The Duo Behind Hong Kong’s Best Bar, COA, Unveil The Savory Project

Jay Khan and Ajit Gurung, founders of award-winning Hong Kong bar, COA, have recently announced the launch of a new concept called The Savory Project, located in Soho.

In 2020, Jay Khan was honoured as Asia's Best Bartender at the Asia's 50 Best Bars Awards, while in 2022, he and the COA team won The Best Bar in Asia for two consecutive years in a row.

The Savory Project aims to create cocktails that highlight earthy and umami notes, while minimizing the presence of sweet or fruity flavours. Unique cocktail ingredients include meat, fungi, brine, and more.

Speaking about the concept behind The Savory Project, Jay Khan said, "Savory flavours are gaining in popularity as people crave drinks that are less sweet and more intricate.”

In addition to a focus on savoury drinks, The Savory Project’s menu will also offer a wide selection of non-alcoholic drinks.

The bar’s design utilises elements such as wood, stone, and metal. The bar also boasts a unique hexagonal shape to eliminate the barrier between the bartender and guests.

"A bar is supposed to be a place where you engage, have fun, and get close to people and we wanted to create that same dynamic between guest and staff, so they feel part of the fabric of the place," said Jay.

The Savory Project will be open from 6PM to 12 midnight on Tuesdays through Thursdays and Sundays, and will stay open until 1AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Where: The Savory Project, 4 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong