Kathmandu is a city better known for its ancient stupas and medieval temples than for what’s in your glass. But in recent years, something unexpected has been fermenting amid the old brick courtyards and incense-thick alleys: a cocktail scene with serious spirit.
And now, that scene has its champion. Barc, a tucked-away speakeasy that’s quietly redefined drinking and hospitality in Nepal, has just been awarded the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award as part of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025.
It’s a historic first — not just for Barc, but for the country. In 2024, the bar became the first ever from Nepal to make Asia’s 50 Best Bars ranking, debuting at No.39. Now, with this prestigious hospitality accolade — voted on by over 300 members of Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy — Barc has cemented its role as a torchbearer for Nepal’s cocktail culture.
Since opening in 2021, Barc has stood out not only for its cocktails but for the warmth behind the bar. Tucked behind discreet doors, the venue combines rustic tones and grand arches with a design language inspired by Nepalese art and culture. But more than just aesthetics, it’s the feeling of belonging that defines the space.
“Barc is deeply personal to me, and it has been a journey of passion, challenges and belief,” says founder Abhishek Tuladhar. “We are truly honoured to receive the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award. From the beginning, our vision was to bring the flavours of Nepal through our drinks and to create a space that blends global standards with the warmth and soul of our local culture. This award is a testament to that dream. This moment means the world to our team, and to Nepal, a country where hospitality runs through our veins.”
Barc’s cocktail programme reflects that ethos. The drinks fuse global techniques with foraged and native ingredients — from titaura (a tangy snack made with hog plum) to khattu (a preserved fruit blend), and aylā, a traditional fermented rice liquor. The result is a menu that honours local heritage while exploring the limits of modern mixology.
Beyond the bar, Tuladhar and his team have nurtured the city’s cocktail community — mentoring new talent and inspiring a growing number of bars across the capital.
That impact isn’t lost on the organisers of Asia’s 50 Best. “Barc is more than a bar — it’s a movement that’s redefining how people drink, connect and experience hospitality in Kathmandu,” says Emma Sleight, Head of Content for Asia’s 50 Best Bars.
“A trailblazer in a city where cocktail culture continues to surprise in its complexity and development, Barc’s commitment to championing local ingredients, mentoring new talent and delivering hospitality with soul has set a bold new benchmark — not just for Kathmandu, but for the wider region.”