Tsingtao is China’s best-known beer export, brewed in Qingdao since 1903 and a fixture in Chinese restaurants worldwide. It is a pale rice lager in the crisp, clean tradition, built for refreshment and to sit alongside food rather than dominate it. It drinks a little like a slightly sweeter, softer version of a European pilsner. Here is how it tastes, what is in it, and whether it is worth ordering.
Tsingtao at a glance
| Style | Chinese pale lager |
| ABV | 4.7% |
| Calories | Around 150 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | Around 13g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Tsingtao Brewery, Qingdao, China |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, rice, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | Around $9 to $13 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Tsingtao is a crisp, clean pale lager with a light sweetness from the rice and a gentle hop finish.
The full review
It pours pale straw-gold and clear, with a quick white head. The aroma is clean and grainy with a light sweetness and a faint floral-hop note, crisp and unfussy.
On the palate it is light, crisp and dry, with a soft grain-and-rice sweetness up front and a clean, gently bitter finish. The rice keeps the body light and the finish quick, in the same way it does in a Japanese lager, which makes it very easy to drink.
This is a food beer first and foremost. It cuts cleanly through fried, salty and spicy dishes, which is exactly why it turns up in every Chinese restaurant. On its own it is pleasant and refreshing but light, and it comes alive ice cold with a plate of food in front of you.
Value is fair for an import. It costs about the same as the Japanese and Mexican lagers and does a similar job, which makes it a dependable choice for a takeaway or a meal out.
The takeaway lager that knows its job and does it well.
- Crisp, clean and very refreshing
- Light rice-lager body, easy to drink
- Excellent with Chinese and spicy food
- Widely available
- Light on flavor and body on its own
- Not a beer for slow sipping
- Flavor thins as it warms
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a crisp, clean lager for a Chinese meal or a takeaway. If you like this, a Sapporo or a Pacifico are natural comparisons.
Tsingtao FAQs
What does Tsingtao taste like?
Light, crisp and dry with a soft grain-and-rice sweetness and a clean, gently bitter finish. A refreshing pale lager, very much in the crisp rice-lager tradition.
How strong is Tsingtao?
It is 4.7% ABV, standard-strength for a pale lager.
How many calories are in Tsingtao?
Around 150 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 13g of carbs.
Why is Tsingtao brewed with rice?
Rice lightens the body and keeps the finish clean and crisp, which suits its role as a refreshing beer to drink with food.
Is Tsingtao vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, rice, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Tsingtao gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley, so it contains gluten.
Where is Tsingtao brewed?
In Qingdao, China, where it has been made since 1903.
What food goes with Tsingtao?
It pairs well with Chinese food, and with fried, salty and spicy dishes generally, cutting through them cleanly.
Where to buy Tsingtao
Tsingtao is widely sold in the US and you can have it delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Tsingtao is a clean, crisp Chinese rice lager that does exactly what it is meant to: refresh and get out of the way of your food. It is light on its own and will not excite anyone as a sipping beer, but ice cold with a plate of Chinese food it is a natural fit. A fair three point four out of five. See how it stacks up in our beer reviews and guides.
If you are still deciding what to drink, our guide to the best lagers guide ranks every one we have reviewed.
Tsingtao is one of many we ranked. Browse the full list in our best Japanese beer guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Tsingtao?
Tsingtao is a Chinese pale lager, at 4.7% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Tsingtao?
Tsingtao has an ABV of 4.7%.
How many calories are in Tsingtao?
Tsingtao has Around 150 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Tsingtao gluten free?
Tsingtao: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Tsingtao have carbs?
Yes, Tsingtao has Around 13g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Tsingtao taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
How much does Tsingtao cost?
Tsingtao typically runs Around $9 to $13 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Tsingtao without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Tsingtao?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Chinese pale lager like Tsingtao. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
