Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025: 4 Malaysian bars shine on the global stage

Malaysia has a reason to raise a glass. At the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 awards held in Macau last night (15 July), four Kuala Lumpur-based bars earned places on the influential list, reaffirming the city’s growing reputation as a regional cocktail capital.

While Bar Leone from Hong Kong clinched the top spot for the second consecutive year, Malaysian talents dazzled with their creativity, storytelling, and innovation. Here’s a closer look at the standout bars that made the list — and why they’re worth a visit.

Penrose (No. 10): Minimalist mastery

Enjoy your drink in style at this noir-like bar in Jalan Kemuja, Bangsar.

The highest-ranking Malaysian bar on this year’s list, Penrose is the darling of KL’s cocktail elite. Helmed by Jon Lee — formerly of Tippling Club Singapore — Penrose takes a minimalist, technique-forward approach to mixology. Each drink on the menu showcases precision, clarity, and balance, often built around a single standout ingredient.

The bar’s refined aesthetics mirror its creative ethos: clean lines, moody lighting, and intimate seating that encourages thoughtful appreciation of every glass. Whether it’s a perfectly clarified whisky sour or a deceptively simple negroni with reimagined bitters, Penrose is proof that quiet confidence often speaks loudest.

Address: 76A, Jalan Kemuja, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday: 5PM–12AM | Monday: Closed
Website

Three X Co (No. 15): Opulent oriental speakeasy

Travel back in time at this ‘hidden’ speakeasy in Bangsar Shopping Centre.

Climbing up the ranks this year, Three X Co has solidified its position as a powerhouse in the KL bar scene. Nestled behind a hidden door in a Bangsar boutique, the bar exudes Gatsby-era opulence with Chinese deco elements. But it’s the drinks — and the storytelling behind them — that captivate.

Under the helm of award-winning female bartender Amanda Wan, the team is known for crafting classics with a twist, infusing familiar Southeast Asian flavours like pandan, chrysanthemum, and lemongrass into artfully presented libations. A visit to Three X Co feels like stepping into an era of refined indulgence — with a distinctly local soul.

Address: Bangsar Shopping Centre, Lot F19, Level 1, 285 Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday: 6PM–1AM | Sunday: Closed
Website

Bar Trigona (No. 39): Ethical indulgence

Ethical dining and drinking is made possible at Bar Trigona in KL’s Four Seasons Hotel.

A long-time favourite on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, Bar Trigona at the Four Seasons Hotel KL continues to impress with its sustainable sourcing, indigenous ingredients, and commitment to local communities. Named after the stingless Trigona bee, the bar’s philosophy revolves around ethical indulgence — from sourcing honey from local farmers to using Malaysian herbs and fruits in their drinks.

Signature cocktails such as the Trigona Old Fashioned exemplify their farm-to-glass concept, offering bold, well-balanced flavours that honour Malaysia’s biodiversity. The bar’s luxurious yet inviting atmosphere makes it an essential stop for cocktail lovers.

Address: Four Seasons Hotel, 145 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily: 5PM–1AM
Website

Reka (No. 47): Experimental elegance

Aptly named Reka, which means create, the bar’s innovative drinks are one of their kinds.

Reka returns to the list this year, once again demonstrating its prowess in pushing the boundaries of cocktail culture. Spearheaded by a team of forward-thinking bartenders, Reka’s drinks blend science and storytelling with a Malaysian twist. Their signature “Rotovap cocktails” use distillation techniques typically reserved for laboratories — transforming local ingredients like bunga kantan and asam boi into refined sips unlike anything else in the region.

Reka’s sleek, futuristic interior mirrors its progressive ethos, but the heart of the experience lies in its commitment to heritage-inspired flavour profiles. This bar isn’t merely about drinking; it’s about discovery.

Address: 73M, Jalan Setia Bakti, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 6PM–1AM | Sunday & Monday: Closed
Website

Honourable mention: Backdoor Bodega

Backdoor Bodega also has their own merchandise for sale.

Backdoor Bodega in Penang took home the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award for its story-driven menu, which guides guests on a visual journey across the state.

Address: 37, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Thursday-Monday: 8PM-9M | Tuesday & Wednesday: Closed
Website

Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 50-1 list

Zest, Seoul, secured the No.2 spot, taking home the title of The Best Bar in Korea, sponsored by Tia Maria. Jigger & Pony, Singapore, came in at No.3, reclaiming the accolade of The Best Bar in Singapore, sponsored by Torres Brandy.

The 2025 list also welcomed 20 new entries, making it one of the most dynamic and diverse editions to date. Here’s the complete list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars from number 50 to number 1:

1. Bar Leone, Hong Kong

2. Zest, Seoul (Best Bar in Korea)

3. Jigger & Pony, Singapore (Best Bar in Singapore)

4. Bar Us, Bangkok (Best Bar in Thailand)

5. Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, Bangkok*

6. Bar Cham, Seoul

7. Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou (Best Bar in Mainland China)

8. Lair, New Delhi (Best Bar in India)

9. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo (Best Bar in Japan)

10. Penrose, Kuala Lumpur (Best Bar in Malaysia)

11. Argo, Hong Kong

12. Modernhaus, Jakarta* (Best Bar in Indonesia)