Singha Lager Beer: A Taste of Thailand in Japan

The first sip usually brings it back. A plastic table outside a neighborhood restaurant, the sound of traffic rolling past, plates of spicy food arriving one after another, and a cold bottle shared between friends at the end of a long day. For many Thai people living in Japan, those memories never disappear. They simply wait for the right taste to bring them forward again.

Across Tokyo, Saitama, Aichi, and other parts of Japan, Thailand’s community has built places that feel familiar. Thai restaurants, temples, family celebrations, and gatherings during Songkran all help maintain those connections. Sometimes, though, a familiar beer does just as much. Singha Lager Beer has been part of everyday Thai life for generations, making it one of the easiest ways to reconnect with home while living abroad.

Thailand’s Original Golden Lager

Singha Lager Beer holds a special place in Thailand’s history. Brewed by Boon Rawd Brewery in Bangkok, it was first introduced in 1933, becoming Thailand’s first beer. Founded by Phraya Bhirombhakdi, the beer takes its name from the mythological lion, a symbol that remains closely associated with the brand today.

This European-style pale lager pours a pale gold color with a crisp, malt-forward character and a slightly bitter finish. Its balance is part of what has made it a long-standing favorite across generations. The clean lager profile refreshes without overwhelming the palate, making it particularly versatile alongside Thailand’s bold and varied cuisine.

More than simply a beer, Singha has become part of everyday social life in Thailand. Whether served in restaurants, enjoyed at family gatherings, or shared among friends after work, it has remained a familiar presence for decades. As Thailand’s first beer, it helped establish the country’s modern brewing culture and continues to be recognized as one of its most iconic drinks.

How Singha Lager Beer is drunk at home

Chon kaeo (CHON gay-o) means “clink glasses” and is one of the most common toasts heard throughout Thailand. Friends often shorten it to a simple “Chon!” before raising their glasses together.

Singha Lager Beer is made for sharing alongside food. A cold bottle works beautifully with som tam, where the beer’s crisp malt character balances the salad’s chili heat and citrus brightness. It is equally at home beside moo ping, the grilled pork skewers sold across markets and street-food stalls throughout the country. For a richer and more aromatic pairing, many enjoy it with tom yum, whose hot-sour flavors create a refreshing contrast with the lager’s clean finish.

The beer is especially popular during Songkran, Thailand’s New Year celebration held from April 13 to 15. During days filled with family visits, public festivities, and shared meals, cold beer often accompanies the occasion. It is also a familiar choice at after-work gatherings, where friends meet to relax, share stories, and enjoy food together long into the evening.

How to drink it in Japan

Singha Lager Beer shines during Japan’s hot and humid summer months, when a crisp lager feels especially refreshing after a long day.

For an easy pairing, try it with Lawson’s Karaage-kun fried chicken. The savory flavor complements the beer’s malt-forward profile while allowing its crisp finish to stand out. If you’re looking for a Japanese dish that works surprisingly well, yakitori is an excellent choice. The grilled chicken’s smoky character pairs naturally with the lager’s subtle bitterness and clean body.

Whether you’re enjoying a weekend barbecue, relaxing after work, or sharing a meal with friends, serving Singha well chilled brings out its refreshing qualities. At a Thai restaurant in Tokyo, a serving can easily cost around ¥800. Ordering by the case from Omori Mart lowers the cost per bottle and keeps a familiar taste of Thailand close at hand.

Get Singha Lager Beer delivered in Japan

Singha Lager Beer is available from Omori Mart with delivery across Japan.

• Free shipping on orders over ¥15,000
• Konbini payment available at FamilyMart, 7-Eleven, and Lawson, plus bank transfer and card payment
• Nationwide delivery across Japan

Unlike major marketplaces such as Rakuten and Amazon Japan, Omori Mart specializes in home-country brands that are often difficult to find elsewhere in Japan.

[Shop Singha Lager Beer →]

Chon kaeo and Kanpai may be spoken in different languages, but both begin the same kind of moment: friends gathered around good food, good conversation, and a drink worth sharing. Sometimes the shortest path home starts with a familiar bottle and a simple toast.