The much-anticipated Asia’s 50 Best Bars list by Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy is out now and four Indian entries across Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru have made it there, creating the perfect occasion to celebrate. What’s more, all four Indian entries have also improved their rankings since 2022, proving that the Indian cocktails and mixology scene is truly going places.
Delhi’s Sidecar ranked No.18 this year, which is an improvement from last year’s No.26. For the first time, two bars from Mumbai have made it on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, making them new entries on this list. The Bombay Canteen, which ranked No.76 last year, has jumped to No.35. Masque’s The Living Room, on the other hand, went from No.73 last year to No.48 this year. Copitas at Bengaluru’s Four Seasons Hotel climbed up from No.44 in 2022 to No.38 in 2023.
Given that there were five Indian entries in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 Extended 51-100 list, this brings India’s total to a whopping nine bars in the 100 Best, which is quite the feat. Hong Kong’s Coa ranked No.1 for the third time in a row on this list, but given the improvement the Indian bars have shown, we can perhaps hope for more in the coming years.
The mood at these Indian bars is celebratory. “It’s definitely the love of our wonderful guests (they are the most important for us) our wonderful bar community and the relentless effort of the fabulous team that has helped achieve such heights,” says Yangdup Lama, Mixologist and Co-Owner, Sidecar in Delhi’s Greater Kailash 2. “It was a pleasant surprise making it to Asia’s 50 Best Bars, yes, because it’s a tough industry and keeping consistency is the hardest challenge.”
“Cocktails, cuisine and unmatched service have been the hallmark of The Bombay Canteen since inception and we are so honoured to be recognized and validated for our cocktail program,” the Mumbai bar’s team wrote on Instagram. “Thank you to everyone that have been a part of this amazing journey and congratulations to all the others who have made it onto the list too.”