Five Indian bars have been recognized in the prestigious Asia's 50 Best Bars list for 2025. Leading the way is Lair, located in New Delhi, which has achieved an impressive 8th place. This marks a significant rise from its previous ranking of 68th in Asia last year. Other notable mentions include Soka in Bengaluru at 28th, Boilermaker in Goa at 30th, ZLB23 also in Bengaluru at 31st, and Bar Spirit Forward in Bengaluru at 37th.

Lair is described as a modern speakeasy inspired by the secretive bars of the Prohibition era, offering a unique atmosphere with dim lighting and earthy decor designed for immersive drinking experiences. The bar's menu features three levels to guide patrons through different flavor complexities.

Additionally, four other Indian bars were listed from ranks 51 to 100: Bar Outrigger in Goa (55th), Sidecar in New Delhi (62nd), The Bombay Canteen in Mumbai (69th), and Hideaway in Goa (94th). The top three bars on this year's Asia's list are Bar Leone from Hong Kong, Zest from Seoul, and Jigger & Pony from Singapore.

Original article

Here is my analysis of the article's value to the reader:

Actionable Information: The article provides a list of Indian bars recognized in Asia's 50 Best Bars for 2025, offering a clear ranking and descriptions of these establishments. While it does not give specific steps or plans for the reader to follow, it does highlight the achievements of these bars, which could potentially influence a reader's choice of dining or drinking establishments.

Educational Depth: It offers a deeper understanding of the bar culture in India and its growing recognition on an international scale. The article explains the concept and atmosphere of Lair, a New Delhi bar, providing insight into the unique experiences it offers. However, it does not delve into the broader context or historical aspects of the bar industry in India or Asia.

Personal Relevance: For those interested in exploring new bars, especially those seeking unique drinking experiences, the article could be of relevance. It provides a list of recommended bars, which could influence a reader's choices and potentially enhance their social or leisure activities. However, it may not be of immediate relevance to those with different interests or priorities.

Public Service Function: The article does not serve an immediate public service function by providing warnings, safety advice, or emergency contacts. It primarily serves to inform and entertain, rather than offer practical tools or resources for the public's benefit.

Practicality of Advice: As the article primarily focuses on providing information and recognition, it does not offer advice or tips in a practical sense. It does not instruct the reader on how to replicate the success of these bars or provide steps to create similar immersive drinking experiences.

Long-Term Impact: While the article celebrates the achievements of Indian bars and their growing recognition, it does not offer long-term strategies or plans for readers to implement. It may inspire some to explore these bars and support the industry, but it does not provide a lasting impact in terms of practical guidance or future planning.

Emotional or Psychological Impact: The article may evoke a sense of pride or curiosity among readers, especially those with an interest in the bar culture or the recognition of Indian establishments on an international stage. However, it does not provide emotional support or psychological guidance, nor does it address any potential challenges or concerns related to the bar industry.

Clickbait or Ad-Driven Words: The article does not employ sensational or misleading language to grab attention. It presents the information in a straightforward manner, focusing on the achievements of the bars and their rankings.

In summary, the article provides a valuable list of recognized Indian bars, offering a glimpse into the country's growing presence in the international bar scene. While it may inspire and inform, it does not provide actionable steps, in-depth educational content, or practical advice for long-term impact.

The recognition of Indian bars on the Asia's 50 Best Bars list, while a celebration of culinary and cultural achievements, also carries a warning for the strength and integrity of our communities.

The rise of Lair, a modern speakeasy, to 8th place on this prestigious list, and the inclusion of several other Indian bars, may be seen as a testament to the creativity and innovation of our people. However, we must not forget the moral bonds that tie us together and the responsibilities we have to one another and to our land.

The secretive nature of Lair, inspired by the Prohibition era, hints at a potential disconnect from our traditional values. In our culture, openness and transparency are often prized, as they foster trust and understanding between families and neighbors. A speakeasy, by its very nature, encourages secrecy and a certain level of exclusivity, which could lead to a breakdown of community bonds if taken too far.

