Hong Kong’s Coa Named Asia Best Bar for the Third Consecutive Year
In a continent brimming with diverse drinking spots, Hong Kong’s Coa has emerged as the undisputed winner for the third consecutive year, being crowned the Best Bar in Asia. The bar, known for its focus on mezcal and agave spirits, is expertly led by Jay Khan.
The prestigious list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars for 2023 was announced at a jubilant event hosted at Hong Kong’s Rosewood Hotel on July 18. Notably, Hong Kong dominated the rankings, with seven bars securing spots in the top 50. Among them were Penicillin, renowned for its sustainability initiatives (ranked 26th), and The Old Man, inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s legacy (ranked 47th).
An American-born bartender, Beckaly Franks, was celebrated as the “bartender’s bartender” for her outstanding work at Hong Kong’s The Pontiac, a bar with an all-female team that embraces LGBT inclusivity.
Singapore, on the other hand, emerged as the winningest city in Asia, boasting a staggering 11 bars in the top 50.
Beyond the rankings, special recognition was given to bars receiving the “best in destination” prizes, representing the highest-rated bars from their respective countries, cities, or regions. Notably, Bar Trigona at Kuala Lumpur’s Four Seasons Hotel was hailed for achieving the highest position for any bar in Malaysia, placing 36th.
The exhilarating event saw representatives from the top 50 venues, easily identified by their red scarves, eagerly awaiting the crowning of the number one bar. The anticipation culminated in the chant “Coa! Coa!” from the local Hong Kong crowd even before the official announcement.
Despite Coa’s momentous achievement, Jay Khan remained grounded, emphasizing that they intend to maintain their current approach and see how the future unfolds. “One day we’re not going to be crowned number one, and that’s okay,” he asserted during a press conference.
The list’s credibility is attributed to the votes of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy, a panel consisting of esteemed members from the bar industry, media, and mixology experts across the region.
Here are the top 10 winners of Asia’s 50 Best Bars for 2023:
- COA (Hong Kong)
- Jigger & Pony (Singapore)
- BKK Social Club (Bangkok)
- Bar Benfiddich (Tokyo)
- Zest (Seoul)
- Tropic City (Bangkok)
- Nutmeg and Clove (Singapore)
- Argo (Hong Kong)
- Darkside (Hong Kong)
- Sago House (Singapore)
The accolades bestowed upon these establishments serve as a testament to the ever-evolving and vibrant bar scene across Asia, where talented bartenders and exceptional cocktail experiences continue to thrive.
