Coa Named The Best Bar in Asia 2021
Jay Khan's agave bar led the 2021 ranking, with nine Hong Kong addresses on the list and Quinary, The Diplomat and Penicillin collecting special awards.
Coa, the agave bar founded by bartender Jay Khan, was named The Best Bar in Asia on 6 May 2021, taking No.1 at Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2021. It was the first time the bar had topped the regional ranking, which was revealed through an online broadcast.
Khan built Coa around tequila and mezcal, with the stated aim of changing how agave spirits are perceived in Asia. Singapore’s Jigger & Pony placed second, followed by The SG Club in Tokyo, Indulge Experimental Bistro in Taipei and Sober Company in Shanghai.
Hong Kong placed nine bars on the list. Caprice Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong ranked tenth and shared the Nikka Highest Climber Award after rising 24 places, while The Diplomat entered at No.20 and received the Best New Opening award.
Several other Hong Kong bars were recognised. Quinary, at No.25, received the Legend of the List award; Penicillin entered at No.30 and won the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award. Tell Camellia (No.23) and Darkside (No.40) were also new entries, alongside The Pontiac at No.26 and The Wise King at No.28.
Among the other individual honours, Shanghai-based Shingo Gokan received the Industry Icon award and Bannie Kang of Mu in Taipei was voted the Bartenders’ Bartender. MO Bar in Singapore won the Art of Hospitality award, and Epic in Shanghai was named One to Watch.