Our Favorite Asian-Inspired Cocktails in Bogotá? KYN

Location: Carrera 13 #83-23, Bogotá, Colombia

We’ll just say it: KYN is one of those rare spots that instantly makes you feel like you’re in on something. The moment you step inside, the world outside Zona T fades into the background. It’s moody, it’s playful, and yes—it’s the kind of bar you plan your night around.

From the music to the lighting to the menu that leans boldly into Asian-inspired mixology and shareable plates, everything about KYN is curated to be savored. And if you love a scene, but want it with actual substance (read: excellent cocktails, service, and food you’d come back for), you’ll find yourself mentally bookmarking this one before the second round hits the table.

What’s on the Menu Is as Good as It Looks

KYN’s culinary concept is a modern take on pan-Asian bar food—designed for sharing, for snacking between rounds, or for leaning into full-on dinner territory if you feel like staying all night. The menu is divided between hot tapas, cold tapas, and a generous cocktail list that easily stands on its own.

The portions are tapa-sized but thoughtful. Presentation is sleek but not fussy. And the flavor profiles? Bold, with just the right amount of surprise. Think Korean marinades, Japanese-style sashimi, citrus-forward sauces, and plenty of textures.

For a Strong Start, Try These Appetizers

Let’s talk about the small plates—because if you’re coming here with friends (as you should), this is where the fun begins.

We loved the Kimchi Edamame—a spicy, tangy take on the classic starter, sautéed in a kimchi sauce that kicks up just enough heat to balance a round of something citrusy.

Citrus fans will also love the Lemon Sake, a fresh take on a shrimp and avocado roll, layered with salmon and glazed in eel sauce. The citrus brings a nice lift, making it one of the most balanced cold plates on the menu.

The Kazan Dinamita, which features crunchy shrimp tossed in a spicy mayo and drizzled with Sriracha, is a must-order. It’s indulgent, snackable, and disappears quickly, so maybe double up if you’re a group of four or more.

Then there’s the Crispy Yume: small squares of crispy rice topped with salmon tartare and a whisper of truffle. They’re one-bite magic—crispy, creamy, umami-rich. Don’t skip these.

We also loved the Nigiri Citrus—salmon nigiri lightly dressed with orange zest, truffle oil, and flake salt. It’s clean, vibrant, and beautifully plated.

And finally, if you’re a fan of spice, go for the Tuna Kaizen. It features tuna tartare, crispy kimchi, and flying fish roe for a bold bite with just the right pop of heat.

For Mains That Still Feel Light, These Tapas Deliver

You won’t find traditional mains here, but that’s kind of the point. KYN is about variety and pace. We recommend mixing a few Tapas Calientes (hot) with Tapas Frías (cold) so the textures keep things interesting.

Start with the Sashimi Chimichurri—slices of salmon over nori with a green chimichurri drizzle. It’s fresh and herbaceous, a nice change of pace from soy-based sashimis elsewhere.

The Lomo Kolby, Korean-marinated beef sashimi on a bed of sweet potato purée, is one of the most elevated dishes on the menu. It’s tender, slightly sweet, and plated like something you’d find at a fine-dining spot.

For a bit of drama, we suggest the Tenka Acevichado, a kind of ceviche-style fish roll with creamy acevichado sauce. It’s bold, zesty, and cool—perfect with one of their fruit-forward cocktails.

Save Room for Something Sweet

There’s no traditional dessert section, and honestly, you won’t miss it. KYN isn’t a “flourless chocolate cake” kind of place. Instead, the sweetness comes from the cocktails and the lingering flavors of things like maracuyá, lychee, or tamarind in the food and drinks.

That said, if they’re running a daily dessert special—which they sometimes do—say yes. The kitchen occasionally surprises with things like matcha cheesecakes or ginger-pineapple sorbets, depending on the season.

Cocktail Artistry Without the Pretense

If you only come to KYN for drinks, you’re still doing it right. This is where their creativity shines, and the bartenders are clearly having fun. The list is split between Clásicos and Cocteles de Autor, but we recommend starting with the signatures.

