China’s Hope & Sesame Crowned Asia’s Best Bar, India Showcases Resilience on Prestigious List

Macau, [Date of Publication] – In a dazzling celebration of mixology and hospitality, China’s Hope & Sesame from Guangzhou has ascended to the pinnacle of the Asian bar scene, clinching the coveted number one spot at the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 awards ceremony held last night in Macau. The announcement, eagerly awaited by industry professionals from across the continent, marks a significant moment for the Guangzhou-based speakeasy, celebrated for its innovative approach that artfully bridges tradition and contemporary cocktail culture.

The glittering evening in the vibrant city of Macau played host to the unveiling of the highly anticipated list, which this year features a diverse array of 50 bars spanning 22 cities. A notable influx of 14 new entries signifies the dynamic evolution and burgeoning creativity within Asia’s cocktail landscape. Among the celebrated establishments, India proudly sees three of its bars making the cut: Boilermaker from Goa, SOKA from Bengaluru, and Bar Spirit Forward, also a Bengaluru-based venue. While these familiar names may not represent new winners from India this year, their consistent presence on this elite roster is a powerful testament to the enduring creativity, unwavering dedication, and exceptional quality that define India’s rapidly maturing bar scene.

The Reign of Hope & Sesame: A Speakeasy’s Ascent

Hope & Sesame, a hidden gem nestled behind a traditional Cantonese shopfront in Guangzhou’s historic Dongshankou district, has captivated the judges with its unique concept and masterful execution. Co-founders Bastien Ciocca and Andrew Ho have cultivated an environment where cutting-edge techniques, including centrifugal clarification, sous vide infusions, and rotary distillation, are employed to create cocktails that are both deeply rooted in tradition and boldly innovative. This commitment to pushing boundaries has not only earned them the top spot but also contributed to China’s impressive performance this year, with a record seven bars securing a place on the list. This remarkable achievement underscores the country’s burgeoning cocktail scene, which is increasingly embracing global trends and forging its own distinct identity.

Regional Powerhouses and Emerging Trends

The 2026 list highlights the continued dominance of established cocktail hubs, with Bangkok once again asserting its prowess, securing an impressive eight spots. Among its notable inclusions are Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, BKK Social Club, and Opium, further cementing Bangkok’s reputation as a global bar destination. Hong Kong also emerged as a strong contender, with seven of its establishments gracing the list, including the celebrated Bar Leone, Shelley Tai, and Montana. Singapore, Seoul, and Jakarta each proudly contribute four bars to this year’s ranking, showcasing the widespread excellence across the continent.

The presence of 14 new entries on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list is a clear indicator of the industry’s dynamism. This constant influx of fresh talent and innovative concepts ensures that the competition remains fierce and the standards continue to rise. It suggests a healthy ecosystem where established players are constantly challenged to innovate, and emerging venues are finding their footing and making a significant impact.

India’s Resilient Presence: A Story of Soul and Innovation

Despite a slight dip in the number of Indian bars featured compared to the previous year (five last year to three this year), the achievements of Boilermaker, SOKA, and Bar Spirit Forward are significant and speak volumes about their sustained quality and impact.

Boilermaker: Goa’s "Susegad" Spirit Conquers the Top 10

Goa’s Boilermaker has achieved a remarkable feat, not only making the list but also cracking the coveted top 10 at number 8. Furthermore, it has been awarded The Best Bar in India, a prestigious accolade recognizing its outstanding contribution. This is a significant leap from its number 30 ranking last year, underscoring its rapid ascent and growing influence. Boilermaker embodies the laid-back "susegad" spirit of Goa, a philosophy that co-founder Pankaj Balachandran believes is integral to its success.

"Even if it’s not air-conditioned, even if there are no leather seats or fancy trimmings, you can still build something world-class because the soul of a bar comes from the experience you create for every guest who walks in," Balachandran shared. "If you take care of the most important parts – your people, genuine hospitality, and a product you’re proud of, then the space becomes whatever you make it."

This philosophy is evident in Boilermaker’s menu, which heavily features Goan ingredients. The Biso Manana Karamel, a signature drink, is crafted using the local spirit, dukshiri. "A shack in the middle of a sleepy town like Siolim making its mark on Asia’s 50 Best and landing in the top 10 is honestly mind-blowing," Balachandran added, reflecting the humble yet impactful journey of the establishment.

SOKA: Bengaluru’s Nostalgic Brew Captures Hearts

Bengaluru’s own SOKA has climbed from number 28 last year to secure a strong position at number 18. This beloved establishment, conceptualized by chef Sombir Choudhary and bartender Avinash Kapoli (the "SO" and "KA" in its name), is located in the vibrant Indiranagar district. SOKA’s success lies in its ability to artfully capture the essence of Bengaluru, infusing its cocktails with local flavors, nostalgic references, and even the city’s distinctive lingo.

