Last night, the 2025 list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars was announced at the Grand Theatre of Wynn Palace, Macau. The dramatic countdown was witnessed by Asia’s massive community of hundreds of bartenders, establishments, brands, and media, as well as thousands of enthusiasts online.
A truly refreshing list filled with surprises and shake-ups, as it inducted 20 new entries across the continent, including four from Indonesia, one from Singapore, and four from Thailand. In addition, Southeast Asian bars made up almost half of the list, further stating their strong presence and growth in the industry.
Top Five
Dry Wave Cocktail Studio in Bangkok made the news when their debut induction flung them straight to number 5, winning the Highest New Entry award at the same time. Another rapid bound was another Bangkok establishment, Bar Us, whose unique starter-main-dessert concept took them to number 4, as well as the Best Bar in Thailand.
Tensions arose as the top three left room for last year’s same trio of contenders: former champions Jigger & Pony of Singapore, the calmly sustainable Zest of Seoul, and last year’s winner Bar Leone of Hong Kong. Either way, all three were the best in their respective nations.
Eventually, the top honours of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 for gold, silver and bronze remained. J&P won number 3, Zest came really close at number 2, and Bar Leone was once again crowned as the number 1 bar in Asia, cementing its influence in Hong Kong’s mixology scene. This also marked the city’s domination in the annual list by winning the last five awards in a row.
ASEAN Pride
A total of 20 bars made the Southeast Asian delegates — exactly like the 51–100. But unlike the extended list, there were no Vietnam or Cambodia at the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 — which, kudos to Sora at Phnom Penh for reaching the recognised milestone.
Reka opened the delegates for Kuala Lumpur at 47, while Bar Trigona maintained its mid-table presence at 39. The list marked the return of Three X Co after a few years of absence, now at number 15. As predicted, the formidable Penrose kept the hope for top spots at number 10, as well as winning the Best Bar in Malaysia.
Singapore welcomed new inductee Cat Bite Club at number 44, right above Native’s number 45. Another pair of the island’s bars stood side by side when Offtrack and Nutmeg & Clove took numbers 23 and 24 respectively. As we already knew, 2020 winners Jigger & Pony remained at number 3 and Best Bar in Singapore.
Bangkok continued to lead the region and the list in terms of supremacy, bringing most inductees with seven bars — this included whopping four new entries. Among the debutants, Bar Sathorn and Opium entered the list at numbers 48 and 43. Next up was Vesper at number 29, who was also awarded with the honorary Legend of the List award, marking its tenth year in a row being inducted.
Another new entry, G.O.D. took number 26, before we reached a regular mainstay, BKK Social Club at number 19. The last two from the Thai capital were high-achievers Dry Wave Cocktail and Bar Us who broke the top five at number 5 and 4 — the latter also won Best Bar in Thailand.
Team Indo
Unlike its other SEA sisters, all four Indonesian inductees were new entries to the 50 Best list, with one almost reaching the top ten. A Jakartan mainstay for years, The Cocktail Club was even completely out of the overall list — marking a new refreshing era in the industry.
Just a shy over its first anniversary, Cosmo Pony opened Jakarta and Indonesia’s participation on the list at number 38. The Thamrin establishment had been gaining traction for its innovative cocktail program and a stunning location.
The induction was followed almost immediately by the youthful but subdued Carrots of SCBD at number 34. Playful and intimate, its focused concept and execution really took enjoying cocktail to the next level — something that remained their best virtue.
The St. Regis Bar Jakarta came next for the Big Durian, reaching number 22 at Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 — a considerable leap from last year’s 88. As did the namesake’s concept all over the world, this classy jazz lounge served refined cocktails over elegant setting.
Indonesia’s night was capped with history when Modernhaus got multiple recognitions. Being a newcomer, they set their firm existence by reaching lucky number 12, winning Best Bar in Indonesia at the same time. As the cherry on top, the bar also took home Best New Opening award, making its debut a memorable triple threat for the bar, the Indonesian delegates, and all Indonesian guests and viewers of the night.
You can see the full list of winners below.
For more information, visit theworlds50best.com