Guangzhou's Hope & Sesame Crowned Best Bar in Asia for 2026

Hope & Sesame: A New Era of Cocktails in Asia

Hope & Sesame, the renowned cocktail establishment in Guangzhou, has achieved a remarkable feat by being named The Best Bar in Asia for 2026 during the Asia's 50 Best Bars awards ceremony held in Macau on July 28, 2026. Sponsored by Perrier, this prestigious recognition highlights the bar's continuous innovation and commitment to excellence in cocktail culture.

This year's list included 22 cities and featured 14 new bars alongside two returning favorites, highlighting the growth and diversification of the bar scene across Asia. Hope & Sesame has consistently appeared in this esteemed list for seven years, showcasing its dedication to redefining the drinking experience in China. The bar uniquely blends Cantonese influences with contemporary techniques, offering guests an unforgettable experience.

The awards ceremony not only celebrated Hope & Sesame but also showcased the diversity and creativity present throughout Asia’s bar community. For instance, Bangkok's Lennon’s secured the 7th spot and received the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award, while Bar Sathorn climbed 31 positions to earn the Nikka Highest Climber Award at No. 17.

In addition to these accolades, several bars from Hong Kong were honored, including Coa at No. 24, which won the Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award. Kinsman received recognition for the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award, and Mius at No. 36 was awarded for Best Bar Design by SevenRooms. Indra Kantono, co-founder of Jigger Pony, also made waves at No. 9 by receiving the Roku Industry Icon Award during the ceremonies.

Another highlight was Workshop14 in Hanoi being honored as The Best Bar in Vietnam, alongside winning the Three Cents Best New Opening Award. Furthermore, Bar Us in Bangkok at No. 6 received the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award, indicating a rising trend towards sustainable practices in the industry.

Faye Huggett, Community Director of Asia's 50 Best Bars, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "This year’s ranking celebrates the diversity, creativity, and resilience that defines the cocktail culture in Asia today. The bars listed continue to elevate the standards of hospitality throughout the region, from established leaders to ambitious new spots."

Across the regions, it was noted that Bangkok dominated the list with eight establishments, followed by Hong Kong with seven. Singapore secured four spots, led by Jigger Pony, while Seoul's Zest maintained its dominance as The Best Bar in Korea for the third consecutive year at No. 2.

The recognition of Hope & Sesame as The Best Bar in Mainland China and Asia reflects not just the bar's innovative approach but also its role in shaping the cocktail culture in the region. In an era where the hospitality landscape is rapidly evolving, establishments like Hope & Sesame stand at the forefront, setting new standards and inspiring future generations in the art of mixology.

For a complete view of the rankings from 1 to 50, visit Asia's 50 Best Bars. This event not only marks a celebration of cocktail excellence but also reflects the vibrant culture and community that continues to thrive in Asia's hospitality sector.