Frequently Asked Questions

Why has Asia's 50 Best Bars changed name to The 50 Best Bars Asia? 

Launched on 9 September 2026, The 50 is the new unified master brand for 50 Best, bringing together its globally recognised rankings, awards, content and Discovery platform under one clear and distinctive identity. The 50 Best Bars Asia's name change reflects this evolution. 

Formerly known as Asia's 50 Best Bars, The 50 Best Bars Asia remains focused on recognising excellence and celebrating the very best bars across the region. The new naming convention creates greater consistency across The 50's global portfolio and better reflects the scale and breadth of what we do today. This is an evolution of the brand rather than a change to the ranking itself, and the ranking's credibility, independence and methodology remain unchanged.

What is The 50 Best Bars Asia?

The 50 Best Bars Asia is an annual list that celebrates the best of the drinks industry in Asia. The 50 Best Bars Asia provides an annual ranking of bars as voted for by more than 300 drinks experts from across the Asian continent. The list represents the ultimate guide to Asia's top bars and drinking destinations.


How are the awards voted for?

The 50 Best Bars Asia list is compiled from the votes of The 50 Best Bars Asia Academy, comprising more than 300 drinks experts, including renowned bartenders and consultants, drinks writers and cocktail specialists from across Asia.

Voters can nominate a total of seven bars, including up to five from their home country/SAR, but with no obligation to vote for bars outside of their home country/SAR if they have been unable to travel.

Who are the voters and how are they chosen?

The Academy is made up of drinks experts, including bartenders, bar managers, drinks consultants, brand ambassadors, drinks writers, historians and cocktail aficionados. They are chosen by The 50 Best Bars Asia Academy , who include Academy Chairs Priyanka Blah, John Ng, Nicholas Coldicott and Rachel Tann.

Which destinations are included in The 50 Best Bars Asia?

The Academy can vote for any bar in the following Asian destinations: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macau, Mainland China, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. 

On what criteria are voters asked to make their decisions?

Voters are simply asked to name the bars in which they have enjoyed the best experience over the previous 18 months. There are no pre-determined criteria, though there are strict voting rules. Voters must have visited the bars they vote for during the voting period, and they cannot self-nominate or nominate a bar in which they have any financial interest. Guest bar shifts and pop-ups do not qualify for votes. The 50 reserves the right to remove bars from the list where there may be reputational issues that discredit The 50 organisation by way of these venues' inclusion. 

What does it mean to be included on The 50 Best Bars ranking?

It provides recognition of the dedication, passion and skill of the teams behind those bars. It also helps promote those bars internationally to well-travelled discerning drinkers, boosting the bars' profiles and business. 

Who owns The 50 Best Bars Asia?

The 50 Best Bars Asia is the first regional event of The 50 Best Bars brand, which is owned and organised by William Reed, the group behind The 50 Best Restaurants and its regional lists and events. In 2017, William Reed took over from Drinks International, part of Agile Media, in the organisation of the awards, collating the votes and producing the list.