Today, on October 5th, the bar Himkok in Oslo was voted the world’s 20th best bar on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Bars list. A huge leap from no. 42 on the list last year. What an incredible achievement! I wrote the official review of Himkok that was published on the site after the award show ended, and this is what it reads:
Himkok is the flagbearer for Oslo’s cocktail bars. A combined speakeasy, high-volume taptails bar, cider bar and al fresco eatery – also sporting a house distillery producing seasonal varieties of aquavit, gin, and vodka – the scene is set for any drinks lover’s night out.
Since opening in 2015, Himkok has developed and matured: today, the place has found its true identity as a Norwegian cocktail joint. Not Nordic – Norwegian, as co-owner and general manager Yunus Yildiz is quick to point out. Its Flavours of Norway menu is a celebration of the Norwegian craft and a tribute to the ingredients, producers and farmers of this country. Cocktails based around unique Norwegian flavours include cloudberries, seaweed, birch and even the caramelised milk cheese known as ‘brunost’. In a way, Himkok is doing for cocktails what the city’s three Michelin-starred restaurant Maaemo has done for cooking – showcasing a modern Norwegian flavour profile rooted in traditions and local produce.
Looking for more great spots for food and drinks in Norway’s capital? Check out our city map of Oslo!
These Are the World’s 50 Best Bars in 2017
1. American Bar, London
2. Dandelyan, London
3. NoMad Bar, New York City
4. Connaught Bar, London
5. The Dead Rabbit Grocery & Grog, New York City
6. The Clumsies, Athens
7. Manhattan, Singapore
8. Attaboy, New York
9. Bar Termini, London
10. Speak Low, Shanghai
11. Little Red Door, Paris
12. Happiness Forgets, London
13. High Five, Tokyo
14. Licoreria Limantour, Mexico City
15. Atlas, Singapore
16. Dante, New York City
17. Oriole, London
18. The Broken Shaker, Miami
19. Candelaria, Paris
20. Himkok, Oslo
21. The Gibson, London
22. Black Pearl, Melbourne, Australia
23. Floreria Atlantico, Buenos Aires
24. Operation Dagger, Singapore
25. 28 Hongkong Street, Singapore
26. Trick Dog, San Francisco
27. Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Company, Miami
28. Indulge Experimental Bistro, Taipei
29. Lost & Found, Nicosia
30. Baba Au Rum, Athens
31. Tippling Club, Singapore
32. BlackTail, New York City
33. The Jerry Thomas Project, Rome
34. Le Syndicat, Paris
35. Tales & Spirits, Amsterdam
36. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo
37. Employees Only, New York City
38. Schumann’s, Munich, Germany
39. La Factoria, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
40. Quinary, Hong Kong
41. Aviary, Chicago
42. Mace, New York City
43. Nightjar, London
44. Linje Tio, Stockholm
45. The Baxter Inn, Sydney
46. ABV, San Francisco
47. Native, Singapore
48. Tommy’s, San Francisco
49. Lobster Bar, Hong Kong
50. Imperial Craft, Tel Aviv
Do you agree with Himkok’s place on the list? Please share your opinion in a comment below.
One of the best drinks I have tasted is a pink flamingo soda. I wish I could ask him if you can provide it and send it via shipping.
Haha, that would be great!