The Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 awards ceremony took place tonight in Macau, unveiling the annual ranking of the region’s most outstanding drinking destinations. Bars from 20 different cities were featured on this year’s list, with 20 new entries making their debut. Among the most notable highlights was Indonesia’s best-ever performance, led by Modernhaus Jakarta, which entered the list at No.12 and was named Best Bar in Indonesia, sponsored by Three Cents. Modernhaus also received the Three Cents Best New Opening Award.

“The region’s bars continue to redefine excellence in cocktail culture, as seen in the talent and creativity of this year’s winners,” said Emma Sleight, Head of Content for Asia’s 50 Best Bars. “With 20 new entries, the most in recent years, this list is a testament to the boundary-pushing creativity of Asia, with truly memorable drink experiences waiting to be explored by cocktail enthusiasts.”

Modernhaus: A Confident Debut from Jakarta

Launched in 2024 by nightlife veteran Mirwansyah Bule in collaboration with The Union Group, Modernhaus Jakarta quickly established itself as a standout destination for cocktail lovers. Blending mid-century design with inventive drinks, the venue reflects Jakarta’s evolving identity in Asia’s bar scene. 

More like a living room than a bar, the layout maintains no separation between bartender and guest. Guests can join the central communal table or settle into one of the more secluded corners of the room. The cocktail menu is detailed and informative, offering both broad drink styles and precise ingredients. A concise bar food menu complements the drinks, ranging from cheese puffs to roast chicken with butter rice and foie gras.

At the core of the Modernhaus menu is Bule’s love for plants. Each of the sixteen cocktails is designed around different parts of a plant — divided into four sections: leaves, roots, flowers, and fruits. All ingredients are locally sourced, highlighting Indonesia’s botanical diversity.

Indonesia's Milestone Year with Four New Entrants

This year marked a defining moment for Indonesia’s bar scene, with four Jakarta-based bars making their debut on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list — the highest number of Indonesian entries ever to feature in the top 50. The strong showing signals a dynamic shift in Jakarta’s cocktail culture, placing it firmly on the regional map as a destination for innovation and world-class hospitality.

Joining Modernhaus on the list is the St. Regis Bar Jakarta at No.22, known for its polished service, live jazz, and attention to detail in glassware and presentation. At No.34, Carrots Bar stands out for its culinary-forward cocktail approach and intimate SCBD setting. Rounding out the list is Cosmo Pony at No.38, a vibrant newcomer driven by The Union Group and Singapore’s Jigger & Pony Group, offering convivial hospitality and a cosmopolitan drinks experience. Together, these four bars reflect the rising standard, creativity, and global ambition of Indonesia’s cocktail community.

Regional Highlights Across Asia

For the second year in a row, Bar Leone in Hong Kong claimed the No.1 ranking and was named The Best Bar in Asia, sponsored by Perrier. Founded by Lorenzo Antinori, the bar celebrates “cocktail popolari”—approachable yet refined classics with subtle twists. Inspired by the neighborhood bars of Rome’s Trastevere district, the venue features wood-panelled interiors, vintage memorabilia, and a relaxed atmosphere rooted in Italian hospitality.

Bar Leone made history in 2024 by debuting at No.1 and also ranked No.2 on The World’s 50 Best Bars list the same year.

This year’s top five was led by:

  • Bar Leone (No.1, Hong Kong) — retaining its title as The Best Bar in Asia, sponsored by Perrier

  • Zest (No.2, Seoul) — The Best Bar in Korea, sponsored by Tia Maria

  • Jigger & Pony (No.3, Singapore) — The Best Bar in Singapore, sponsored by Torres Brandy

  • Bar Us (No.4, Bangkok) — The Best Bar in Thailand, sponsored by Amaro Lucano

  • Dry Wave Cocktail Studio (No.5, Bangkok) — winner of the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award

Additional strong showings included seven bars from Bangkok, six from Japan, and five from Singapore. Notable new entries featured MO Bar Shenzhen (No.21), Yakoboku in Kumamoto (No.25), and Cat Bite Club in Singapore (No.44).

Special Awards and Recognitions

This year’s special awards highlight the creative and community-driven efforts within the Asian bar landscape:

  • Three Cents Best New Opening Award: Modernhaus (No.12, Jakarta)

  • Disaronno Highest New Entry Award: Dry Wave Cocktail Studio (No.5, Bangkok)

  • Campari One To Watch Award: Workshop14 (No.83, Hanoi)

  • Roku Industry Icon: Jay Khan (Coa, Hong Kong & Shanghai)

  • Nikka Highest Climber Award: Alice (No.13, Seoul)

  • Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award: Backdoor Bodega (No.64, Penang)

  • Best Bar Design Award: Messenger Service (No.90, Bangkok)

  • Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award: Vesper (No.29, Bangkok)

  • Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award: Sora (No.65, Phnom Penh)

  • Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award: Barc (No.35, Kathmandu)

  • Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award: Andrew Ho (Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou)

The 2025 edition affirms that Asia’s cocktail culture continues to thrive with growing diversity, new voices, and creative leadership across the region. For Jakarta, this moment signals a well-earned breakthrough onto the global bar stage.