#Asias50BestBars: Local Speakeasy Omakase + Appreciate Is Top 10 In Asia’s Best Bars List

On Thursday night (31st March 2016), Drinks International announced its highly anticipated Asia’s 50 Best Bars Awards 2016 winners.

It is the first, and only, regional list to be published alongside the internationally renowned World’s 50 Best Bars Awards that takes place annually in October.

The bars in the list were voted for by more than 150 industry experts from Asia, representing the ultimate guide to the top bars in the region. The inaugural list includes bars from 12 cities in 10 countries with restaurant bars, speakeasies, hotel bars, and tiki-themed venues all contributing to the diverse and eclectic list.

28 Hongkong Street claimed the title of Asia’s Best Bar taking the #1 spot in the list. The bar is lead by a combination of highly regarded industry legends including Michael Callahan, Zdenek Kastanek and David Cordoba. Drinks are renowned for their clean, fresh, flavour-focused approach, all served in a famous Singapore party environment.

Also in the top 10, Kuala Lumpur sits alongside Asia’s cocktail capitals with Omakase + Appreciate ranked 10th best bar in Asia. Run by owners and local bartending heavyweights Karl Too and Shawn Chong, it has a monthly changing drinks menu, its location in the basement of an anonymous office block places it amongst the other inconspicuous speakeasies on the list.

What are some of the qualities that helped Omakase + Appreciate cinch its #10 spot? Speaking to us exclusively, Omakase + Appreciate co-founder Shawn Chong, who is also the Diageo World Class SEA Bartender of the Year 2015 winner, said, “Firstly, I think being in the business for 3 years was a starting point. Aside from the years, since the start we have always tried to get our bar out there, despite being a speakeasy. We’ve worked to keep things fresh and people like that. For example, we change our menu every so often, every month or once in two months. This is apart from the customised drinks that we do and it showcases our creativity.”

“Since the start as well, we have always worked to connect with our network outside of Malaysia. The way we do this is having the constant effort to host guest bartenders in our bar which in fact does give us some international exposure. In regards to that as well, I believe being involved in international competitions has also put ours and Malaysia’s name out there. Due to these efforts, we have even gotten some international media coverage. Lastly, the simple wish to offer quality cocktails and service with genuine and sincere hospitality is what trumps it all, I think,” he added

Truly a standout joint and a gem inconspicuously located behind a “No Entry” door, Omakase + Appreciate serves up world-class cocktails – you just have to find it 😉

Check out Omakase + Appreciate via their Facebook page.

Meanwhile, Thailand also fared well with a total of 6 bars included, the highest being Vesper Bar at number 17 which creates serious cocktails alongside Italian cuisine, whilst Taiwan, South Korea, Philippines, and Indonesia are all also represented on the list.

The full list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars Awards winners as follows:

 
The awards are the first regional list brought to you from the World’s 50 Best Bars, the most influential and respected global survey of its kind, produced by Drinks International.

For more information, visit the Asia’s 50 Best Bars Awards website.