Here are the ones we think you’ll remember:

• Pink Lychee: Beefeater Pink gin, lychee liqueur, and lemon. It’s subtly floral and incredibly refreshing.
• Kayzer Mezcalita: This smoky, spicy mezcal cocktail with tamarind and Tajín is what we’d sip all night if we could. Complex but drinkable.
• Hikari: Tequila, Aperol, gulupa, lime, and mint with a rim of burnt orange salt. This one tastes like a vacation.
• Lulo Sake: A little sweet, a little tangy, and deeply sippable—made with sake, lychee, and Colombian lulo.
• Velvet Sakura: Pisco and grapefruit juice, with floral notes of rose and a soft hint of cinnamon. This one’s light, fragrant, and unexpectedly elegant. If you’re easing into the evening, this is a great pick.
• Amai Rum: Dark rum with roasted pineapple, lemon juice, and sesame oil—finished with a passionfruit foam and sesame seeds. It’s smoky and tropical, and the texture from the foam adds a surprising twist. One of the more creative ones on the menu.
• Ita Bourbon: Bourbon, peach syrup, lime, and passionfruit foam over soda. Slightly sweet, a little fruity, with a great long finish. If you’re a whiskey lover who wants something more refreshing, this is your move.
• Lulo Sake: Sake, lychee liqueur, lemon, and lulo purée. Clean, acidic, and slightly exotic. You won’t find this on many menus elsewhere—it’s subtle and sophisticated, especially if you’re pairing it with lighter seafood plates or sushi.

Prefer a classic? The Espresso Martini and Negroni are well-executed. But honestly, you’ll have more fun letting the bartender recommend something off the Cocteles de Autor section.

The Vibe: Stylish, Social, and Never Stuffy

KYN is all about ambiance. Picture this: dim lighting, smooth beats, people actually dressed up, and a long bar that encourages lingering. It’s upscale, but not intimidating. You’ll find dates, small groups, and the kind of tables where someone inevitably starts saying “We should do this more often.”

The design leans sleek and contemporary—think dark wood, industrial-chic lighting, minimalist décor, and just the right amount of neon glow from the bar. Music is always part of the scene—low enough for conversation, upbeat enough to keep the energy going. And there’s usually a subtle shift from “cocktail bar” to “social lounge” as the night deepens.

This is a pre-game spot for a night out, or a full-night hangout if you land a good table. We especially love it as a second-date spot: just enough buzz, but not too noisy. It’s also a reliable place to bring out-of-towners when you want them to say, “Wait—this is Bogotá?!”

The Story Behind the Space

To appreciate KYN more, we find it helps to know something about its origin. This is a project of Diego Sáenz (of MasterChef Celebrity fame), launched August 2023. It’s a restaurant‑bar hybrid meant to bring elevated Asian flavors into Zona G. 

The menu prices reflect this ambition:

Sodas artesanales and simple starters (gyosas, edamames) are very reasonable—good value for what you get. 

More creative plates, signature dishes like Paletilla de Cordero (slow‑cooked lamb shoulder for 16 hours glazed in teriyaki de gulupa and served with Brussels sprouts in kimchi sauce) are among the most expensive items, up to ~COP 150,000. 

There’s also “Experiencia KYN,” a sushi tasting of many rolls (“medio rollo de la carta”) that costs roughly COP 150,000. 

This range means you can build your night according to your appetite and your wallet. A lighter dinner + a few drinks, or a full‑feast with fancy plates and cocktails.

An Almost No-Notes Vibe

We wouldn’t change much—but if we had one small piece of feedback, it’s this: a few more vegetarian options would go a long way. While there are some standouts like the Kimchi Edamame or the veggie-forward rolls, most dishes are seafood- or meat-based. A tofu-based tapas plate or an eggplant-focused dish would round out the menu nicely.

Also, service is generally attentive and friendly, but on weekends it can get busy—so don’t be shy about signaling for your next round if the servers are doing the rounds. They’re more than happy to chat once you grab their attention.

Your Next Go-To Spot in Zona T

Whether you’re here for date night, cocktails before dancing, or just a night of great food and even better people-watching, KYN delivers. It’s not trying to be everything to everyone—and that’s what makes it work.

Come for the cocktails, stay for the energy, and leave knowing you’ve just discovered one of Bogotá’s most satisfying night spots.

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