From Mumbai to Bengaluru: India secures four spots on Asia’s 50 best bars 2023 ranking

Asia's 50 Best Bars 2023 celebrated finest cocktail establishments in the continent, with India proudly securing four spots. Sidecar, The Bombay Canteen, Copitas, and The Living Room showcased unique identity and flavours, impressing judges and solidifying their position as trailblazers in Asia's cocktail scene.

The eighth edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards ceremony, held at the Rosewood Hong Kong on Tuesday, July, 18, celebrated the finest cocktail establishments in the continent. This year’s list featured entries from 17 cities and 12 countries, with Singapore leading with 10 entries, followed by Hong Kong with 10, and Japan with 7. India proudly secured four spots on the prestigious list, with Sidecar, in Delhi, The Bombay Canteen and The Living Room in Mumbai, and Copitas, in Bengaluru, garnering recognition.

South Delhi’s popular Sidecar, ranked 18, has earned a spot on the list for the fourth consecutive year. Owner Yangdup Lama, currently in Hong Kong preparing a new menu presentation, expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is an honour and a reflection of our team’s hard work. This recognition inspires us to remain focused on every aspect of our craft, from presentation to service, food, and aesthetics. Our patrons love us not just for our drinks but for the overall experience we offer.”

Lama highlighted the importance of constant training, learning, and innovation in the industry and emphasised the use of local ingredients and familiar flavours to create a wholesome bar experience. He also shared that the menu presented in Hong Kong will soon be introduced at Sidecar in Delhi. The mixologist teased, “Lots of new things are coming up soon at Sidecar.”

The Bombay Canteen, a bar that embraces local flavours, jumped from #76 last year to #35 on the list. Under the guidance of Prantik Haldar, Head of Beverage Innovations, the bar offers a selection of reimagined classics with Indian roots. Each drink pays homage to Mumbai’s vibrant culture, with design elements such as a pop-up book showcasing the city’s Art Deco architecture.

Yash Bhanage, founder and COO of Hunger Inc. Hospitality, the parent company of The Bombay Canteen, expressed his delight, stating, “This is not only a recognition of our effort in the last year to curate a world-class bar menu but a tremendous validation of the creativity and innovation to push the bar program at The Bombay Canteen since inception in 2015.”

Located on the 21st floor of the Four Seasons Hotel, Copitas has earned its place as Bengaluru’s cocktail mecca. Led by Sarath Nair, the bar stands out with its uncomplicated, clean, and delicious cocktails. Judges were impressed by their green menu, utilizing every part of a plant, such as seeds, roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits, to craft unique cocktails.

Local ingredients including peanut brittle (chikki), vettivera (khus), nannari, and betel leaves contribute to their stand-out drinks. General Manager Reuben Kataria expressed excitement, stating, “Being recognised feels more special also because we are the only hotel bar in the country featured on the list. And we have been on the list twice and improved our rankings this year.”