LCBO Food & Drink Travel 2026

BEER Famous Players Poland, Japan, Canada and Czechia have each gifted iconic beers to the world. To highlight their flavours and unique characteristics, we’ve paired them with equally epic bar snacks that you can make at home. Beer is the world’s most consumed fermented beverage, brewed in countless styles and sipped and savoured in nearly every corner of the globe. In celebrated brewing nations and unexpected beer-loving locations, it’s a go-to drink, often best enjoyed with a casual bite. Explore our pairings of some of the world’s most iconic beers with snacks the locals love. Who knows … it may even inspire your next trip. BY JESSE VALLINS PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARREN KEMPER

FOOD STYLING BY CHRISTOPHER ST. ONGE; PROP STYLING BY ANDREA McCRINDLE

Żywiec Beer LCBO 615211, 500 mL, $2.95 Hailing from the town of the same name, Żywiec is a classic Polish lager: dry, refreshing and showing herbal and floral aromas from the use of local Polish hops. Founded by the Habsburg Imperial Family in 1856, the brewery has produced one of Poland’s favourite beers for generations. Żywiec has remained a symbol of Polish pride and brewing tradition, enjoyed in homes, restaurants and neighbourhood bars across the country.

Poland

PLACKI ZIEMNIACZANE (POLISH POTATO PANCAKES) RECIPE P. 88 Polish potato pancakes are a beloved comfort food made from grated potatoes, onion and egg, fried to a golden crisp. Found in homes and restaurants alike, they hold a special place in the country’s culinary lore as a simple, satisfying dish—especially topped with sour cream, green onions and bacon.

PAIRING Crispy, savoury placki ziemniaczane pair beautifully with Żywiec’s clean, floral profile. The lager’s firm malt and carbonation both complement and contrast the richness of the pancakes, enhancing their comforting flavours without overwhelming them.

Beer has been made in Poland since brewing began in monasteries in the 10th century. “Na zdrowie!” —“To your health”—is a common toast in Polish.

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TRAVEL 2026 ————————