The Critics’ Choice Signature Dish Awards have been a cornerstone of the Chinese Restaurant Awards since their inception, providing a trusted guide to the finest signature dishes selected by our expert panel of food critics. These dishes are celebrated not only for their exceptional flavors but also for their cultural significance within Chinese and Taiwanese culinary traditions. Our mission is to inspire diners to discover and appreciate these iconic dishes and their rich heritage. This year, we are excited to present a new dining guide featuring insights from our esteemed panel of six judges. The judging panel is not confined by the dining environments or service quality; their primary goal is to highlight the most flavorful signature dishes for diners. Supported by Hamadaya Japanese Sauces, this guide aims to enhance your culinary journey and showcase the best of Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine in Vancouver.
Critics' Choice Signature Dish Awards
A Handful of Pepper Fried Eel Paste with Emerald Vegetable Fried Rice
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JiangNan Wok
♦ 8338 Capstan Wy #1211, Richmond
♦ (1778) 916-0888
Applewood Roasted Peking Duck with Duck Fried Rice
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Mott 32
♦ 1161 W Georgia St, Vancouver
♦ (1604) 861-0032
Lo-Mein with Stewed Pork Hock
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Max Noodle House
♦ 8291 Alexandra Rd, Richmond
♦ (1604) 231-8141
Mochi, Fresh Mango with Cream
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Car’s Dessert
♦ 4140 No. 3 Rd #110, Richmond
♦ (1236) 999-9218
Pan Fried Buns – Pork Fillings
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Colour See See
♦ 4689 Kingsway, Burnaby
♦ (1604) 559-9895
Puff Pastry BBQ Pork Bun
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Lanxuan Restaurant
♦ 3631 No. 3 Rd #170, Richmond
♦ (1604) 285-8989
Salty Duck in Nanking Style
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Yuan’s Garden Restaurant
♦ 8077 Alexandra Rd #101, Richmond
♦ (1778) 297-6027
Soy Pudding Shanghai Style
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Excellent Tofu & Snacks
♦ 4231 Hazelbridge Wy, Richmond
♦ (1604) 232-0268
Typhoon Shelter Geoduck
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The Fish Man
♦ 8391 Alexandra Rd #1170, Richmond
♦ (1604) 284-5393
Winter Melon Soup
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Sea Harbour Restaurant
♦ 8888 River Rd Unit 150, Richmond
♦ (1604) 232-0816
The Judges 2024
Lee Man
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Lee Man, a founding judge of the Awards and a prominent food critic in Vancouver, has a deep passion for Chinese cuisine. His regular contributions to Vancouver Magazine and Montecristo Magazine, as well as features in Wine Access, Financial Times, and Time Out showcase his love for food – and he has enthusiastically shared his knowledge with interviews in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Seattle Times and Eater Online.
Brendon Mathews
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Brendon resides and dines in Richmond. He has been a part of the judging panel since the inception of the Chinese Restaurant Awards. Brendon is a regular contributor to Vancouver Magazine and serves as a judge for the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards.
Alexandra Gill
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Currently running her “Dine Like a Critic” dining tours for food enthusiasts, Alexandra is a former restaurant critic for The Globe and Mail, the editor of Canada’s 50 Best Bars, and a guest judge on Iron Chef Canada. She is also a freelance writer and culinary consultant. Since joining the Awards judging panel in 2018, she has been an exceptional eater and judge, known for her sharp opinions and keen insights.
Douglas Chang
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Formerly the head chef at Bambudda and Sai Woo, Chef Douglas now owns Ai & Om, a Japanese kitchen knife shop in Vancouver. Renowned for his innovative Chinese cuisine, he occasionally hosts pop-up events, delighting patrons with his unique dishes.
Jenice Yu
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Jenice, with a background in family fish processing, now co-owns Fresh Ideas Start Here. Passionate about BC seafood and supporting the Vancouver dining scene and its chefs, she also serves as a judge for the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards. She joined the Awards’ judging panel to bring a unique industry perspective.
Roger Ma
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Born and raised in Vancouver, Roger trained at the renowned two-Michelin-star Restaurant Daniel in NYC. He advanced to corporate sous chef, helping open Café Boulud in Toronto and Maison Boulud in Montreal. In 2014, he returned home as CDC for the Boulevard opening team. Under his leadership, Boulevard achieved top honors, including Best Seafood at the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards and Restaurant of the Year in 2020. Roger’s cooking garnered a gold medal at the Canadian Culinary Championships in 2020 and a spot in Canada’s top 100 restaurants in 2022, along with a Michelin recommendation in 2023 and 2024, thanks to his talented kitchen team.
