Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026: Five Malaysian Bars Named on 51-100 List

Introducing the five Malaysian bars that made it to the 2026 edition of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 51-100 list. 

Ahead of this year’s main Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 ceremony, its extended 51-100 list has been revealed, recognising the ever-evolving and growing cocktail industry around the region. Joined by bars from Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Hangzhou, Goa, Jakarta, and more, five Malaysian bars from Kuala Lumpur and Penang made the cut for the list. Making their first-ever appearances on the list are 11 new entries as well as four re-entries, who are back on the list after missing out last year. 

REKA

The Malaysian cohort is led by Reka at No. 63, a 16-place drop from last year’s No. 47 ranking. Located in Bukit Damansara, the bar is loved for its innovative and bold drinks that are created in its lab-like setting. Expect clarified milks, lacto-fermented fruits, foams, and funky flavour combinations that just make sense during your visit here. 

PENROSE

Chinatown’s Penrose follows closely behind at No. 64. Drinks here are made with extreme precision, concocted based on five pillars: alcohol, flavour, taste, body and dilution. The team, led by Jon Lee, is no stranger to the rankings having been listed on both the main Asia’s 50 Best Bars list and the 51-100 extension for a number of years now. 

CABINET 8

Also calling KL’s Chinatown home, Cabinet 8 breaks onto the rankings for the first time ever at No. 65. Here, Justin Tay and his team make their drinks to the tune of Malaysian ingredients, incorporating our country’s best kept secrets and well-known flavours alike in every sip. Take its Macurryta for example. It’s the bar’s take on the classic, but given a local Johorean twist with some curry leaves from the south.

BACKDOOR BODEGA

If you know George Town’s cocktail scene, you know Backdoor Bodega. This cheeky Jalan Gurdwara hangout has returned to the 51-100 list at No. 66 as the sole entry from Penang. Its menu is a playful collection of drinks that showcase the team’s wit, knowledge, and skill all at once. In fact, you might find Operations Manager Thanesh Joel rather familiar as he was named BURO’s Bartender of the Year in 2025!

COLEY

Rounding off the Malaysian representation is Coley, sitting pretty at No. 83. A consistent, reliable hangout for locals, this cosy Bangsar bar has been a mainstay in the Asia’s 50 Best rankings for years now. Thanks to its forward-thinking and approachable cocktails, it has become an institution in the local drinks scene. 

Stay tuned for the reveal of the main Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 list, coming your way this 28 July from Macau!

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