India's Bars Win Big: Lair Crowned Best in India as Five Establishments Make Asia's Top 50!
The moment we had been waiting for is here! Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025, sponsored by Perrier, has unveiled its prestigious list, and India has reason to celebrate with an impressive five bars making it into the coveted Top 50! The announcement, made in a glittering ceremony at Wynn Palace, Macau on Tuesday, July 15, truly underscored India's rising prominence in the global cocktail landscape.
Leading the charge and earning the esteemed title of The Best Bar in India 2025, sponsored by Matusalem, is Lair in New Delhi, making a remarkable debut on the list at an outstanding No. 8. Their swift ascent into the top echelon is a testament to the team's innovative approach and exceptional experience.
What a year it has been for Lair’s Beverage Director, Navjot Singh! Hot on the heels of his triumphant win at World Class India, securing his spot to represent the nation at the global finals in October, he can now add this award to his collection along with Lair’s win at 30 Best Bars India earlier this year.Bengaluru has emerged as a powerhouse, contributing three fantastic bars to the list:
- Soka (No. 28) – another exciting new entry that has quickly captured attention. I’m sure this new accolade will make getting a seat in this hotspot even more difficult, so book early, or see if you can sweet talk Avinash Kapoli to squeeze you in.
- ZLB23 (No. 31) – maintaining its strong presence and continuing to impress year after year under the management of Suchismita Roy Chowdhury.
- Bar Spirit Forward (No. 37) – also a new entry, further cementing Bengaluru's reputation as a cocktail hub, and the 2nd bar in the top 100 with Arijit Bose leading the charge.
Goa also makes its mark in the Top 50 with Boilermaker entering the list for the first time at No. 30. The venue continues to delight visitors and locals alike with its incredible team and offering. You know your drinking is in safe hands with Pankaj Balachandran and Nakul Bhonsle, ensuring both the cocktails and beer are on point.
I touched base with Navjot after the win to check how this result has impacted him and the team.
NS: The recognition of securing the No. 8 spot in Asia's 50 Best Bars is nothing short of a dream realized, after five years of unwavering dedication, relentless hard work, and an unshakeable commitment to both our product and our team. This achievement is a testament to everyone who has believed in us along the way, the patrons who walked through our doors, embraced our philosophy, and challenged us to push boundaries. It is their belief that has been instrumental in shaping us into who we are today.
This milestone is not simply the result of individual effort but a collective one. From the barbacks to the glass washers, every member of our team has played an indispensable role in making this dream a reality. As I take a moment to soak in this achievement, I am filled with gratitude and pride, but also a profound sense of responsibility.
Success, as we know, comes with its own set of challenges, and with this recognition, our obligations are now greater. The expectations have multiplied, and the bar we’ve set must be upheld. Yet, we are determined,more motivated than ever to continue delivering exceptional service and creating unforgettable experiences for those who walk through our doors.
We will keep pushing, keep striving, and keep elevating our craft, ensuring that we remain worthy of this recognition.
This year's list just reinforces that India's vibrant bar scene is going from strength to strength. The significant number of new entries from India into the Top 50, following a strong showing on the extended 51-100 list, speaks volumes about the hospitality within the country. What's truly evident from this diverse array of winners, spanning various cities and concepts, is that no single style dominates; rather, it's a culmination of brilliant design, unique concepts, and, most importantly, the exceptional staff that truly makes a space great. Their passion, skill, and ability to craft memorable experiences are arguably the most crucial ingredients in a bar's success.
A Glance at Asia's Top Spot: The coveted title of The Best Bar in Asia 2025, was awarded to Bar Leone in Hong Kong, securing the No. 1 position. It would have been hard to pip this bar for the top spot as Bar Leone also holds the #2 place on the Global 50 Best Bars List, continuing to set the benchmark for excellence in the region.
The entire Asia's 50 Best Bars list is a celebration of the dedication and artistry that defines our industry. Congratulations to all the bars and individuals who made this year's list!
The Full List:
01: Bar Leone, Hong Kong
02: Zest, Seoul
03: Jigger & Pony, Singapore
04: Bar Us, Bangkok
05: Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, Bangkok
06: Bar Cham, Seoul
07: Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou
08: Lair, New Delhi
09: Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo
10: Penrose, Kuala Lumpur
11: Argo, Hong Kong
12: Modernhaus, Jakarta
13: Alice, Seoul
14: Smoke & Bitters, Hiriketiya
15: Three X Co, Kuala Lumpur
16: CMYK, Changsha
17: Coa, Hong Kong
18: Virtù, Tokyo
19: BKK Social Club, Bangkok
20: Vender, Taichung
21: MO Bar Shenzhen, Shenzhen
22: The St. Regis Bar, Jakarta
23: Offtrack, Singapore
24: Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore
25: Yakoboku, Kumamoto
26: G.O.D, Bangkok
27: Penicillin, Hong Kong
28: Soka, Bengaluru
29: Vesper, Bangkok
30: Boilermaker, Goa
31: ZLB23, Bengaluru
32: The Savory Project, Hong Kong
33: Gokan, Hong Kong
34: Carrots Bar, Jakarta
35: Barc, Kathmandu
36: Punch Room Tokyo, Tokyo
37: Bar Spirit Forward, Bengaluru
38: Cosmo Pony, Jakarta
39: Bar Trigona, Kuala Lumpur
40: The Public House, Taipei
41: To Infinity & Beyond, Taipei
42: Moonrock, Tainan
43: Opium, Bangkok
44: Cat Bite Club, Singapore
45: Native, Singapore
46: Lamp Bar, Nara
47: Reka, Kuala Lumpur
48: Bar Sathorn, Bangkok
49: Bar Libre, Tokyo
50: Le Chamber, Seoul
