The 2024 edition of The World’s 50 Best Bars has been revealed, solidifying Asia’s reputation as a global force in the cocktail scene. With a mix of new entries and familiar favourites, this year’s list highlights exceptional creativity, mixology expertise, and a focus on sustainability. Cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, and Tokyo celebrated major wins, but it’s Hong Kong that made an especially strong impression this year. Here’s a quick look at some standout bars across the region, showcasing Asia’s cocktail culture.
Read More: Beyond The Hidden Door – 10 Speakeasies In Hong Kong Worth The Hunt
No.47 Analogue Initiative (Singapore)
A newcomer to the list, this eco-conscious bar helmed by Vijay Mudaliar is making waves with its commitment to sustainability. Crafting cocktails from byproduct distillates, the bar takes eco-innovation to the next level with a space constructed from 1,600 kilograms of recycled plastic.
Analogue Initiative, 30 Victoria Street, No. 1-31 CHIJMES, Singapore 187996, +65 8518 1882, www.analogueinitiative.com
No.43 Atlas (Singapore)
With its breathtaking 8-metre-tall gin library, Atlas is a masterclass in grandeur, showcasing over 1,200 bottles from around the world. The bar’s refined cocktail programme transforms every visit into a feast for the senses, combining visual splendour with expertly crafted drinks that keep patrons coming back for more.
Atlas, G/F, 600 North Bridge Road, Parkview Square, Singapore 188778, +65 6396 4466, www.atlasbar.sg
No.42 Virtù (Tokyo)
Virtù, housed within the Four Seasons Tokyo, brings the elegance of Art Deco to life without the slightest hint of pretence. Under the expert guidance of Keith Motsi, the bar mixes sophistication with warm hospitality, offering an inviting space where guests can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails in a setting that feels both refined and approachable.
Virtù, 1 Chome-2-1 Ōtemachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan, +81 3 6810 0655, www.fourseasons.com
No.41 Bar Us (Bangkok)
This minimalist gem redefines savoury cocktails with a culinary-inspired menu structured into starters, mains, and desserts. Among its standout creations, the Beef + Onion cocktail has quickly gained a cult following, drawing in curious patrons eager to explore its unexpected flavours.
Bar Us, 1/37 Floor, Opposite side of security kiosk ( Glass door) Floor 1, 1 Soi Sukhumvit 26, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand, +66 98 079 7892, www.us-bar.com
No.40 Mimi Kakushi (Dubai)
Claiming the Best Bar in the Middle East & Africa award for the second year in a row, Mimi Kakushi unites Japanese elegance with Dubai’s signature opulence. This chic venue offers not only meticulously crafted cocktails but also a sensory experience enhanced by curated music selections. Every element, from the drink presentations to the ambiance, is designed to immerse guests in a harmonious fusion of East meets West.
Mimi Kakushi, Restaurant Village, Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach Road Dubai, U.A.E., +971 4 379 4811, mimikakushi.ae
No.28 Nutmeg & Clove (Singapore)
A cornerstone of Singapore’s cocktail scene, Nutmeg & Clove celebrates the city’s rich heritage with drinks that nod to local flavours. One standout creation is the ‘Don’t Chicken Out’, a homage to the beloved Hainanese chicken rice. Each cocktail on the menu reflects the bar’s commitment to storytelling through taste and creating an experience that feels distinctly Singaporean.
Nutmeg & Clove, 8 Purvis Street, Singapore 188587, +65 9389 9301, www.nutmegclove.com
No.25 Bar Benfiddich (Tokyo)
This intimate bar offers an ever-changing experience with no fixed menu. Bartender Hiroyasu Kayama crafts bespoke cocktails tailored to each guest’s preferences, using fresh, seasonal ingredients harvested from his personal farm just north of Tokyo. The emphasis on seasonality and craftsmanship ensures that every visit delivers something new, making the experience as much about discovery as it is about taste.
Bar Benfiddich, 1-13-7 Nishishinjuku Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan, +81 3 6258 0309, www.tablecheck.com
No.18 Coa (Hong Kong)
With a mission to educate Hong Kong’s palate on the richness and diversity of agave-based drinks, Coa offers more than just exceptional cocktails – it’s a gateway to the world of mezcal, tequila, and beyond. Khan’s dedication to authenticity ensures that every drink tells a story, making Coa a standout bar that continues to inspire and engage both newcomers and seasoned agave enthusiasts.
Coa, Shop A, LG/F Wah Shin House, 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Central, Hong Kong, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2813 5787, coa.com.hk
No.12 BKK Social Club (Bangkok)
Housed within the serene ambiance of the Four Seasons Bangkok, this bar marries the spirit of Bangkok with the flair of Buenos Aires. Under the expert guidance of mixologist Philip Bischoff, it offers a retreat where guests can unwind with cocktails crafted to perfection. Each drink reflects Bischoff’s artistry, offering regional flavours with a global touch, making the bar a peaceful oasis amid the city’s vibrant energy.
BKK Social Club, 300/1 Charoen Krung Road, Yan Nawa, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand, +66 2 032 0888, www.fourseasons.com
No.9 Zest (Seoul)
Zest shines with its eco-friendly ethos, earning the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award. Embracing zero-waste practices, the bar integrates Korean spirits into its offerings, setting a new standard for conscious drinking in Seoul.
Zest, Cheongdam Dong, 88-1 1F, Seoul, South Korea, +82 10 3177 8801, www.instagram.com/zest.seoul
No.5 Jigger & Pony (Singapore)
A trailblazer in the region, Jigger & Pony continues to delight with its signature ‘menu-zines’ – magazine-style cocktail menus that keep things engaging. The latest edition, ‘Smash’, puts a modern spin on the classics.
Jigger & Pony, 165 Tg Pagar Road, Amara Hotel, Singapore 088539, +65 9621 1074, www.jiggerandpony.com
No.2 Bar Leone (Hong Kong)
In just a year, Bar Leone has taken the world by storm with its ‘cocktail popolari’ philosophy, serving crowd-pleasing classics in a Roman-inspired ambiance. The bar’s meteoric rise has not gone unnoticed, earning it the coveted Disaronno Highest New Entry Award along with the title of Best Bar in Asia 2024.
Bar Leone, 11-15 Bridges Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.barleonehk.com
Catherine Pun
A Hong Kong native with Filipino-Chinese roots, Catherine infuses every part of her life with zest, whether she’s belting out karaoke tunes or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Her downtime often includes unwinding with Netflix and indulging in a 10-step skincare routine. As the Editorial Director of Friday Club., Catherine brings her wealth of experience from major publishing houses, where she refined her craft and even authored a book. Her sharp editorial insight makes her a dynamic force, always on the lookout for the next compelling narrative.