The immersive drinking experiences offered by Lair and the complex flavor journeys on their menu may appeal to some, but we must ask ourselves: at what cost? Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a host of social and health issues, impacting not only the individual but also their family and community. Elders, who are often the guardians of our traditions and wisdom, may view such establishments with concern, fearing the erosion of our cultural values and the potential harm to future generations.

The inclusion of multiple bars from the same cities, particularly Bengaluru and Goa, also raises questions about the balance of our communities. Are we fostering an environment where the pursuit of pleasure and status takes precedence over the well-being and unity of our people? Are we neglecting our responsibilities to care for the vulnerable, to protect our children and elders, and to ensure the survival of our land and its resources?

If this trend of prioritizing bars and drinking establishments over community well-being spreads unchecked, we risk creating a society where the bonds of family and community are weakened, where the protection of our children and elders is compromised, and where the trust and responsibility that hold us together are eroded.

Our ancestors understood the importance of moderation and the need to prioritize the health and harmony of our communities over individual pleasures. They knew that a strong and united people are the key to the survival and prosperity of our land and future generations. We must not forget these timeless lessons and allow the allure of recognition and material success to blind us to our true responsibilities.

Let us remember that the strength of our communities, the protection of our families, and the survival of our land are not mere ideals but the very foundations of our existence. We must ensure that our actions and choices today do not undermine these foundations, for the sake of our children, our elders, and the balance of life that we are entrusted to protect.

"Leading the way is Lair, located in New Delhi, which has achieved an impressive 8th place."

This sentence uses strong, positive language to describe Lair's achievement. The word "leading" suggests that Lair is at the forefront and sets an example for other Indian bars. By emphasizing Lair's impressive ranking, the sentence creates a sense of pride and accomplishment, potentially influencing readers to view Lair favorably. The use of "impressive" adds an emotional tone, making the achievement seem even more significant.

The text evokes a range of emotions, primarily excitement and pride, as it celebrates the achievements of Indian bars on the prestigious Asia's 50 Best Bars list for 2025. The strong emotion of excitement is evident as the writer highlights the significant rise of Lair, a New Delhi bar, from its previous ranking of 68th to an impressive 8th place. This achievement is described with enthusiasm, creating a sense of anticipation and joy for readers. The excitement is further heightened by the mention of other Indian bars that have made the list, with specific rankings provided to emphasize their success.

Pride is another dominant emotion, as the text showcases the accomplishments of Indian establishments on an international platform. The description of Lair as a "modern speakeasy" with its unique atmosphere and immersive drinking experiences evokes a sense of national pride, suggesting that Indian bars are not only keeping up with global trends but also setting new standards. The mention of four additional Indian bars listed from 51st to 100th place reinforces this feeling of pride, indicating a strong showing across the country.

The writer's choice of words and the structure of the text contribute to the emotional impact. By providing specific rankings and highlighting the rise of Lair, the writer creates a narrative of success and achievement, which is inherently exciting and inspiring. The use of phrases like "leading the way" and "significant rise" further emphasize the positive emotions associated with these accomplishments.

This emotional strategy is employed to inspire and motivate readers, potentially encouraging them to visit these acclaimed Indian bars or even sparking a desire to explore the world of mixology and bar culture. The text also builds trust by providing detailed information about the bars, their locations, and their unique features, giving readers a sense of familiarity and confidence in the recommendations.

Furthermore, the writer employs a persuasive technique by comparing Lair's current ranking to its previous position, creating a sense of dramatic improvement. This comparison, along with the use of descriptive language to paint a picture of Lair's atmosphere, makes the bar's achievement seem even more impressive and worthy of celebration. By personalizing the story through specific details about Lair's concept and menu, the writer engages readers and makes the emotional impact more tangible.