India is Dominating the Asian Bar Scene in 2023 and How

Something extraordinary is occurring in the realm of mixology, and it is occurring in the centre of India. In the esteemed 'Asia's 50 Best Bars' classification, the year 2023 has been exceptional for Indian bars, who have earned four magnificent positions.

From the pulsating core of Mumbai to the teeming cultural centre of Bengaluru, India is now firmly established on the global pub scene.

A Remarkable Accomplishment in the Bar Industry

Four Indian bars' inclusion on the coveted 'Asia's 50 Best Bars' list is a testament to India's burgeoning bar culture. This unprecedented achievement establishes India as a new destination for mixology and nightlife experiences.

The eighth edition of the Asia's 50 Best Bars awards ceremony, conducted on July 18, 2023 at the Rosewood Hong Kong, honoured the continent's finest cocktail establishments. This year's list included entries from 17 cities and 12 countries, with Singapore topping the list with 10 entries, Hong Kong coming in second with 10, and Japan in third with 7.

Four restaurants in India, Sidecar from Delhi, The Bombay Canteen and The Living Room from Mumbai, and Copitas in Bengaluru, were recognised on the prestigious list.

Sidecar, Delhi (Rank 18):

South Delhi's Sidecar, ranked 18, has made the list for the fourth year in a row. Owner Yangdup Lama, who is presently in Hong Kong preparing a new menu presentation, says, "It is an honour and a testament to the dedication of our team. This honour motivates us to continue focusing on all aspects of our craft, including presentation, service, cuisine, and aesthetics. Our customers adore us not only for our beverages, but also for the comprehensive experience we provide."

Lama accentuates the significance of continuous training, education, and innovation in the industry, as well as the utilisation of local ingredients and familiar flavours to create a wholesome bar experience. The Hong Kong menu will shortly be introduced at Sidecar in Delhi, he says, adding, "Many new things are coming to Sidecar."

The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai (Rank 35):

The Bombay Canteen, a pub that focuses on regional cuisines, climbed from number 76 to number 35 on the list. Under the direction of Prantik Haldar, Head of Beverage Innovations, the bar serves a variety of reimagined mainstays with Indian origins. With design elements such as a pop-up book depicting the city's Art Deco architecture, each drink pays reverence to Mumbai's vibrant culture.

Yash Bhanage, proprietor and chief operating officer of Hunger Inc. Hospitality, The Bombay Canteen's parent company, expresses his delight. "This is not only a recognition of our efforts over the past year to curate a world-class bar menu, but also a tremendous validation of the creativity and innovation that have propelled the bar programme at The Bombay Canteen since its inception in 2015," the restaurant's website states.

Copitas, Bengaluru (Rank 38): Located on the 21st floor of the Four Seasons Hotel, Copitas has become the cocktail headquarters of Bengaluru. The bar, led by Sarath Nair, is distinguished by its simple, clear and delectable cocktails. The judges were impressed by their green menu, which featured distinctive concoctions made from seeds, roots, stems, foliage, florals, and fruits.

Read more about Copitas Bengaluru here

Their distinctive beverages feature local ingredients such as peanut confection (chikki), vettiver (khus), nannari, and betel leaves. General Manager Reuben Kataria states, "Being the only hotel bar in the country to make the list makes being recognised even more special." And we have appeared twice on the list and improved our position this year."

The Living Room, Mumbai (Rank 48):

Masque's The Living Room moved up the list from position 73 to position 48. This intimate cocktail bar, managed by Ankush Gamre and located on the mezzanine level of a sophisticated former cotton mill, features Indian ingredients with an emphasis on innovation and sustainability.

The concise cocktail menu takes visitors on a journey through India's distinctive flavours, presented in contemporary styles with ingredients sourced responsibly. From sea buckthorn to black garlic aged in-house, the beverages at Masque reflect its philosophy and standards.

Conclusion: India's Rise to Mixology Fame

India's rise to prominence on the 'Asia's 50 Best Bars' list is not a mere coincidence, with Mumbai and Bengaluru leading the charge. It is the result of innumerable hours spent refining cocktail formulas, harmonising traditional Indian flavours with innovative mixology techniques, and pursuing the creation of patron-resonating experiences.

This marks the beginning of a new era for India and its bar industry, one in which Indian bars are no longer the underdogs but the trendsetters on the global mixology scene. With the world's attention now firmly focused on India, this thrilling trend is likely to continue in the coming years.

The following is the list of the 50 winners for Asia's Best Bars listed from bottom to top:

50. Penrose, Kuala Lumpur

49. Bellwood Tokyo, Tokyo (new entry)

48. The Living Room, Mumbai (new entry)

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47. The Old Man, Hong Kong (re-entry)

46. Soko, Seoul (new entry)

45. High Five, Tokyo (re-entry)

44. Bee’s Knees, Kyoto

43. The Public House, Taipei (new entry)

42. Native, Singapore (re-entry)

41. Vender, Tai Chung (new entry)

40. Smoke & Bitters, Sri Lanka (best bar in Sri Lanka)

39. Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou (best bar in Mainland China)

38. Copitas, Bengaluru

37. Southside Parlor, Seoul (new entry)

36. Bar Trigona, Kuala Lumpur (best bar in Malaysia)

35. The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai (new entry)

34. The Curator, Manila (best bar in the Philippines)

33. Mostly Harmless, Hong Kong (new entry)

32. Stay Gold Flamingo, Singapore (new entry)

31. Quinary, Hong Kong

30. Employees Only, Singapore (re-entry)

29. Pantja, Jakarta (new entry)

28. Alice, Seoul

27. Atlas, Singapore

26. Penicillin, Hong Kong

25. Le Chamber, Seoul

24. 28 Hong Kong Street, Singapore

23. Lamp Bar, Nara

22. Mahaniyom, Bangkok (new entry, best new opening)

21. Manhattan, Singapore

20. Virtù, Tokyo (new entry)

19. The Cocktail Club, Jakarta (best bar in Indonesia)

18. Sidecar, New Delhi (best bar in India)

17. The Aubrey, Hong Kong

16. Republic, Singapore

15. Analogue, Singapore

14. The SG Club, Tokyo

13. Cham Bar, Seoul

12. Vesper, Bangkok

11. Indulge Experimental Bistro, Taipei (best bar in Taiwan)

10. Sago House, Singapore

9. Dark Side, Hong Kong

8. Argo, Hong Kong

7. Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore

6. Tropic City, Bangkok

5. Zest, Seoul (best bar in Korea, and highest climber from no. 48 as of 2022)

4. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo (best bar in Japan)

3. BKK Social Club, Bangkok

2. Jigger & Pony, Singapore (best bar in Singapore)

1. COA, Hong Kong (best bar in Hong Kong)

Images Source: @thewolds50best