Let’s talk about lager loyalty in the Kingdom. When it comes to local brews, Cambodia Beer vs Angkor Beer is the battle that defines every fridge, plastic table, and late-night corner store in the country. Everyone has an opinion. Most have a preference. But the truth is this: neither one is a masterpiece, and one is clearly more drinkable.
Just Because It Sells Does Not Mean It’s Good
Before we get into Cambodian specifics, let’s look at the bigger picture. The best-selling beer in the world is Snow Beer from China. It sells billions of litres. It also tastes like piss water. Mass production rarely means quality. That rule applies here too. Angkor Beer is Cambodia’s best-seller and indeed oldest beer, but that does not mean it’s the people’s favourite.
Angkor Beer comes in big cans, big bottles, and big marketing. It is brewed by Cambrew in Sihanoukville and its slogan is plastered on beer towers from Kep to Kampong Thom. My Country My Beer. It’s been around for years and for a lot of locals it is the default option. But if you talk to anyone who has lived in Cambodia for more than a week, the choice usually shifts.
Cambodia Beer and the Expat Divide
Cambodia Beer vs Angkor Beer is also a quick way to spot tourists from long-termers. Tourists will grab whatever is cold and within reach. Expats? They’re reaching for a can of Cambodia. This beer is brewed by Khmer Beverages, part of the Chip Mong Group. You’ll find it for 50 cents in shops, or 75 cents to a dollar in most bars. Sometimes you get it on draft. Sometimes in a bucket of ice. It is always decent for the price.
Taste-wise, Cambodia Beer is slightly more bitter, slightly more bodied, and just a bit more satisfying. It’s the beer that says “I live here now” and backs it up with a freebie.
Yes, You Can Win Beer
Cambodia Beer comes with one of the greatest promotions of all time. Every can has a rip-off tab. Underneath, you might find a little message saying you won a free beer. Or you might lose. But when you win, even once, it becomes a game. A sweaty, satisfying, drunken lottery.
You peel off that top. You check the tab. You walk back to the shop with pride and trade it in. One more cold one, on the house. Not because you are rich. Because you are lucky.
The government are though talking about removing this as they think it encourages drinking! Miserable bastards? You got it.
The Taste Test
Let’s not pretend either of these are craft brews. Cambodia Beer vs Angkor Beer is a battle of local lagers. Both are light, pale, and brewed for hot days and loud nights. But Cambodia Beer has more going on. It feels slightly less manufactured, slightly more bitter, and just a little bit more alive.
Angkor Beer is easy to find and easy to drink, but that’s about where it ends. It’s smooth in a forgettable way. Cambodia Beer has a bit more edge. It feels like the beer version of a back-alley moto ride at midnight. Unpolished, but fun.
What Else Do They Brew?
Khmer Beverages, the people behind Cambodia Beer, also make Barley Black Extra Stout which is surprisingly decent. They’ve got Kudo Lager too, though most people haven’t tried it. The real surprise? Ize Cola. Yes, they make cola, and it is weirdly good. Like someone took the best parts of Pepsi and gave it a Cambodian twist.
Cambrew, who make Angkor, also brew Bayon Beer and the legendary Klang Beer. Klang is strong. Klang is dangerous. Klang is what you drink when you no longer fear consequences.
So Which Is Better?
Here’s the verdict on Cambodia Beer vs Angkor Beer. Cambodia wins. Not because it’s amazing, but because it’s the best of what’s on offer. It is better tasting. It has better packaging. And you can win a free beer just by opening it.
Angkor has history. Cambodia has hustle. On any given day, in any sweaty street-side bar, that’s enough to sway the vote. Oh and don’t get me started on Ganzberg.
Drink it cold. Drink it cheap. And always check the tab you might just be a winner!