The eighth version of Asia’s 50 Finest Bars awards ceremony, held on the Rosewood Hong Kong on Tuesday, July, 18, celebrated the best cocktail institutions within the continent. This yr’s checklist featured entries from 17 cities and 12 international locations, with Singapore main with 10 entries, adopted by Hong Kong with 10, and Japan with 7. India proudly secured 4 spots on the distinguished checklist, with Sidecar, in Delhi, The Bombay Canteen and The Dwelling Room in Mumbai, and Copitas, in Bengaluru, garnering recognition.
Sidecar, Delhi
| Picture Credit score:
The Hindu
Sidecar, Delhi (Rank 18):
South Delhi’s in style Sidecar, ranked 18, has earned a spot on the checklist for the fourth consecutive yr. Proprietor Yangdup Lama, at present in Hong Kong making ready a brand new menu presentation, expressed his gratitude, stating, “It’s an honour and a mirrored image of our group’s onerous work. This recognition evokes us to stay centered on each facet of our craft, from presentation to service, meals, and aesthetics. Our patrons love us not only for our drinks however for the general expertise we provide.”
Lama highlighted the significance of fixed coaching, studying, and innovation within the trade and emphasised using native substances and acquainted flavours to create a healthful bar expertise. He additionally shared that the menu offered in Hong Kong will quickly be launched at Sidecar in Delhi. The mixologist teased, “A number of new issues are developing quickly at Sidecar.”
Yash Bhanage, founder and COO, Starvation Inc. Hospitality that owns The Bombay Canteen, at Asia’s 50 Finest Bars awards ceremony, in Hong Kong
| Picture Credit score:
Particular association
The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai (Rank 35):
The Bombay Canteen, a bar that embraces native flavours, jumped from #76 final yr to #35 on the checklist. Underneath the steering of Prantik Haldar, Head of Beverage Improvements, the bar presents a number of reimagined classics with Indian roots. Every drink pays homage to Mumbai’s vibrant tradition, with design parts reminiscent of a pop-up e book showcasing town’s Artwork Deco structure.
Yash Bhanage, founder and COO of Starvation Inc. Hospitality, the guardian firm of The Bombay Canteen, expressed his delight, stating, “This isn’t solely a recognition of our effort within the final yr to curate a world-class bar menu however an amazing validation of the creativity and innovation to push the bar program at The Bombay Canteen since inception in 2015.”
(from left) Savio Fernandes, director of meals and beverage, 4 Seasons, Bengaluru with Sarath Nair, beverage supervisor, Copitas, at Asia’s 50 Finest Bars awards ceremony, in Hong Kong
| Picture Credit score:
Particular association
Copitas, Bengaluru (Rank 38):
Positioned on the 21st flooring of the 4 Seasons Resort, Copitas has earned its place as Bengaluru’s cocktail mecca. Led by Sarath Nair, the bar stands out with its uncomplicated, clear, and scrumptious cocktails. Judges have been impressed by their inexperienced menu, using each a part of a plant, reminiscent of seeds, roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits, to craft distinctive cocktails.
Native substances together with peanut brittle (chikki), vettivera (khus), nannari, and betel leaves contribute to their stand-out drinks. Normal Supervisor Reuben Kataria expressed pleasure, stating, “Being recognised feels extra particular additionally as a result of we’re the one lodge bar within the nation featured on the checklist. And we now have been on the checklist twice and improved our rankings this yr.”
The Dwelling Room, Mumbai
| Picture Credit score:
Particular association
The Dwelling Room, Mumbai (Rank 48):
Masque’s The Dwelling Room climbed from #73 to #48 on the checklist. Nestled on the mezzanine degree of the subtle area in a former cotton mill, this intimate cocktail bar, led by Ankush Gamre, showcases India’s flavours with a deal with innovation and sustainability.
The concise cocktail menu takes visitors on a journey by means of India’s distinctive tastes, offered in modern kinds utilizing consciously sourced substances. From sea buckthorn to black garlic aged in-house, the drinks mirror Masque’s ethos and requirements.
The presence of 4 Indian bars on Asia’s 50 Finest Bars 2023 checklist demonstrates the outstanding progress and creativity throughout the nation’s cocktail scene. These bars have embraced their distinctive id and flavours, impressing judges and solidifying their place as trailblazers in Asia’s cocktail scene.