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The bar scene in India has evolved swiftly in the last few years. From bar-forward restaurants to bars introducing uncommon, indigenous ingredients in cocktails or displaying a flair for International techniques - the scene has been exciting. Cities such as Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru have also seen Bar Takeovers where prominent bars from South East Asia have popped up to give the cities a chance to experience their magic.
Photo Credit: ZLB 23 / Instagram
Recently when the list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars was revealed, at a live event in Hong Kong, one Indian bar, a Kyoto-inspired speakeasy, found a place on it. ZLB 23 from Bengaluru is based at The Leela Palace Bengaluru and opened in 2023. It was ranked #40 in this year’s list. To enter the bar, one has to go through a secret path that takes them through the hotel’s busy kitchen and makes them step into a secret service lift. The idea is to take one back to the era of prohibition. The vibe inside is that of a glamorous jazz club, dressed in velvet curtains and shimmering chandeliers. The specials at the bar include a twist on the Classic Old-Fashion and a Citrus-flavoured Negroni.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
While ZLB 23 is the only Indian bar to make it to the list this year, Copitas, another Bengaluru bar which is located in the Four Seasons Hotel, didn’t make it this year. However, the bars from India that made it to the extended list (51-100) included The Bombay Canteen from Mumbai at #59, Lair from New Delhi at #68, and Home, also from Delhi at 96.
Another honour for India’s capital city came in the form of the Roku Industry Icon Award 2024 being awarded to Yangdup Lama of New Delhi’s Sidecar. Sidecar has ranked among Asia’s Best Bars for four consecutive years and was at #84 this year. Lama who has been a visionary has been known for his love for local ingredients and treating them in unusual ways in his cocktails. The award acknowledged his contributions to the Indian bar scene.
Photo Credit: Soy Como Soy
At #1 was Hong Kong’s Bar Leone. The bar which opened in 2023 became the first to debut on the list at the top position. It was followed by Zest from Seoul at #2, Jigger & Pony from Singapore at #3, Coa from Hong Kong at #4 and Tokyo’s Bar Benfiddich at #5.
