Inside the Indian bars named among Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026
It was China’s Hope & Sesame from Guangzhou that took the number one spot at the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 ceremony last night. On
It was China’s Hope & Sesame from Guangzhou that took the number one spot at the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 ceremony last night. On a glittering evening in Macau, the coveted list was unveiled before industry professionals. The 50 bars span 22 cities, with 14 new entries this year. Three Indian bars made the cut, with Bengaluru taking two spots, retaining its status as the bar capital of the country (well, I may be a little biased). While Boilermaker, SOKA, and Bar Spirit Foward are all familiar names, and no new winners emerged from the country, it is a testament to creativity and consistency. Hope & Sesame is a hidden speakeasy located behind a Cantonese store in the historic Dongshankou district. Founders Bastien Ciocca and Andrew Ho play with techniques such as centrifugal clarification, sous vide infusions, and rotary distillation, to marry tradition and innovation. China won seven spots on the list this year, its highest ever, a proof that it has a fast-growing cocktail scene that is embracing new trends. Bangkok won eight spots on the list, cementing its position as a powerhouse, with Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, BKK Social Club and Opium. Hong Kong was another clear winner with seven bars, such as Bar Leone, Shelley Tai and Montana. Singapore, Seoul and Jakarta secured four spots each. The Indian bars on the list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 A shack in sleepy Siolim Goa’s Boilermaker came in at number 8 on the list, cracking the coveted top 10 spot.
It was also awarded The Best Bar in India. Last year the bar was number 30 on the list. Boilermaker embodies the laid-back ‘susegad’ spirit of Goa. Something that co-founder Pankaj Balachandran feels contributes to its success. “Even if it’s not air-conditioned, even if there are no leather seats or fancy trimmings, you can still build something world-class because the soul of a bar comes from the experience you create for every guest who walks in. If you take care of the most important parts—your people, genuine hospitality, and a product you’re proud of, then the space becomes whatever you make it.” The menu is heavy on Goan ingredients, like the Biso Manana Karamel is made with local spirit, dukshiri. “A shack in the middle of a sleepy town like Siolim making its mark on Asia’s 50 Best and landing in the top 10 is honestly mind-blowing.” Bengaluru in a glass On number 18, is a Bengaluru darling, SOKA. Helmed by chef Sombir Choudhary and bartender Avinash Kapoli (hence SO and KA) this one is located in Indiranagar. The bar was on number 28 last year and has now entered the top 20. The cocktails at SOKA capture the local Bengaluru flavour, nostalgia, lingo and ingredients. Black Cadillac is a drink named after a popular pub from the ‘90s and Cheese Cherry Pineapple is a tribute to the snacks at Downtown Pub, another old favourite.
The BriefWire