1 / 16The list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars was released on July 15 and celebrates the region’s thriving cocktails culture, putting the spotlight on innovation, craftsmanship, and the rise of destination drinking experiences. The annual list reflects the diverse styles and flavours that define Asia’s bar scene which is moving towards high-concept mixology studios. The list showcases how cities across Asia are becoming global hubs for experimental drinks, boundary-pushing techniques, and elevated hospitality.
2 / 16On the 2025 list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, there are five bars located in India, which include three in Bengaluruand one each in Delhi and Goa. Take a look at the top 10 list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars and find which Indian bars rank on the list The presence of these bars on such a prestigious list highlights an industry that blends cultural authenticity with world-class standards, thus putting India on the map for discerning international travellers. (Image: Reuters)
3 / 16No 1. Bar Leone – Hong Kong | Bar Leone offers an elegant yet relaxed ambiance reminiscent of an Italian lounge, fusing European charm with Asian hospitality. Its cocktail list is thoughtfully curated, showcasing Italian aperitif classics alongside creative seasonal concoctions. Regular wine tastings and live music nights make it a refined destination for both connoisseurs and casual visitors.
4 / 16No 2. Zest – Seoul | Zest defines avant-garde mixology in Seoul with bold flavours and minimalistic presentation. Every cocktail is a carefully crafted harmony of premium spirits, local ingredients, and subtle surprises such as herb-infused bitters or house-made garnishes. The contemporary, light-filled space complements its modern drink philosophy and elevates the drinking experience. (Image: Bar Zest/Facebook)
5 / 16No 3. Jigger & Pony – Singapore | Celebrated for its polished service and well-executed drinks, Jigger & Pony strikes a harmonious balance between classic and contemporary cocktails. The bar’s sleek wood-lined interior and attentive bartenders create an inviting yet sophisticated atmosphere. Signature offerings—reinvented with unexpected ingredients—reflect Singapore’s culinary diversity through every glass.
6 / 16No 4. Bar Us – Bangkok | Hidden within a leafy soi in Bangkok, Bar Us charms guests with an intimate, bohemian vibe and a well-stocked backbar. It’s best known for its creative spins on Thai flavours, incorporating lemongrass, kaffir lime, and local fruits into meticulously balanced cocktails. Warm lighting, cosy seating, and regular pop‑up events, such as vinyl music nights, add to its laid-back appeal.
7 / 16No 5. Dry Wave Cocktail Studio – Bangkok | Dry Wave Cocktail Studio embraces experimental mixology, often using smoke, foam, and texture to deliver astonishing sensory experiences. The pared-back industrial design emphasises technique, allowing the drinks to take centre stage. Each cocktail feels like its own art installation—complex, theatrical, and intellectually engaging for curious drinkers.
8 / 16No 6. Bar Cham – Seoul | Bar Cham combines sleek, contemporary design with Okinawa-inspired warmth, evoking the spirit of a coastal retreat. Their menu focuses on Chamomaru whisky and citrus‑based blends, with a few regional craft spirit features. Quiet corners, tasteful woodwork, and carefully chosen tunes make for an inviting change of pace in Seoul’s vibrant nightlife.
9 / 16No 7. Hope & Sesame – Guangzhou | Set in a beautifully restored heritage house, Hope & Sesame blends old-world charm with modern creativity. Its cocktails play on nostalgia, often incorporating classic Chinese elements like five-spice, jasmine, and rice wine. The artfully rustic interior and relaxed lounge feel make it ideal for lingering over elegant drinks.
10 / 16No 8. Lair – New Delhi | Tucked away in a historic Delhi neighbourhood, Lair draws inspiration from clandestine speakeasies, combining vintage decor with a contemporary edge. The bar’s inventive cocktail menu fuses indigenous Indian ingredients—such as mango, turmeric and kokum—with classic spirits for a refreshingly local twist. Guests appreciate not only its intimate, moody ambience but also its expertly balanced drinks and attentive service.
11 / 16No 9. Bar Benfiddich – Tokyo | Bar Benfiddich is an intimate oasis helmed by a maestro mixologist who emphasises herbal concoctions and artisanal techniques. Each cocktail reads like a curated journey, featuring bespoke bitters, infusions, and foraged garnishes with a focus on natural complexity. The close interaction between bartender and guest—plus the unhurried pace—gives it a truly bespoke, immersive quality.
12 / 16No 10. Penrose – Kuala Lumpur | Penrose stands out in Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant bar scene for its refined minimalism and precision-led mixology. Each cocktail is crafted with meticulous technique, showcasing an elegant balance of flavours, often with subtle nods to Malaysian ingredients and culinary influences. The understated yet elegant space allows the drinks to shine, making it a favourite for cocktail purists and design lovers alike. Mentioned below are the Indian bars that have made it to the 50 Best Bars List of 2025.
13 / 16No. 28 – Soka, Bengaluru | Soka in Bengaluru comes in at No. 28, celebrated for its serene Japanese-inspired interiors and clean flavour profiles. The bar crafts delicate, well-balanced drinks that showcase both international technique and Indian warmth. Its calm ambiance and refined service offer a refreshing contrast to the city’s busy nightlife.
14 / 16No. 30 – Boilermaker, Goa | At No. 30, Boilermaker brings an American-style barroom spirit to Goa’s vibrant coast, with a touch of local flavour. Famous for its whiskey-forward menu and casual charm, the bar fuses bold pours with inventive pairings. Whether enjoying live music or ocean breezes, it captures Goa’s signature blend of energy and ease.
15 / 16No. 31 – ZLB 23, Bengaluru | Ranked 31st, ZLB 23 is a Bengaluru gem known for cutting-edge cocktails and sleek, modern interiors. With its experimental approach, the bar offers an exciting range of drinks using house infusions, seasonal botanicals, and contemporary presentation. It’s a top pick for those who enjoy a blend of innovation and atmosphere.
16 / 16No. 37 – Bar Spirit Forward, Bengaluru | Coming in at No. 37, Bar Spirit Forward lives up to its name by highlighting spirit-forward, stirred-down classics with depth and precision. The bar emphasises quality ingredients and an elegant, minimalist style that appeals to true cocktail purists. With its warm hospitality and no-nonsense approach, it’s a favourite among serious drinkers in Bengaluru.
