Dry Martini

We have visited this place several times since 2005, and sadly it is trading heavily on its admittedly stunning views. 61 floors up with a small waist-height railing (then straight down!!), it is not for those afraid of heights. Martinis are a solid 7/10, but mixing could be a little more responsive to requests given the stratospheric prices. The atmoshphere is somewhat deflated by lax enforcement of dress rules (despite the signs), and the irritating presence on our last visit of several loud western males posing with escorts. That said, it is worth a visit around sunset simply for the experience.

Website link is here.

This new bar is a small but stylish spot near Hoan Kiem lake in Hanoi. Bog-standard martinis are not much to rave about, Gordons-gin based things good for a ho-hum experience only. The good news however is that they mix to order, with Bombay Sapphire (or anything better if they have it), and as dry as you like. They now remember my face and mixing starts as soon as I walk in. These are bloody good, probably the best in Hanoi. Top marks!

Weblink here.

I visited this great venue in early September 2009, and it stood out from the crowd with its bold innovation in martini cocktails. The Tom Yum Martini was a tasty dram prepared with red chilli, and went down a treat. So much so that a second sample was required for verification purposes.

The menu was well thought out, and the bread was excellent. A known hangout for expats and locals in the know. Definitely a must following a cold Beer Lao on the Mekong at sunset.

Informative link here

This place has to be seen to be believed. Entirely unexpected, including the concrete elephant motif and excessively large driveway and covered entrance. After a night out, I returned to the bar amid the gaming tables. The dry gin martinis needed help so I spoke out. God bless the management but they took me at my word, and there ensued a  civilised discussion about the finer points of mixing, garnishes, cooling of glasses, and cost structures. Several examples were prepared for free and tasted, with the final actually working out pretty well. I was genuinely impressed by the dedication to the great drink, and they went from a 3 out of 10 to a 6 out of 10 for sheer effort. Great work guys.

Website located here.

Great surroundings, good food, and a bloody marvellous Grey Goose Vodka martini, stirred. Served iced-cold with black Spanish olives, it went down a treat before my duck breast.

Review site reference here.

Arguably the best dry Gin Martinis in South-East Asia, Naughty Nuris is an unassuming place located just outside Ubud on Bali, Indonesia. They don’t claim to be a 5-star establishment, with pretty basic warung-style decor specialising in BBQ ribs and martinis .

Martinis are very generous, extremely “dry” (verging on Churchillian in our view), and served with a flourish. Definitely not to be missed.

Website here.

What a truly excellent Dry Gin Martini. Shaken to perfection, utilising Bombay Sapphire gin and Martini & Rossi Extra Dry Vermouth. Served with a flourish, a lovely finish to a long day’s touring on foot. The best in Luang Prabang by far, and equal to may of the better examples in the region.

Restaurant Website is here.