East Asia's Craft Beer Revolution: Ultimate Guide to Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and North Korea
East Asia is undergoing a vibrant craft beer revolution, evolving from a landscape dominated by light lagers into a hub of innovative and flavorful brews.
From Seoul to Hong Kong, this comprehensive guide highlights the best craft beer experiences across the region.
Japan
Japan leads East Asia's craft beer movement, having pioneered small-scale brewing since the mid-1990s when restrictive laws were lifted. Even its mainstream lagers, like crisp Sapporo paired with sushi, set a high standard for the region.
Tokyo's Popeye stands out as a premier craft beer bar with 70 taps featuring mostly Japanese brews. In Osaka, a food lover's paradise, start at Beer Belly, the home bar of Minoh Brewery offering around 15 taps of house beers. Nearby, Craft Beer Bar Marciero packs eight rotating local taps into a micro space. Kyoto offers Beer Komachi (facebook.com/beerkomachi) in a hidden alley and Bungalow (bungalow.jp), an open-air garage bar.
China
China's craft beer scene has exploded rapidly, offering bold alternatives to traditional light lagers that pair well with its cuisine. Sipping a robust 7% Scotch ale in a historic hutong alley exemplifies the unique appeal.
Beijing leads with expat-led breweries like Great Leap Brewing, followed by Slow Boat Brewery and Tipsy Face. Further afield, try Beer Nest (thebeernest.com) in Chengdu or Master Gao (twitter.com/MasterGaoCraft) in Nanjing. For one must-visit, Beijing's NBeer Pub (First Floor, Huguosi Xintiandi, 85 Huguosi Dajie, Xicheng; +86 10 8328 8823) boasts a diverse Chinese craft selection and a unique bar made from Lonely Planet books.
South Korea
Despite strict regulations requiring large-scale production—effectively banning true microbreweries—South Korea's craft scene thrives via contract brewing with major players. Seoul's brewers deliver exceptional quality, fueled by a diverse expat community and affluent locals.
Itaewon is Seoul's craft beer hub. Begin at Craftworks Taphouse with seven house brews, including the acclaimed Jirisan ‘Moon Bear’ IPA. Nearby, Magpie Brewing Co. offers an open-air taproom with pale ales and seasonal lavender beer. Check Seoul Homebrew for an updated craft beer bar map.
Taiwan
Taiwan's emerging craft beer scene shows strong promise post-2002 deregulation. While still developing, breweries like Le Blé d’Or (lebledor.com.tw) innovate with local ingredients such as red dates and honey. Favorites include Jolly Brewery + Restaurant and Redpoint Brewing Company (redpointbrewing.com), available at Taipei's Beer & Cheese Social House (facebook.com/beerandcheese).
Hong Kong
Hong Kong's space constraints challenge small brewing, but standouts persist. Tipping Point Brewing Co. crafts American-style ales with a cozy Central taproom. The Globe offers extensive imports alongside locals, while HK Brewcraft supports homebrewers with supplies and tastings.
North Korea
North Korea has entered the fray with Taedonggang beer, brewed using equipment from the UK's former Ushers brewery shipped to Pyongyang. The lineup includes varieties like Beer No. 1, produced via unique methods such as 'steam brewing.' Pyongyang hotels feature in-house microbreweries, accessible via specialized tours from Uri Tours.
