The Critics Choice Signature Dishes Awards highlight the 10 very best dishes you can order at Metro Vancouver’s Chinese restaurants. This list also includes three top dishes chosen by social media bloggers.

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Here are the winners of the 2016 Critics’ Choice Awards, with some of the judges’ comments.

Best of 2016: Critics’ Choice Signature Dish Awards

1. SALT AND PEPPER CRUSTED DUNGENESS CRAB

Landmark Hotpot House

4023 Cambie Street, Vancouver (604) 872-2868

The underrated kitchen at Landmark treats and prepares their famously high quality seafood with respect and finesse. The salt and pepper crusted Dungeness crab – concentrates the sweetness of the crab while preserving the delicacy of the tender flesh. The light crust provides just the right amount of finger licking spiciness to highlight the clean brininess of this local treat. It’s no wonder Landmark is perpetually packed.

2. SABLEFISH WITH SHREDDED PORK, LUFFA, PICKLED VEGETABLES IN CONGEE SOUP

Dynasty Seafood restaurant

#108-777 West Broadway, Vancouver (604) 876-8388

Dynasty is probably the best restaurant at truly celebrating local ingredients through a Chinese lens while incorporating West Coast influences of lightness. Luxuriantly rich whole sablefish is prepared using a traditional Teochew method of gentle simmering with preserved vegetables and finely shredded pork. If done right – the flesh is meltingly tender, while the remaining soup has a clean sweetness and depth from the pork; and the preserved vegetables provides a fresh lift to the whole dish.

3. STEAMED EGG WITH CLAMS

Shroom Restaurant

6555 Fraser Street, Vancouver (604) 568-7797

Chinese diners embrace texture like no other dining culture does. Here, a wobbly satiny egg custard melts on the tongue – like a perfectly set savory panna cotta. The clams and sweet soy sauce provides a backbone of seafood brininess – perfect for spooning over rice.

4. CHEF TONY’S SPECIAL CHARCOAL GRILLED DUCK

Chef Tony Seafood Restaurant

#101-4600 No.3 Road, Richmond (604) 279-0083

By using a mallard duck rather than the usual Pekin duck – the resulting roast duck has a slightly chewier texture that delivers sweeter gamier flavours. A smoky succulent wildness that is reminiscent of an old fashioned roasted goose – in keeping with the tastes of their monied clientele’s for the exotic.

5. CHICKEN WITH STICKY RICE IN CLAYPOT

Golden Eats Seafood Restaurant

2141 Kingsway, Vancouver (604) 336-3389

A labour intensive old fashioned banquet dish that one rarely sees anymore – a whole chicken is deboned and stuffed with sticky rice – the skin flash fried to a golden crispness. As with all Chinese dishes – the secret here is all about balance – crispy skin, while maintaining succulence in the flesh – sticky rice that is tender and yielding – but not wet or over cooked. A dish that builds a cohesive whole, while each element is cooked to individual perfection. Golden Eats’ version achieves a celebratory feel – a dish to be ordered with family and friends and enjoyed boisterously. A hole in the wall restaurant that’s worth exploring.