The Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 ranking has officially been revealed, with bars from Guangzhou, Seoul and Hong Kong taking the top three spots this year. Malaysia also made its mark, with two Kuala Lumpur bars earning places on the prestigious list.

The Asia’s 50 Best Bars ranking is voted on annually by more than 300 industry experts and is widely regarded as one of the most influential rankings in Asia’s bar and hospitality scene. This year’s awards ceremony was held at Wynn Palace in Macau.

Taking the No. 1 spot was Hope & Sesame 庙前冰室 from Guangzhou, marking the first time a Chinese bar has claimed the top position.

No. 1: Hope & Sesame 庙前冰室, Guangzhou

Hidden behind a traditional Cantonese grocery store in Guangzhou’s Dongshankou area, Hope & Sesame 庙前冰室 was founded by Bastien Ciocca and Andrew Ho in 2016.

The bar draws inspiration from Chinese culinary traditions and Cantonese cuisine, incorporating local ingredients, nostalgic flavours and modern cocktail techniques into its drinks menu.

Its rise through the Asia’s 50 Best Bars ranking has been impressive. After entering the list at No. 35 in 2019, Hope & Sesame climbed to No. 14 in 2024 and No. 7 in 2025 before taking the No. 1 spot in Asia in 2026.

This also marks the first time a Chinese bar has won the Asia’s 50 Best Bars title.

Address: 58 Miaoqian West Street, Dongshankou, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Phone: +86 189 9841 8723
Reservations: BiteBook

No. 2: Zest, Seoul

Seoul’s Zest retains its No. 2 position from last year.

The name “Zest” combines the ideas of “zero” and “waste”, reflecting the bar’s strong focus on sustainability. The team uses creative fermentation techniques and other methods to reduce its environmental footprint while incorporating the principles of zero-waste into its cocktails.

Zest also places a strong emphasis on Korean flavours and local ingredients. Its cocktails incorporate traditional Korean drinks and ingredients such as soju, makgeolli, yakju and sikhye, giving its modern creations a distinctly Korean identity.

Address: B1, 26, KR 55 Dosan-daero 55-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Phone: +82 10 3177 8801

No. 3: Bar Leone, Hong Kong

After holding the No. 1 position for two consecutive years, Hong Kong’s Bar Leone drops to No. 3 this year while remaining the highest-ranked bar in Hong Kong.

Founded by Lorenzo Antinori, Bar Leone is known for its Italian neighbourhood bar concept, combining classic cocktails, quality ingredients and a strong focus on traditional craftsmanship.

The bar focuses on timeless cocktail styles while incorporating seasonal ingredients and refined techniques.

Address: 11-15 Bridges Street, Central, Hong Kong
Email: tuttobene@barleonehk.com

2026 Asia’s 50 Best Bars: Malaysia

Malaysia has two bars on the 2026 list, both located in Kuala Lumpur.

No. 32: Three X Co, Kuala Lumpur

Three X Co has established itself as one of Kuala Lumpur’s pioneers of the hidden or underground cocktail bar scene.

Although the bar dropped from No. 15 last year to No. 32 in 2026, it remains the highest-ranked Malaysian bar on this year’s list.

Located behind a barbershop inside Bangsar Shopping Centre, Three X Co is known for cocktails inspired by Malaysian and broader Asian flavours, presented within a stylish setting that blends contemporary design with Chinese-inspired elegance.

The bar also combines classic cocktail traditions with creative experimentation. One example is its 2024 Indi V Duality menu, which gave different cocktails their own personalities and concepts, adding a playful storytelling element to the drinking experience.

Address: Lot T6A, Level 3, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285 Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 19-336 6031

No. 38: Bar Trigona, Kuala Lumpur

Located inside the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Bar Trigona continues its run as one of Malaysia’s most recognised bars, ranking No. 38 on the 2026 Asia’s 50 Best Bars list.

The bar combines modern luxury with Malaysian craftsmanship and places a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and sustainability. It has also worked with Malaysian farmers to develop ingredients and cocktails inspired by the country’s diverse culinary heritage.

Its latest Nectar of Time menu explores different stages of the evening through sections including First Light, Progressive Chapters, After Dark and Eternal Hours.

The menu celebrates Malaysia’s local flavours and culture, incorporating ingredients and traditions ranging from tuak to kaya, reinterpreted through contemporary cocktail techniques.

Address: Four Seasons Place, 145 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-2382 8888

Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026: The Full List

With Guangzhou taking the No. 1 position, Seoul at No. 2 and Hong Kong at No. 3, this year’s ranking highlights the growing diversity of Asia’s cocktail scene.

For Malaysia, Three X Co at No. 32 and Bar Trigona at No. 38 once again put Kuala Lumpur on the regional cocktail map.

For cocktail enthusiasts visiting KL, these two bars are definitely worth adding to your Kuala Lumpur nightlife itinerary.

Looking for more of the best bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife spots in Kuala Lumpur? Check out our latest Kuala Lumpur Nightlife Guide.