Guangzhou bar Hope & Sesame has been named No. 1 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 list, taking the top spot in this year’s regional ranking. The result puts a mainland Chinese venue at the head of the list as several cities across Asia posted strong performances.
Seoul’s Zest finished as the runner-up, while Hong Kong’s Bar Leone, which held the No. 1 position last year, moved to third place. Bangkok’s Dry Wave Cocktail Studio ranked fourth, followed by MO Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen, in fifth.
Singapore also had a notable showing, with four bars making the list. However, the city’s leading bar, Jigger & Pony, slipped to No. 9, a change that stands out in this year’s rankings.
The latest edition highlights the breadth of Asia’s bar scene, with Bangkok, Jakarta and multiple Chinese cities featuring strongly. The results suggest growing regional competition at the top end of the cocktail and hospitality industry.
