In a dazzling display of creativity and craftsmanship, Bangkok’s dynamic cocktail bar Fnkytown has made its much-anticipated debut on the prestigious 50 Best Discovery platform. This latest inclusion highlights a growing wave of cutting-edge hospitality venues that continue to push the boundaries of culinary and beverage excellence worldwide. As part of 50 Best’s most extensive expansion yet, the February 2025 update features over 500 new destinations, solidifying Fnkytown’s position among the globe’s top bars, alongside more than 3,700 distinguished restaurants, bars, and hotels spanning over 100 cities worldwide.
The 50 Best Discovery platform, a curated selection of exceptional global venues, serves as an essential guide for food, drink, and travel aficionados seeking out the world’s most innovative and distinguished locations. With this addition, Bangkok’s vibrant drinks culture now sits on the world stage, spotlighting the city’s progressive cocktail scene and cementing its role as a key player in the global hospitality conversation.
A Visionary Journey from Bangkok’s Heartbeat
F*nkytown burst onto the scene in November 2023, quickly establishing itself as a game-changer in the Thai cocktail industry. Under the direction of Group Beverage Manager Pae Ketumarn, a protégé of cocktail legends Shingo Gokan (The SG Club and The Sober Company), the bar has become a beacon of cocktail innovation, pushing the limits of what drink culture can be while staying deeply rooted in Thailand’s rich culinary heritage. Pae’s expertise has elevated the venue into a pioneering culinary destination that fuses the worlds of food and drink like never before.
The bar's bold, experimental approach to cocktails reflects Bangkok’s ever-evolving identity. Its drinks program incorporates locally-sourced ingredients and traditional Thai flavours, expertly reinterpreted to offer an experience that goes far beyond the typical cocktail. F*nkytown’s concept is an exploration of how food and drink can be interwoven—elevating Bangkok’s standing in the global conversation about innovative cocktails.
Revolutionary Drink Concepts That Bridge Cultures
What sets Fnkytown apart is its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what a cocktail can be. The bar’s signature "Funk Scale" system—ranging from Level 1 to 5—offers a unique way to navigate experimental flavours. Whether it's an approachable drink with local fruits or an adventurous concoction that challenges conventional expectations, Fnkytown makes complex tastes accessible to all. Its Winter Melon Fizz, which combines chicken fat-washed gin, and the bold Tom Yum Highball, a creative twist on a Thai classic, exemplify the venue's commitment to merging local culture with innovation.
“I think this recognition isn’t just about the drinks we serve,” says Pae Ketumarn, Group Beverage Manager at F*nkytown. “It’s a testament to our broader vision of creating a space where the energy of modern Bangkok comes alive in a glass. We want to bridge the gap between food and drink, tradition and innovation, local ingredients and global techniques. This recognition from 50 Best Discovery affirms that our efforts are resonating with people around the world.”
A key part of F*nkytown’s approach is its groundbreaking savoury cocktail program, which pushes the limits of taste and creativity. The Kimchi cocktail—an unexpected blend of kimchi juice, gochujang butter-washed spirits, and Korean perilla leaf—exemplifies the venue’s mastery of savoury ingredients. The bar’s commitment to sustainability is also showcased through the Pain au Matcha, a cocktail made from croissant off-cuts from its sister operation, Sarnies, and crafted into a distinctive orgeat syrup. These examples highlight the establishment’s dedication to making sustainability an integral part of its offerings, all while providing guests with one-of-a-kind experiences.
A Platform for the World’s Most Exceptional Venues
50 Best Discovery stands as the ultimate resource for global travelers and hospitality enthusiasts, offering expert-curated recommendations from over 3,000 Academy members. These are individuals deeply embedded in their local culinary, drinking, and hospitality scenes, ensuring the list remains a reliable guide for those seeking the best in global venues. Notably, F*nkytown earned its place on the platform through the recommendation of these distinguished experts, as venues cannot apply for inclusion but are selected through a rigorous process based on quality and innovation.
50 Best Discovery is an expansion of the renowned 50 Best rankings and serves as an extension of the acclaimed annual lists. The platform allows travelers to explore emerging cities and innovative venues, bringing to light new spaces that may otherwise be overlooked.
Celebrating Thailand’s Role in Global Hospitality
Fnkytown’s entry into the 50 Best Discovery platform marks a milestone for Thailand’s growing influence in the world of hospitality. As the bar continues to captivate both locals and international visitors, it exemplifies the innovative spirit that defines modern Bangkok. With its remarkable drink creations and unwavering commitment to sustainability and culinary excellence, Fnkytown is not only shaping the future of the Thai cocktail scene but also positioning Thailand as a global leader in the evolving world of cocktail culture.
For more information about F*nkytown and its groundbreaking cocktail program, or to explore other must-visit venues on the 50 Best Discovery platform, visit www.theworlds50best.com/discovery.
About 50 Best Discovery:
50 Best Discovery is a curated global platform offering discerning travellers a guide to the world’s best restaurants, bars, and hotels. Each venue is selected based on expert recommendations from the 50 Best Academy, a group of over 3,000 international industry professionals. For more information on 50 Best
Discovery, please visit the website here: www.theworlds50best.com/discovery
Read more about selection criteria here: www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/about.html
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