Cover Taki Li, the accomplished head bartender of Bar Leone—ranked No. 1 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars and runner-up in The World’s 50 Best Bars in 2024—made a special visit to Saigon, Vietnam.
Taki Li, the accomplished head bartender of Bar Leone—ranked No. 1 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars and runner-up in The World’s 50 Best Bars in 2024—made a special visit to Saigon, Vietnam.
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Taki Li, head bartender at Bar Leone, visits SAVOR Cocktail Bar and STIR Bar to connect with Ho Chi Minh City’s bartending scene
At the Normal Bar event in collaboration with SAVOR Cocktail Bar, Li shared the philosophy behind Bar Leone’s meteoric rise to the top, unveiling the secrets that have secured its influence on the global stage. She also introduced signature cocktails at STIR Bar, an iconic destination for Saigon’s cocktail connoisseurs.
Few realise that before stepping behind the bar, Taki Li was a design expert. This pivotal career shift has defined a decade-long journey punctuated by remarkable achievements. Having received the Tatler Rising Star award while at St. Regis in 2022, she has since cemented her reputation, leading Bar Leone’s team to international acclaim.
Above Taki Li was named a Rising Star by Tatler in 2022
Taki Li was named a Rising Star by Tatler in 2022
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Under her leadership, Bar Leone has swiftly become a sensation. Working alongside the bar’s founder, Lorenzo, she has transformed it into a destination of choice for those with an appreciation for Italian style, offering an eclectic mix of cocktails that spark both nostalgia and joy.
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During the Normal Bar event, Li spoke candidly about the key elements behind Bar Leone’s success, from creative inspiration and professional experience to the art of crafting drinks that balance individuality with customer appeal. She also underscored the importance of establishing a distinctive brand identity and narrative.
Meanwhile, her guest shift at STIR Bar was an intimate yet electrifying affair. Guests were treated to her masterful cocktail creations while engaging with her and STIR’s talented bartenders, culminating in an unforgettable evening filled with conversation and craftsmanship.
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Taki Li’s visit not only introduced Saigon’s cocktail enthusiasts to new flavour experiences but also served as an inspiration to the city’s bartending community. Significantly, the event followed the January 2025 launch of the Tatler Best awards in Vietnam—an exciting new platform poised to further elevate the country’s cocktail culture in the near future.
