Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024: Bar Leone (Hong Kong), Zest (Seoul), and Jigger & Pony (Singapore) top the list
India's Bengaluru based ZLB23 ranks 40th in list was revealed in a live event last week in Hong Kong.
HONG KONG: Hong Kong’s Bar Leone emerged as the undisputed winner in the prestigious list of Asia’s top 50 bars for 2024, which was revealed during a glamorous event last week in Hong Kong. Bar Leone has made an unforgettable debut by securing the top position, not just as the best bar in Hong Kong but also by winning the esteemed Disaronno Highest New Entry Award. For the first time in the history of 50 Best Bars, a newcomer has claimed the title of the Best Bar in Asia.
The Zest from Seoul and Jigger & Pony from Singapore closely followed the winner in the second and third spot in the list backed by Perrier.
Bengaluru’s ZLB23 emerged as the only Indian representative in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list, securing the 40th position. The ceremony, showcased bars from 18 Asian cities, with 15 newcomers making their mark.
The bar’s ambiance reflects Lorenzo’s fun-loving nature, with burnt orange seats, a rich mahogany bar, gentle lighting from church candles, Italian décor, an upbeat Italian pop soundtrack from the 70s and 80s, and personal touches creating a cosy yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Emma Sleight, Head of Content for Asia’s 50 Best Bars, expresses excitement about being in Hong Kong to honour the region’s vibrant bar scene. She praises the creativity and talent displayed by this year’s winners and highlights the allure of the list with its 15 new entries. She congratulates Lorenzo Antinori and his team at Bar Leone for their remarkable achievement of claiming the top spot from the outset, applauding their fresh and relaxed approach to cocktails, design, and hospitality.
At number 2 is Zest in Seoul, a cosy bar focusing on sustainability, moving up three places to claim the title of The Best Bar in Korea. Jigger & Pony in Singapore holds steady at number three, retaining its position as The Best Bar in Singapore for the fifth consecutive year. Coa, last year’s top spot holder, now sits at number four, while Bar Benfiddich in Tokyo lands at number five, becoming The Best Bar in Japan.
Notable Achievements by Destinations:
Among the regions represented, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan collectively have 15 bars on the list this year. Hong Kong stands out with nine entries, including Coa at number four and Argo at number nine. The Aubrey, an izakaya on the 25th floor offering stunning views of Victoria Harbour, jumps seven spots to reach number ten. Darkside is positioned at number 17, with new entry The Savoury Project debuting at number 19. Penicillin climbs two spots to number 24, while Quinary rises five places to number 26, and Mostly Harmless wraps up Hong Kong’s presence at number 45.
Vender in Taichung, a craft cocktail hotspot themed after a vending machine, rises 11 places to claim the title of The Best Bar in Taiwan at number 30. In Taipei, Bar Mood re-enters the rankings at number 37, while The Public House lands at number 44. Hope & Sesame in Guangzhou, known for its innovative techniques, climbs an impressive 25 spots to reach number 14, retaining the title of The Best Bar in Mainland China. CMYK from Changsha makes its debut at number 43, showcasing award-winning bartender Ethan Liu’s dynamic drinking den located within an old residential building. This marks Changsha’s first appearance in the rankings. The St. Regis Bar at number 22 represents Macau as the sole entry and is recognized as The Best Bar in Macau.
Singapore shines in the rankings, claiming 11 sought-after spots. Nutmeg & Clove, established by bar expert Colin Chia, leaps to No.6 beside Jigger & Pony at No.3. Sago House secures No.15, while the fresh addition Night Hawk takes on No.16. Another new entry, Offtrack at No.25, presents a musical drink experience with homegrown DJs and unique classic cocktails. Native ascends 11 spots to No.31, while Origin, a newcomer at No.32, boasts décor reminiscent of an old-fashioned train station, offering cocktails inspired by the city’s five districts. Analogue Initiative holds its ground at No.35, followed by Employees Only at No.38. Fura, a new player, claims No.42, with Atlas completing Singapore’s line-up at No.49.
Seoul’s bars secure five spots on the list, with Zest taking No.2 and earning the title of The Best Bar in Korea. Zest, focused on sustainability, is guided by Dohyung ‘Demie’ Kim along with Korean bartending experts Sean Woo, Jisu Park, and Noah Kwon. Bar Cham occupies No.20, followed by Alice at No.46 and Le Chamber at No.48. The list concludes with newcomer Pine & Co at No.50, a bar styled like a scientist’s research lab renowned for its forward-thinking cocktails.
In Japan, Bar Benfiddich in Tokyo holds firm at No.5, retaining its status as The Best Bar in Japan for the third consecutive year. Virtù makes a significant leap, climbing nine positions to No.11, with The SG Club at No.23 and The Bellwood rising 15 spots to No.34. Osaka’s newcomer, Craft room, makes a mark at No.28. This cosy bar, helmed by the esteemed bartender Ryu Fujii, offers timeless cocktails on a menu that changes with the seasons. Bangkok also shines with five bars on the list. BKK Social Club leads the Thai contingent at No.7, earning the title of The Best Bar in Thailand. Vesper follows at No.13, while the lively Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar jumps four spots to No.18. The newcomer, Bar Us, impresses at No.21 with its innovative concept of a ‘drinking room,’ featuring sleek all-black interiors and bartenders in crisp white lab coats. Penrose in Kuala Lumpur makes a remarkable ascent of 42 places to claim No.8, winning The Best Bar in Malaysia and the coveted Nikka Highest Climber Award 2024. Bar Trigona from Kuala Lumpur holds steady at No.36, while the fresh addition, Reka, a self-proclaimed ‘post-modern flavour lab,’ enters the list at No.41. Indonesia is represented by two standout bars from Jakarta: The Cocktail Club rises seven spots to secure No.12 and the title of The Best Bar in Indonesia, followed by Pantja, which moves up two places to No.27.
India is represented by ZLB23 in Bengaluru, claiming the No.40 spot. This newcomer is hailed as The Best Bar in India, crafting prohibition-era cocktails in a unique setting accessed through a concealed entrance within a functioning kitchen. Renowned bartender, entrepreneur, and writer Yangdup Lama has been named the Roku Industry Icon of 2024. As the owner of Sidecar in New Delhi, Lama is a revered personality in the industry and the top mixologist in the region. Through his guidance, Sidecar has achieved recognition in both Asia’s and The World’s 50 Best Bars listings. Lama excites with his innovative cocktails and support for local flavours. As a coach and educator, he showcases India’s bartending expertise worldwide with pride. Smoke & Bitters from Hiriketiya climbs 11 positions to reach No.29, earning the distinction of The Best Bar in Sri Lanka. Barc from Kathmandu makes a grand entrance at No.39 as The Best Bar in Nepal, providing a luxurious and refined ambiance paired with a sophisticated cocktail menu. The Curator in Manila moves up a spot to No.33, securing the title of The Best Bar in the Philippines. Meanwhile, The Haflington from Hanoi debuts on the list at No.47 with its immersive vintage theme, offering a daring cocktail selection inspired by The Jungle Book and being named The Best Bar in Vietnam.
(Awarded the ‘Best food writer in the country’ by the Indian culinary forum, WACS and the ministry of Tourism, Rupali Dean writes on food and travel.)
