There's no better way to unwind and savour the moment than with a glass of fresh, locally brewed beer in hand. Ask any beer fan and a microbrewery would always be their go-to haunt. And why not? It lets you taste beer fresh out of the tap and a good microbrewery would also give you different options under one roof. The concept of microbrewery is relatively new in India. Over a decade ago, there were only 4 microbreweries in India and Chandigarh's Tricity was introduced to the burgeoning beer culture with the first-ever microbrewery in the city - Hops 'n' Grains in Panchkula.
Rightly called the pioneers of the beer-drinking culture in Chandigarh's Tricity, Amritanshu Agarwal & Priyanka Gupta, the founders of Hops 'n' Grains revolutionized the landscape by establishing India's 5th microbrewery, now proudly recognised as the country's second-oldest operational microbrewery. Then they went on to open another Hops 'n' Grains in Mohali and The Great Bear in the heart of Chandigarh.
These three microbreweries not only offer exceptional craft beers but also create memorable dining experiences. From the first sip to the last bite, my exploration of Hops 'n' Grains and The Great Bear introduced me to some fine beer that set my spirit soaring "high". (YKWIM!)
Hops 'n' Grains, Panchkula
Nestled in Panchkula, Hops 'n' Grains heralded Chandigarh's microbrewery scene with its expansive three-story establishment. Even though it was a weekday, the microbrewery was almost full. Upon entering, the lively ambience, accented by the warm glow of hanging lights and tastefully designed wooden interiors, immediately set the tone for my evening of indulgence. The true star, however, is their beer selection.
Before deciding on my drink for the night, I sampled some different flavours that were unique and I had never tried in a beer - Green Apple, German Bock, Lager, Guava - they had it all! I was seriously spoilt for choice. My personal favourite, the Green Apple beer, offered a perfect balance of sweetness and crispness-an unexpected delight that left a lasting impression. All the flavoured beers were refreshing mildly sweet and oh-so-delicious. I just realised I anointed the term 'delicious' to beer! But they truly were. While beer is a must in Hops 'n' Grains, non-beer drinkers also have an array of spirits, cocktails and mocktails to choose from. I tried their cocktail - House Of The Dragon - tequila, sweetened with mango puree, dragon fruit with the punch of lime juice.
To accompany the drinks were appetisers like Crispy Okra (my favourite), Pita Bread with Hummus, Crispy Nachos (another must-try), Mezze Platter and more. If you prefer desi kebabs and tikkas with your drinks, you won't be disappointed here. Just go for the Chelo Kebab Platter or Chicken Tikka Platter. You will also like the Mezze Platter. I also loved their Quinoa Salad which was as healthy as it was tasty.
The food menu is so vast that you can't possibly try it all, so many more dishes are added to my bucket list for my next visit. And it would be Hops 'n' Grains Mohali. For those who live on the other end of Chandigarh or in Mohali or even in neighbouring towns of Punjab, Hops 'n' Grains is the ideal place for 'beer and chill'.
Hops 'n' Grains, Mohali
Following the success of their Panchkula venture, Hops 'n' Grains expanded to Mohali, bringing the same dedication to quality and innovation. Situated conveniently for residents of Chandigarh, Mohali and its neighbouring towns in Punjab, this outpost maintains the same high standards in both beer and cuisine. With a vast menu waiting to be explored, including tempting appetisers and hearty main courses, Hops 'n' Grains Mohali promises an unforgettable dining experience for beer enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
Hops 'n' Greens won my heart so I was excited to visit The Great Bear the next day. How did it fare? Was it as good as Hops 'n' Grains? Read on to find out.
The Great Bear, Chandigarh:
Moving to the bustling streets of Chandigarh, The Great Bear definitely has the location advantage, It is located on the main Madhya Marg Road of Chandigarh and is in the area where most restaurants and lounges are located. While it's smaller than Hops 'n' Grains', this doesn't make it any less of an attraction. The establishment exudes the same lively vibe.
Here I got a tour of their brewery where the magic of beer-making happens. Amritanshu passionately explained the entire process of procuring grains, malting, milling, fermentation and ageing just right to deliver the lip-smacking beer that they serve there. I loved the Mango beer there - it was truly exceptional. In the scorching heat of the summer, what can be better than a chilled fresh beer with a hint of summer-favourite mango? The food here too was great. From salads to kebabs, from Thai curry to Dal makhani, there is something for everyone. I fell in love with Tandoori Prawns. The Great Bear ensures that every dish is a perfect match for their beers.
A Toast to Chandigarh's Tricity:
Whether you're a local or a visitor to this vibrant region, you must explore these microbreweries, which promise a journey of discovery through flavours, ambience, and the evolving landscape of craft beer in India.
So, raise your glass and embark on your own beer adventure in Chandigarh's Tricity-you won't be disappointed. Cheers to good times and great beers!