Drinks like the "Black Cadillac," named after a popular 90s pub, and "Cheese Cherry Pineapple," a tribute to the beloved snacks at the iconic Downtown Pub, resonate deeply with patrons, evoking cherished memories. "We didn’t build SOKA to follow a template. We built it to feel," Avinash explained in a previous interview with The Hindu. "Just good drinks, super snacks, honest hospitality, and a team that shows up every single night with heart." This focus on genuine connection and authentic experience has clearly struck a chord with the judges.

Bar Spirit Forward: Craftsmanship and Atmosphere in Bengaluru

Moving up from number 37 to number 30, Bar Spirit Forward solidifies its reputation as another Bengaluru gem. Described by the official 50 Best Bar website as a venue that cultivates a buzzy atmosphere punctuated by technically sound cocktails, the bar is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. Co-founded by Arijit Bose, whose other Goa establishment, Bar Outrigger, ranked 51st, Bar Spirit Forward is lauded for its New York-esque ambiance. The Southern Star cocktail, a sophisticated blend of tequila and fermented fruit, is highlighted as a must-try, showcasing the bar’s commitment to innovative and well-executed drinks.

While the number of Indian bars on the list has seen a slight decrease from five to three this year, the consistent inclusion and upward trajectory of these establishments are powerful indicators of India’s burgeoning cocktail culture. Their presence is not merely about rankings; it is about the sustained effort, artistic dedication, and the creation of unique experiences that resonate with a discerning international palate.

The Global Stage: A Snapshot of Asia’s Elite

The 2026 list showcases a broad geographical representation, underscoring the continent’s diverse cocktail landscapes:

• China: Beyond the top spot, China’s growing influence is evident with seven bars on the list, demonstrating a vibrant and rapidly evolving cocktail scene.
• Thailand: Bangkok continues its reign as a dominant force, with eight entries, including several in the top echelon.
• Hong Kong: A consistent performer, Hong Kong secured seven spots, reinforcing its status as a sophisticated cocktail destination.
• Singapore, Seoul, and Jakarta: Each of these cities proudly features four bars, highlighting their robust and diverse bar offerings.

The inclusion of 14 new entries signifies a dynamic shift and the emergence of new talent across the continent. This infusion of fresh perspectives and innovative approaches keeps the Asian bar scene exciting and constantly evolving.

The Full Spectrum: Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026

Here is the comprehensive list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026:

1. Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou (China)
2. Zest, Seoul (South Korea)
3. Bar Leone, Hong Kong (China) – Read more about it here
4. Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, Bangkok (Thailand)
5. MO Bar Shenzhen, Shenzhen (China)
6. Bar Us, Bangkok (Thailand)
7. Lennon’s, Bangkok (Thailand)
8. Boilermaker, Goa (India) – Read more about it here
9. Jigger & Pony, Singapore – Read more about it here
10. Obsidian Bar, Shenzhen (China)
11. Modernhaus, Jakarta (Indonesia)
12. Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore
13. Alice, Seoul (South Korea)
14. Vender, Taichung (Taiwan)
15. Cosmo Pony, Jakarta (Indonesia)
16. Offtrack, Singapore
17. Bar Sathorn, Bangkok (Thailand)
18. Soka, Bengaluru (India) – Read more about it here
19. Pony Up, Shanghai (China)
20. BKK Social Club, Bangkok (Thailand)
21. Carrots Bar, Jakarta (Indonesia)
22. Gokan, Hong Kong (China)
23. Punch Room Tokyo, Tokyo (Japan)
24. Coa, Hong Kong (China) – Read more about it here
25. Opium, Bangkok (Thailand)
26. Virtù, Tokyo (Japan)
27. CMYK, Changsha (China)
28. Ralph’s Bar, Chengdu (China)
29. Smoke & Bitters, Hiriketiya (Sri Lanka) – Read more about it here
30. Bar Spirit Forward, Bengaluru (India)
31. G.O.D, Bangkok (Thailand)
32. Three X Co, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) – Read more about it here
33. Bar Cham, Seoul (South Korea)
34. Workshop14, Hanoi (Vietnam)
35. To Infinity & Beyond, Taipei (Taiwan)
36. Mius, Hong Kong (China)
37. Argo, Hong Kong (China)
38. Bar Trigona, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) – Read more about it here
39. Bar Libre, Tokyo (Japan)
40. The Golden Tooth, Jakarta (Indonesia)
41. The Han-Jia, Tainan (Taiwan)
42. M+MS Bar, Seoul (South Korea)
43. Origin Bar, Singapore
44. Problem Child, Makati (Philippines)
45. The St. Regis Bar (Macau), Macau (China)
46. The Hudson Rooms, Hanoi (Vietnam)
47. Montana, Hong Kong (China)
48. Aqua Bar, Bangkok (Thailand)
49. Penicillin, Hong Kong (China)
50. Tiao, Beijing (China)

Click here to read the extended longlist of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026.

The 2026 edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars not only celebrates the current leaders but also provides a compelling glimpse into the future of cocktail culture across the continent. With China’s Hope & Sesame leading the charge, and India’s established and emerging talents continuing to impress, the bar is set high for another year of innovation, creativity, and unparalleled hospitality.