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JAM | Oct 18, 2024

Heineken redefines dining with the ‘Perfectly Brewed Experience’

ABIGAIL BARRETT

ABIGAIL BARRETT / Our Today

Reading Time: 4 minutes
(Photo: Contributed)

Jamaica’s culinary scene is evolving with a new trend: beer pairing, led by Heineken. This ‘Perfectly Brewed Experience’ showcases the versatility of Heineken Original, Heineken Silver, and Heineken 0.0 in an exclusive three-part dining series featuring international cuisines.

“Heineken is pushing the boundaries of beer with the ‘Perfectly Brewed Experience’, showing that our beers belong in gourmet dining,” shared Heineken Brand Manager Amoye Phillpotts-Brown.

In a bid to elevate beer appreciation, Heineken has partnered with Broken Plate, Mystic Thai, Sora Japanese Cuisine and Urban Lounge—offering diners an unforgettable fusion of food and premium beer pairings.

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The journey began at Broken Plate with Damion ‘Chef Stewie’ Stewart, who is known for blending global cuisines with Jamaican ingredients.

“The goal was to show how Heineken’s bold flavours can enhance familiar dishes and push traditional pairings’ boundaries,” Chef Stewie shared.

He began with a sticky pork loin made with molasses, wild berry sauce, sesame seeds, and sushi ginger, paired with Heineken Original. The beer’s bitterness balanced the rich, sweet flavours.

Next was a charred octopus with scallion popcorn cake and arugula, complemented by Heineken Silver, whose light, crisp profile enhanced the smoky, tender octopus.

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Thereafter, the tropical Heineken Brewed Passion cocktail and the honey miso salmon sushi
were the perfect duo.

A final main course of pumpkin lobster risotto was complemented by Heineken Original, bringing out the creamy richness of the dish. Dessert was a sweet ending—Lychee Torte with Heineken Tamarind Sauce, which balanced the inventive Brewtini.

“I’ve always associated beer with casual get-togethers, but the experience at Broken Plate completely changed that for me,” shared Savour the City creator Shannelle James Harris.

“The way the Heineken Original paired with the sticky pork loin was a revelation—the bitterness cut through the sweetness perfectly. Each course showed how versatile beer can be in a fine dining setting. It felt like I was rediscovering flavours I thought I already knew.”

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At Mystic Thai, diners enjoyed bold, spicy flavours. They started with Kani Maki sushi rolls paired with Heineken Original.

The spicy Sriracha fish was well-matched with Heineken Silver, enhancing its heat. For dessert, the lemongrass chicken spring roll complemented Heineken Brewed Passion, blending sweetness with the chicken’s aromatic flavours.

“The flavours of Thai food and Heineken merge seamlessly. This menu has a little spice, so it balances beautifully with the crispness of Heineken,” said Mystic Thai’s proprietor, Karina
Mehbubani.

(Photo: Contributed)


The final leg of the series was at Sora Japanese Cuisine and Urban Lounge, known for its innovative take on Japanese dishes.

“This menu is a celebration of Heineken’s crisp, refreshing qualities, with each dish carefully crafted to complement the distinct flavours of Heineken Original and Heineken Silver,” explained Sora’s Founder and Head Chef, Hiromasa Takahashi.

The evening opened with the Tartar Royale, a delicate blend of sushi-grade shrimp and salmon drizzled with Heineken and perfectly wedded with Heineken Original. The beer’s light bitterness balanced the richness of the seafood.

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Next, the Sakura Bliss Roll—pan-seared sushi-grade shrimp and salmon with cream cheese, avocado, and honey ginger sauce—was partnered with Heineken Silver. The beer’s refreshing finish matched the savoury-sweet fusion of the dish. The Kokoro no Niwa was a standout course, featuring spinach and cheese with a roasted garlic infusion, backed by the smooth Heineken Zen Brew. Dessert, a Heineken-infused strawberryéclair, added a playful twist to end the night.

Through this series, Heineken has created a new standard for Jamaicans to enjoy their beer in a fine dining context. The ‘Perfectly Brewed Experience’ successfully introduced a premium experience, proving that beer is just as deserving of a place at the table in the world of gourmet cuisine.

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