Hope & Sesame Named The Best Bar in Asia 2026

Hope & Sesame, located in Guangzhou, was crowned No. 1 on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 list and received the title of The Best Bar in Mainland China, with the ranking sponsored by Perrier. The live awards ceremony took place in Macau on July 28, 2026.

Overview of the 2026 Rankings

The 2026 list spans 22 Asian cities, introducing 14 new entries and featuring two re‑entries. Bangkok leads the list with eight bars, while Hong Kong follows with seven entries. Singapore contributes four bars, highlighted by Jigger & Pony at No. 9 as The Best Bar in Singapore. Seoul’s Zest holds the No. 2 spot, retaining The Best Bar in Korea for a third consecutive year.

Major Award Winners

  • Lennon's (Bangkok) debuted at No. 7 and earned the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award.
  • Bar Sathorn (Bangkok, No. 17) climbed 31 places to receive the Nikka Highest Climber Award.
  • Coa (Hong Kong, No. 24) was presented with the Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award.
  • Kinsman (Hong Kong) secured the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award.
  • Mius (Hong Kong, No. 36) won the SevenRooms Best Bar Design Award.
  • Workshop14 (Hanoi, No. 34) was named The Best Bar in Vietnam and also received the Three Cents Best New Opening Award.
  • Bar Us (Bangkok, No. 6) claimed the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award.
  • Hats Bar (Jakarta, No. 77) took the Campari One To Watch Award.
  • Smoke & Bitters (Hiriketiya, No. 29) won the Michter's Art of Hospitality Award and was also recognised as The Best Bar in Sri Lanka.
  • Shelley Tai (Mius) received the Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award.
  • Indra Kantono, co‑founder of Jigger & Pony (No. 9), was honoured with the Roku Industry Icon Award.

Statements from Organisers

Faye Huggett, Director of Community for Asia’s 50 Best Bars, remarked that the ranking celebrates the diversity, creativity and resilience of Asia’s cocktail culture, noting that both established leaders and ambitious newcomers continue to raise hospitality standards across the region.

Additional Information

For the complete 1‑50 list, readers are directed to the official media centre at https://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com. The press release is distributed by PRNewswire under an arrangement with 50 Best, with PTI disavowing editorial responsibility.