Three Vietnamese bars among Asia’s 100 best

By Hoang Phong   August 12, 2023 | 11:12 pm PT
Two bars in Ho Chi Minh City and one in Hanoi broke into this year’s Asia 100 best bar list, compiled by industry experts.
Three Vietnamese bars among Asia’s 100 best

Stir bar, on the first floor of an apartment building on Le Thanh Ton Street opposite to Ben Thanh Market, ranked 82nd in the list compiled by William Reed Business Media, a media company headquartered in the U.K.

The annual ranking is based on the votes of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy, comprising 260 members of the bar industry, drinks media and mixology experts from across Asia.

"This somewhat hidden first-floor bar is reminiscent of Vietnam in the 1960s and 1970s, and is a comfortable, intimate space – all the better for exploring its range of cocktails inspired by the traditional, street drinks of Vietnam," the ranking said.

Three Vietnamese bars among Asia’s 100 best

Stir bar is capable of serving 40 guests at a time and there is a patio overlooking Ben Thanh market, one of the southern metropolis' tourism symbols.

The bar is open from 5:30 p.m. until 2 a.m., allowing guests to party hard or watch HCMC skyline with a cocktail.

Three Vietnamese bars among Asia’s 100 best

The bar serves guests with cocktails such as jackfruit sticky rice, Jasmine Negroni and Truffle Martini and Vietnam's traditional dishes like banh mi, pho and mangosteen salad with shredded chicken.

Three Vietnamese bars among Asia’s 100 best

Located in the attic of an old house on Hang Ma Street in Hanoi's Old Quarter, The Haflington ranked 85th on the list.

The bar takes inspiration from a private museum with typical European architecture, featuring fossils and rows of old books.

There are rows of glass vitrines, and a whiskey tasting counter with adjoining Gentleman's club-style smoking lounge.

Three Vietnamese bars among Asia’s 100 best

Two year after its opening, The Haflington has become a popular destination among Hanoi's growing cocktail bar scene.

One of its biggest highlights is a conspicuous three-meter-long dinosaur skeleton suspended above the bar. The vintage-themed decor features dark timber and brown leather bar stools, evoking classic ambience.

The bar opens from 3 p.m. until 1 a.m. with prices ranging from VND250,000-300,000 per person.

Three Vietnamese bars among Asia’s 100 best

The bar serves cocktail made of tropical fruits.

The bar has two floors. The main floor offers a comfortable space for guests to sit and hang out with highchairs while a sub-floor is designated for those seeking privacy.

Three Vietnamese bars among Asia’s 100 best

Enigma on Hai Ba Trung Street in HCMC’s District 1 stood at 96th on the list.

Inspired by sci-fi movies, the interior of the bar is decorated with green and pink neon lights, evoking a fanciful and soulful atmosphere.

Three Vietnamese bars among Asia’s 100 best

The bar serves 30 signature cocktails made from locally-sourced ingredients such as Hoa Loc mango Dak Lak sarsi and even Tay Ninh shrimp salt.

Three Vietnamese bars among Asia’s 100 best

Naked Pumpkin cocktail served at Enigma.

It is open from 5 p.m. until midnight, with prices ranging from VND290,000-1 million.

This year, Hong Kong's Coa was crowned the best bar in Asia for a record third year in a row. The bar, which focuses on mezcal and agave spirits, is helmed by Jay Khan.

Photos courtesy of the bars

 
 
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