Asia’s 50 Best Bars
Manhattan in Singapore voted as the new no.1 in Asia
The second annual ranking of Asia’s 50 Best Bars reveals the definitive list of Asia’s most celebrated drinking establishments. Almost 200 industry experts from across Asia were handpicked to vote for Asia’s 50 Best Bars and the result is a diverse and eclectic mix of bars from 14 cities in 10 countries, with restaurant bars, speakeasies, hotel bars and tiki-themed venues populating the list. Asia’s 50 Best Bars also boasts 18 new entries in its second year, reflecting the dynamic nature of Asia’s bar scene.
Singapore’s Manhattan claims the title of Best Bar in Asia for the first time, taking over from last year’s No.1, 28 Hong Kong Street, also in Singapore. Led by Bar Manager Philip Bischoff, Manhattan has a meticulously crafted cocktail menu inspired by the golden age of fine drinking. The striking interior is reminiscent of a grand hotel bar, where modern elements are combined with old New York glamour and sophistication. After climbing four places from last year, Manhattan cements its status as a heavyweight in Asia’s cocktail scene.
For the second year, Singapore leads Asia’s fine drinking scene, boasting 13 bars
in the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, with 28 Hong Kong Street (No.4) and Operation Dagger (No.6) sitting alongside Manhattan in the top 10. Four new bars from Singapore enter the list for the first time, including Atlas (No.12), Employees Only Singapore (No.17), Native (No.20) and Nutmeg & Clove (No.30). With an impressive 12 bars named in the ranking, including eight in Hong Kong alone, China closely follows Singapore at the helm of Asian cocktail culture.
Established by Shingo Gokan, speakeasy bar Speak Low in Shanghai retains its position at No.2 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars. China is the second most represented country with a strong presence in the top ten, with Quinary (No.7), Stockton (No.8), and Lobster Bar (No.10) – all in Hong Kong – joining Shanghai’s The Union Trading Company (No.9) and Speak Low in the line-up.
This year, Japan boasts six bars in the list, with five hailing from Tokyo and one new entry, Lamp Bar (No.36), from the city of Nara. High Five in Tokyo maintains its third placing, which has been made possible by the international reputation of one of Japan’s most famous mixologists, Hidetsugu Ueno. Other leading destinations on the list include Indulge Experimental Bistro in Taipei (No.5 and Best Bar in Taiwan), Bamboo Bar at Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok (No. 13 and Best Bar in Thailand), Alice Cheongdam in Seoul (No.15 and Best Bar in Korea) and Aer Bar & Lounge in Mumbai (No.37 and Best Bar in India).