Yoko, a European beer loverWhat is it actually like to enjoy beer in Europe?
How is it different from Japan?
We will answer your questions!
- Differences between Japanese and European beer cultures
- The best beer spots in Europe
Author: MyakoThe author, who lives in Europe, will tell you about the real beer culture based on what he has seen and tasted during his local life and travels!
Differences between European and Japanese beer culture
Fundamental differences in beer culture
Japan
In Japan, beer is popular as a toast drink. At izakayas and company drinking parties, it is standard to start with a toast with beer.
Cold beer is preferred, and it is common to drink it by pouring it little by little from each other. Small mugs and glasses are the norm.
Europe
On the other hand, in Europe, beer is drunk as a way to enjoy social interactions. It is common to spend long hours drinking and chatting with friends and family in beer gardens or pubs.
In Germany and Belgium, beer is often served in large mugs and is not always cold, as the flavor and aroma become more pronounced as the temperature rises.
Author: MyakoWhen I went to a German beer garden for the first time, I felt that beer was at the center of social interaction. There was a wide variety of beers, and people could enjoy savoring the aroma and flavor, and at Oktoberfest, beer was a major event that connected people.
I realized that European beer culture is not just about drinking, but about enjoying it while experiencing the local lifestyle and interacting with the people.
Differences in beer-enjoying scenes
Japan
In Japan, beer is generally enjoyed with friends or family at meals or drinking parties. At izakayas, the toast of "Let's have some draft beer for now" is a standard scene.
Europe
In Europe, many people enjoy beer in cafes in the afternoon, and in Belgium, you can see people reading a book with a fruit beer in hand during the day. It is also common to drink beer alone while relaxing in a pub or cafe.
Author: MyakoWhen I went to a restaurant in Austria, I was particularly surprised to see office workers drinking beer in the middle of the day. I was surprised to see people in suits enjoying beer during their lunch break in the center of Vienna, a sight that is unthinkable in Japan.
In Europe, beer is also popular as part of enjoying relaxing time between work.
Characteristics of beer style
Japan
In Japan, many people think of lager when they think of beer. It has a clean taste, is easy to drink, and pairs well with food.
Europe
Europe has its own local beer culture, and each region loves its own unique beer, such as monastery beer and fruit beer in Belgium, or Weizen beer in Germany.
Author: MyakoThe locals I met at the Oktoberfest in Germany were proud that their local beer was the best. I also enjoyed the local lager that was served there, which was refreshing, easy to drink, and went perfectly with the local food.
I feel that European beers are imbued with flavors that are symbolic of the region.
Different ways to drink beer
Japan
In Japan, people prefer ice-cold beer with fine foam, and they pay particular attention to the balance between the beer and the foam.
Europe
In Europe, beer is served at different temperatures depending on the type. In the UK, ales are sometimes served at room temperature. Some establishments also pour just the foam of the beer into a glass, so you can enjoy drinking just the foam.
Author: MyakoI was honestly surprised when I was served lukewarm beer in a British pub.
The waiter told me, "It's at this temperature so you can enjoy the aroma," and I was impressed by the depth of European culture of slowly savoring the beer itself.
Beer and food pairingHow to enjoy
Japan
In Japan, beer and food pairing is not given much thought, and it is common to enjoy it with everyday dishes and snacks. Refreshing beers such as lagers and pilsners go well with simple dishes such as yakitori, fried foods, and sushi.
Europe
In Europe, beer and food pairing is considered an important part of the food culture. For example, in Germany, rich beer is enjoyed with sausages and pretzels, and in Belgium, fruit beer is paired with cheese and desserts. It is common to choose food according to the type of beer to bring out its flavor.
Author: MyakoWhen you pair beer with food in Europe, you'll be surprised at how delicious it is. The combination of fruit beer and cheese in Belgium is particularly exquisite, and it opened up a whole new world of flavors for me. In Germany, strong beer and sausages go perfectly together, and you can really feel how beer enhances the flavor of the food.
Beer pairing, which isn't something that people pay much attention to in Japan, is one of the charms of beer that is unique to Europe!
A symbol of beer culture! A representative recommended spot in Europe
- German beer garden
Munich's "English Garden"or"Hofbrauhaus" You can enjoy local beer and food in an open space. Many tourists visit, but it is a rare place where you can experience the German way of enjoying beer. - Belgian beer cafe
In Belgium, "Delirium Cafe"or"A la Mort SubitYou can sample hundreds of different beers at traditional beer cafes such as "Hofburger Hof". Enjoy a quiet beer or chat with the locals.
Delirium Cafe is a famous beer cafe with its main store in Brussels, Belgium, but has multiple branches in Japan in Tokyo. In Japan, you can enjoy Delirium Cafe in Kasumigaseki, Akasaka, Ginza, Ikebukuro, Ueno, and other locations in Tokyo, where they serve Belgian beer and grilled dishes. We recommend this place as a place where you can experience the authentic atmosphere in Japan. - Pilsner Urquell Brewery, Czech Republic
Plzen's "Pilsner Urquell BreweryAt "Pilsner's birthplace," you can feel the tradition of the place, and the tour ends with a fresh, unfiltered beer. - Oktoberfest
At Oktoberfest, Germany's largest beer festival, you can see locals and tourists wearing traditional costumes, enjoying dancing and music with a beer in hand. I also enjoyed beer, toasting repeatedly with a large mug and feeling a sense of unity with my friends. - British pub
London's "The George Inn"or"Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese" is a historic pub where you can relax with a traditional ale beer in hand. Many people visit the pub alone to read a book, and the casual atmosphere of being able to enjoy a beer is one of the charms of the UK.
Yoko, a European beer loverBeing able to experience the local beer and how to enjoy it will surely be an unforgettable memory.
As a beer lover, I would definitely like to add this to my next travel destination!
summary
The ways in which beer is drunk and the places where it is enjoyed differ between Europe and Japan, reflecting their respective cultures.
- JapanSo, beer is a "drink for toasting" and plays a strong role as a lubricant for communication.
- EuropeBeer has a long history as a part of life, and is an essential part of social occasions and everyday relaxation.
Experiencing beer culture in Europe will help you enjoy beer from a new perspective. We also recommend tasting local beer at your travel destination and feeling the local atmosphere.
Come and enjoy the depth of beer through both Japanese and European styles!
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