The Chinese Restaurant Awards’ Taste City series returns this spring, bringing together two of Canada’s Rising Star Chef awardees on a cross-regional culinary journey through China and Hong Kong.

Steven Che (forthcoming Haisan, Vancouver) and Andersen Lee (Oncle Lee and Oncle Lee Kǎo, Montreal) have been invited to travel through Shanghai, Ningbo, and Hong Kong—tracing the roots of Chinese culinary heritage while engaging with its contemporary evolution.

Along the way, they will encounter both master chefs and a new generation of talent, gaining insight into the depth and diversity of regional Chinese cuisine. The journey culminates in Hong Kong, where they will join Asia Rising Star Chef awardee Jayson Tang for the sold-out Rising Star Chef awardees’ collaborative dinner at Man Ho Chinese Restaurant of JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong on April 9.

Supported by China Eastern Airlines, the chefs will travel directly from Vancouver and Toronto with a business class experience—reflecting a seamless connection between North America and Asia, and the growing accessibility of the region’s leading culinary destinations.

In Shanghai, accommodations are hosted by the acclaimed Shanghai International Convention Center Oriental Riverside Hotel.

Follow the journey on Instagram via the Chinese Restaurant Awards, and stay tuned as the chefs share their impressions from the road—capturing moments of discovery, exchange, and inspiration across cities shaping the future of Chinese gastronomy.