Hong Kong’s Coa has been named as The Best Bar in Asia for the third year running and also the Best Bar in Hong Kong for 2023.
The announcement came at the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 live ceremony in Hong Kong this week, which was also livestreamed on Facebook and the competition’s YouTube channel.
Coa was launched in 2017 by bartender Jay Khan and saw its debut in the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list in 2019 at number 12.
The name Coa comes from the agave harvesting tool in line with the bar’s impressive 200-bottle collection of tequila, mezcal, and other Mexican spirits.
The number two spot was taken out by Singapore’s Jigger & Pony, which was also awarded the Rémy Martin Legend of the List title and as The Best Bar in Singapore for the third year running.
Third place was awarded to Thailand’s BKK Social Club, fourth was Tokyo’s Bar Benfiddich, and Seoul’s Zest in position five.
“Asia’s bars continue to push the envelope when it comes to fabulous drinking experiences and that is evident from the talent and creativity on display at the bars on this year’s list from 17 cities across the continent,” says Asia’s 50 Best Bars Content Director Mark Sansom.
Other special awards from the night included the Campari One To Watch Award to Singapore’s Night Hawk, London Essence Best New Opening to Bangkok’s Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar, and the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award to Singapore’s Analogue.
Japanese bar Virtù was also awarded the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award for its place at 20, and Singapore’s Zest won the Nikka Highest Climber Award for jumping 42 spots to position five this year.
A total of 12 bars from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan made the list, along with 11 from Singapore, seven from Japan, two from Indonesia, and four each from Korea, India, and Thailand.
The annual list is created from the votes of 260 industry figures that form the Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy.
The voting system is based on the same model as The World’s 50 Best Bars competition, but with all voters based in Asia.
For the full list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023, visit: Asia’s 50 Best Bars – The best bars across Asia (worlds50bestbars.com)