Did you know that April 7th is National Beer Day? Although that has come and gone this year, that’s no reason we can’t still celebrate! In fact, your favorite Thai restaurant in Lexington has a very good reason to mark National Beer Day. That would be Singha, the original Thai beer. If you’ve never tried it, you need to come to White Coconut Thai to enjoy a glass! In the meantime, let’s take a look at the history of Thailand’s premium lager.
Praya Bhirom Bahkdi, the founder of Boon Rawn Brewery, the brewery that makes Singha, started his career by ferrying people across the Chao Phraya River, which separates Bangkok from Thonburi. In 1929, the Thai government built a permanent bridge, so Bhakdi had to find a new job. Luckily, around the same time, he happened to be at a dinner arranged by Emil Eisenhoffer, a German businessman looking for opportunities in Siam. At this dinner, Bhakdi tried beer for the first time. He spent six months in Europe learning about his new trade and was ready to open his brewery in 1933.
The Boon Rawn Brewery officially opened on August 4, 1933, and began producing beer in March of the following year. Initially, they launched three brands: Golden Kite, Singha, and Stupa. Over the next few decades, business flourished, and by 1955, the brewery bottled 12,000 liters of beer an hour. By 1967, they were able to expand the grounds of the Boon Rawd Brewery from 3.6 acres to 22.8 acres. At this time, they made the decision to make Singa, their most popular brew, their only brand.
Boon Rawd Brewery started exporting Singha in 1971. The first shipment to America was 1,200 cases bound for Los Angeles. Demand skyrocketed almost immediately, and a year later, Boon Rawd sold 30.8 million liters of beer. A mere seven years after that, they sold 145.7 liters in 1979. Today, beer drinkers and lovers of Thai culture recognize the logo of the golden lion on cans and bottles of Singha. That golden lion matches the gold standard of Singha beer.
What’s the best way to enjoy a cold Singha? With delicious Thai food from White Coconut, of course! Enjoy your favorite Thai dishes and the company of friends and family, along with Thailand’s favorite refreshing brew.
In celebration of the Holiday.
White Coconut will be closed Easter Sunday.
We will be reopening Tuesday April 22ⁿᵈ at 4pm.
In celebration of the Holidays.
White Coconut will be closed Christmas Eve through to December 26ᵗʰ.
We will be reopening on Friday, December 27ᵗʰ.