as Lambic often recommend beer with dishes that can be difficult to pair with wine: Asian appetisers, desserts and smoked foods. Beer does not clash with them; on the contrary, it creates an ideal balance. Examples of Successful Pairings at the Restaurant Here are a few pairings you can try at a Lambic beer restaurant: — Spicy aubergine in hot sauce with Belgian witbier. — Butcher’s steak with French fries and pepper sauce with Scottish stout. — Pork ribs in barbecue glaze with a dark ale featuring caramel notes. — Mediterranean-style salmon with courgette, potatoes and tomato sauce with olives and herbs, paired with Belgian pale beer. — Belgian waffle with strawberries, ice cream and hot chocolate with cherry lambic. For delicious food and beer — come to Lambic! Our beer restaurants offer hundreds of beers from around the world, as well as dishes that pair perfectly with them. Our experienced staff will help you choose a drink and recommend the perfect food pairing. Come and visit — you’re sure to enjoy it!
29 September 2026