About the List

About The 50 Best Bars Asia

The 50 Best Bars Asia (formerly Asia's 50 Best Bars) has reflected and celebrated the best of the region's drinks industry since 2016. The list represents the ultimate guide to the region's top bars and drinking destinations.

Thanks to its panel of more than 300 drinks experts, as well as its structured and audited voting system, the annual list of Asia's finest bars provides a snapshot of the best destinations for unique drinking experiences, inspiring people to travel, unveiling up-and-coming bartenders and industry trends, and showcasing the subtlety and complexity of various cultures – with many more still to discover and celebrate.

Incorporating every style of bar, from grand hotel bars to neighbourhood hangouts and everything in between, The 50 Best Bars Asia list is a celebration of the diversity and universality of drinks culture and a reflection of new bar scenes developing all over the region.

The history of The 50 Best Bars Asia

The 50 Best Bars Asia awards ceremony is the drinks industry's most anticipated night of the year. It brings together the best bartending talent from around the region, with a live countdown of the list, culminating in the announcement of The Best Bar in Asia, sponsored by Perrier.

The first and second lists were announced digitally in 2016 and 2017; then in Singapore (2018 and 2019); virtually (2020 and 2021); Bangkok (2022); Hong Kong (2023 and 2024); and Macau (2025 and 2026).

In 2026, Asia's 50 Best Bars evolved into The 50 Best Bars Asia.

The strength of the ranking lies in the relevance of its geographical network and the level of expertise of its voters, who together comprise The 50 Best Bars Asia Academy. We are dedicated to transparently sharing our voting mechanics and methodology, and to continuing to evolve it, with structural improvements being made every year. You can read more about the voting process and the Academy and consult our FAQs.

The 50 Best Bars Asia Academy is comprised of four voting regions: India & Subcontinent; Japan; Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia & Taiwan; and Southeast Asia & Korea.
Each year, the celebration creates a unique opportunity to connect an incredible community, recognising the very best and inspiring more people to come together through the shared experience of extraordinary hospitality.

But The 50 Best Bars Asia is more than just the rankings and awards, with our extensive editorial, social content and consumer experiences uncovering the stories behind the places and people shaping global hospitality.

The 50 Best Bars Asia is part of The 50 family.