BeerBQ Bistro at Precinct 10 (located just next to Island Plaza) brings a unique concept to the Penang dining scene – pairing beers with food. Intrigued?
BeerBQ Bistro has a cozy ambience with high ceilings, and a small upstairs corner which is just perfect for private parties 🙂
Most of the food here is cooked with Beer to add flavour since beer is brewed from malted cereal grains like barley and flavoured with hops.  I must admit that I’m not a big fan of beer, having only tried the more common beers available here like Carlsberg and Tiger. But there are a lot more Beer options available here at BeerBQ Bistro with beers from Germany,Belgium and more, so I think I’m bound to find something I like? 🙂
We kicked things off with an appetizer (beer free one :P) – the Smoked Salmon Salad (RM19.90). Thick juicy slices of smoked salmon rolled around a celery stick, served with a delicious homemade cheese sauce. The salad on the side has a vinaigrette with a surprising fruity and tangy twist which was most lovely. Suggested beer pairing for this appetizer is Budweiser.
Another appetizer we got to try was the Roast Pork (RM16.90) to be paired with another pale lager – Stella Artois.  The roast pork was pretty decent, crispy skin and flavourful. And I quite like the Stella Artois, I find it not too bitter with a bit of sweet aftertaste 🙂
Next, we moved on to the mains…. we tried their BeerBQ Pork Burger (RM21.90) Â It’s quite hard to find pork burgers in Penang, but it seems to be slowly but surely making its presence in the Penang food scene. BeerBQ’s pork burger came looking very impressive. And I must say it tasted really good! The pork burger patty was nice and thick and juicy, with some bite to it. Plus it’s served with a flavourful hickory barbeque sauce and topped with gooey cheese. A definite must try!
Next, we tried the BeerBQ Pork Ribs (RM38.90) The pork ribs were well marinated and juicy, with the meat falling off easily from the bone. I liked their homemade barbeque sauce which was not too tangy. The amount of sauce coating the pork ribs were also the right proportion, to my liking. Suggested beer pairing for the Pork Ribs is a dark lager from Germany –Â Â Franziskaner Hefe-Weissbier Dunkel. And I must say this was one of my favourite beers so far!
BeerBQ also serves a beer battered Fish & Chips (RM21.90) served with tartar sauce and malt vinegar. To be paired with Hoegarden. I liked that that batter was nice and crispy but would have preferred a ‘meatier’ fish with more mouth feel.
Next up was another favourite dish of mine – the BeerBQ Seafood Platter (RM40.90) to be paired with Lowenbrau. Now it may look a bit messy, all covered in sauce… but it’s a good thing! Because the sauce is ah-ma-zing!!! Although it’s also a barbeque sauce but it’s different from the one used on the Pork Ribs. This sauce tastes richer (more buttery maybe?) and has a more distinct garlic taste. It goes really well with the platter of prawns, scallops, mussels and squids. I also like that this seafood platter  offers something a bit different from the usual fried seafood platter. Oh, and underneath all the seafood is a generous portion of creamy mash potatoes!
BeerBQ also has a pretty decent Spaghetti Vongole (RM18.90) cooked with white wine. I’ve had this dish twice and I must say that the first time was rather disappointing. The second time round was much more improved as the dish had better. cleaner flavours.
Finally it’s time for dessert! And their signature dessert is the Stout Cake – a moist chocolate cake spiked with Guiness Stout. Served warm, with a dollop of whipped cream.
Other than beer, BeerBQ also serves up Beer Cocktails. And we got the chance to try a really unique beer cocktail – Chilli Beer (RM22.90) The Chilli beer is made with a dash of tabasco sauce, black pepper and cili padi! Yes you read that right – cili padi! It’s definitely one fiery drink! You can really smell the fragrant bird’s eye chilli before you drink the beer, and it’s got a hot burning aftertaste. Not a drink for the faint hearted!
Another cocktail is the Blue Ocean (RM22.90) – beer with blue curacao with some lemon.
For non beer drinkers, fret not, they do have a selection of juices and mocktails. We tried the BeerBQ Triple (RM9.90) – a combination of pineapple, orange and apples.
The essentials:-
BeerBQ Bistro @ Precinct 10
Jalan Tanjung Tokong, 10470 Penang
TEL: 04-890 5157
Opening hours: 12pm-11pm, Closed on Thursdays
Facebook page: BeerBQ
Must-trys (based on my own personal tastes) – Pork Burger, Seafood platter & Pork ribs with the Franziskaner Hefe-Weissbier Dunkel beer (and Chilli Beer for the adventurous? hehe)
* the restaurant is currently undergoing some renovations but I understand that business is on as usual where diners can dine next door. For more details and reservations, do give them a call.
I was in Precinct 10 last week , i saw that the BeerBQ Bistro was block for renovation. i thought they have closed as the business is not good. Seem like i am wrong, do you know when they will resume business?
hi wong! i’ve just double checked with BeerBQ, they are open for business as usual while the renovations go on. They’ve made arrangements for diners to dine next door at Nueve. hope this helps 🙂