By MOOK Scenic Spots Family, compiled and reported
2019’s list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars was announced for the second consecutive year at the Capitol Theatre in Singapore’s capital. In its fourth annual ranking, 12 new bars made the list, including four from Taiwan, while The Old Man from Hong Kong claimed the top spot.
Ranked third is Indulge Experimental Bistro. (Photo / Indulge Experimental Bistro)
Ranked second, Manhattan once again became Singapore’s best bar, sponsored by Michter's, and also won the Legend of the List Award, sponsored by Michter's, which honors bars that have consistently performed well throughout the ranking’s history.
Located in Taipei’s Da’an District, AHA Saloon. (Photo / AHA Saloon)
Ranking third in Asia, Indulge Experimental Bistro is Taiwan’s best bar, sponsored by The London Essence Company. Singapore’s Native came in fourth and Atlas fifth.
Bar Mood, loved by many drinkers. (Photo / Bar Mood Taipei)
This year’s edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars marked the beginning of a three-year collaboration between the 50 Best organization and the Singapore Tourism Board. This partnership will also see the inaugural Global 50 Best Restaurants Awards and Global 50 Best Bars Awards held in Singapore for the first time in 2019 and 2021, respectively.
Draft Land, with an incredible vibe. (Photo / Draft Land)
Taiwan
Aside from ranked third place finisher Indulge Experimental Bistro, the list also welcomed three new entries from Taipei – Aha Saloon (ranked 24), Bar Mood (ranked 43), and Draft Land (ranked 45).
China
In addition to The Old Man in first place, mainland China had 11 other bars on the list, including Hong Kong’s Quinary (up 5 spots to rank 10), new entry The Wise King (ranked 18), The Pontiac (ranked 32), Lobster Bar & Grill (ranked 33), Stockton (ranked 36), and 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana (ranked 38). Coa (ranked 12) won the Highest New Entry award, sponsored by Seedlip. Shanghai’s representatives include Speak Low (ranked 7), Sober Company (ranked 16), and Union Trading Company (ranked 30), while Guangzhou’s Hope & Sesame ranked 35.
Singapore
Sponsored by Mr Black, Jigger & Pony jumped 33 places to rank 9 and received the Highest Climber Award. Other Singapore bars on the list include Tippling Club (ranked 11), Gibson (up 7 places to rank 15), 28 HongKong Street (ranked 21), Operation Dagger (ranked 22), D.Bespoke (up 7 places to rank 25), Employees Only (ranked 41), and The Other Room (up 4 places to rank 46).
Thailand
The Bamboo Bar moved up one spot to rank 8 and became Thailand’s best bar, sponsored by Four Pillars. Other Thai representatives include Backstage Cocktail Bar (ranked 20), Vesper (up 1 place to rank 26), new entry Tropic City (ranked 31), Rabbit Hole (ranked 34), Smalls (ranked 42), and Teens of Thailand (ranked 48).
Japan
High Five (ranked 6) once again claimed the title of Japan’s best bar, sponsored by Nikka Whisky. Other notable bars include The SG Club (new entry, ranked 13), Bar Benfiddich (up 3 places to rank 17), Bar Trench (ranked 23), Bar Orchard Ginza (up 9 places to rank 28), and Mixology Salon (ranked 49).
Shingo Gokan received the Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award, nominated by the bartenders of the 2019 Asia’s 50 Best Bars for his influence and contributions to the bar industry.
Malaysia
Coley, which rose 19 places to rank 27, earned the title of Malaysia’s best bar, sponsored by Peroni. First-time entrant Bar Trigona (ranked 40) won the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award, which recognizes bars achieving consistent sustainability ratings, as judged by audit partner Food Made Good Global. Junglebird ranked 44 this year.
Korea
Charles H, which rose 7 places to rank 14, is Korea’s best bar, sponsored by Cointreau. Other Seoul-based bars on the list include Le Chamber (ranked 19) and Alice Cheongdam (ranked 29).
Philippines
The Curator, ranked 37, is the Philippines’ best bar. Manila also added two new entries: Oto (ranked 47) and The Back Room (ranked 50).
Indonesia
Union Brasserie, Bakery & Bar is Indonesia’s best bar, rising 2 places to rank 39.
Special Award
Korea’s Pussyfoot Saloon has won this year’s Campari One To Watch Award. This accolade is presented to emerging star bars with the potential to join the elite ranks in the future.
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