{"id":76026,"date":"2026-08-12T20:27:58","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T12:27:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=76026"},"modified":"2026-08-12T20:27:58","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T12:27:58","slug":"how-asias-50-best-bars-expanded-to-25-cities-from-kathmandu-to-hangzhou","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=76026","title":{"rendered":"How Asia\u2019s 50 Best Bars expanded to 25 cities, from Kathmandu to Hangzhou"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The effects have been largely twofold. First, no single city dominates as Singapore did in 2017, with its record-high 13 entries. Recognition is much more diffused now. Bangkok, the most represented location this year, fields a dominant but comparatively modest eight entries in the main list, including the year\u2019s highest new entry \u2013 Lennon\u2019s from Rosewood Bangkok, which landed at seventh place. A secondary effect has been that the 51-100 list serves as a hotbed for younger cocktail cities. Barc entered the list in 2023, putting Kathmandu on the map, while cities like Hangzhou<\/span> and Galle made the rankings for the first time this year.<\/div>\n
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\"Colin<\/div>
Colin Chia, founder of Singapore\u2019s Nutmeg & Clove. Photo: Handout<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

More cities on the list means more competition for stalwart venues like Singapore\u2019s Nutmeg & Clove, debuting at 30th place in 2017, but it also means that cocktail lovers are expanding their palates rapidly. \u201cOur guests are more well-travelled now,\u201d says Nutmeg & Clove founder Colin Chia, \u201cCocktail tourism is a real thing. Consumers these days, they will travel to Sri Lanka, or go to Semarang in Indonesia for cocktails.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chia, who also started the popular bars #FindThePhotobooth and #FindTheLockerRoom in Bangkok, notes that increased recognition of bars from further afield has led to a cross-pollination of sorts, even in an established cocktail scene like Singapore\u2019s. \u201cWhen connecting with these overseas guest shifts<\/span>, we learn the culture and the taste profile,\u201d he says. \u201cWe\u2019re not just making drinks for Singaporeans; we try to be as inclusive as possible.\u201d<\/div>\n
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\"Angeline<\/div>
Angeline Tan, co-founder of Three X Co in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: Handout<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Even if countries with less of a cocktail tradition are starting to make their mark, that doesn\u2019t mean the news is resonating everywhere. In Kuala Lumpur, represented by four bars across both the main and extended lists, Angeline Tan of Three X Co claims, \u201cA lot of Malaysians don\u2019t even know about the 50 Best [Bars] list,\u201d and says the KL scene is still young and dominated by beer drinkers.<\/p>\n

Tan has not been deterred, though, in her efforts to build Malaysia\u2019s cocktail scene, and is leading the charge. She is affectionately known as the \u201cmama\u201d of Kuala Lumpur\u2019s bar scene, which includes Bar Trigona at the Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur, the fermentation-focused Reka:bar, and the more classically-oriented Penrose at 64th on this year\u2019s extended list. Together, the bars annually host KL Cocktail Week, while Three X Co focuses on cocktail-pairing menus and approaches Gen Z in addition to their regular service. Tan finds it crucial to bring in regional influence. \u201cEvery month we bring in a guest bartender; that is our education.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n


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