#507
ASIA'S 50 BEST BARS 2017
22 Jun 2017 By David Fuhrmann-Lim
Here are the results of Asia’s 50 Best Bars: Some surprises, some shocks, but all deserving and good. (Two Singapore bars made the top 5, guess which ones…)
Three Singapore bars made the top 10 – five in the top 12, including the coveted #1. How many of the top 50 have you visited?
No. 5: Indulge Experimental Bistro, Taiwan
Indulge’s owner Aki Wang is at the forefront of Taipei’s dynamic cocktail scene with an approach that takes international bar trends and gives them a Taiwanese twist. Witness the signature Mar-Tea-Ni, which incorporates vermouth infused with Taiwanese oolong tea, and mandarin orange peel. Other highlights at the chic, purple-lit bar include the Guava Mule and Oriental Beauty (single malt, pear purée, jasmine and apple juice), while the modern European food menu is another reason to visit.
No. 11, Lane 219, Section 1, Fuxing S Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan
[ Read our interview with Aki Wang here ]
No. 4: 28 Hong Kong Street, Singapore
This atmospheric speakeasy plays its cards close to its chest with barely any online presence and no signage above the nondescript door. Despite the secrecy (or perhaps because of it), 28 HongKong Street has become a landmark destination thanks to a fun, laid-back vibe and stellar cocktails from the creative mind of founding bartender Michael Callahan. The list changes frequently, but recent highlights include Planter’s Punch – rum, hibiscus grenadine, Darjeeling tea, citrus and bitters.
28 HongKong St, Singapore 059667
No. 3: High Five, Tokyo
It’s high fives all round for this sleek, low-lit bar, which has received widespread acclaim thanks to the drive of owner Hidetsugu Ueno. A recent move to larger premises has done nothing to dampen the bartender’s fire with the same inspired approach to cocktails, plus a 200-strong whisky list. Ueno’s Bellinis, Singapore Slings and Martinis remain a benchmark, while signatures such as Ceremony – J’s whisky, green tea liqueurs, and matcha bitters – are as popular as ever.
Efflore Ginza 5 Bldg. BF 5-4-15 Ginza Chuo-ward 104-0061 Tokyo, Japan
No. 2: Speak Low, Shanghai
The secret entrance to Shingo Gokan’s hip bar is now common knowledge, judging by the crowds that flock here. A slide-away bookcase in a cocktail equipment shop leads to a funky bar that wouldn’t look out of place in downtown Manhattan and serves fine-tuned signatures and well-wrought New York staples. The second floor is more refined with rarefied spirits and Japanese-style attention to detail. Don’t miss the eponymous Speak Low – Bacardi Superior, Bacardi 8, Pedro Ximenez sherry and matcha.
579 Fuxing Zhong Lu, Near Ruijin Er Lu, Huangpu District, Shanghai
No. 1: Manhattan, Singapore
No prizes for guessing the signature drink here. Head bartender Philip Bischoff mixes a magnificent Manhattan using Michter’s US1 Straight Rye whisky, but there are plenty of other libations inspired by American history, from colonial-style punches to bourbon sours. The room is a suitably grand space mixing dark wood, marble and leather, which seems even more decadent on Sundays when an adult’s only brunch is served with unlimited craft cocktails.
Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Road, Singapore
[ Read our Manhattan cocktails review here ]
See the full list of winners here.
Like this? Check out a list of 263 bars you must visit
You might be interested in...
COCKTAILS ON CALL
So, We Can't Go to the Bars During This CB (Circuit Breaker) Period. Thankfully, the Bars Are Coming to Us.
MERRY WHISKMAS
'Tis the Season and All That. For the Discerning Drinker in Your Life (or Just You), We've Robbed Santa to Offer You Some of Our Favourites for Celebratory Moments.
WINE NATURALLY, WINE BRAVELY
Meet Philippe Chin, OFC's newly appointed Wine & Operations Manager. His first "order" of business? Natural Wine
COCKTAILS ON CALL
MERRY WHISKMAS
WINE NATURALLY, WINE BRAVELY