The 2024 Chinese Restaurant Awards: Presenting the Elite 15 Winners
Judges’ also selected the Best New Restaurant of the Year, Rising Star Chef of the Year, Master Chef of the Year, and The Critics’ Choice Signature Dish Awards
Vancouver, BC, November 5, 2024 – Today, at a special awards ceremony at The Vancouver Club, the 15th Annual Chinese Restaurant Awards announced its Elite 15 – the top 15 shortlist winners for 2024. From spots highlighting Cantonese upscale dining, Hong Kong-style hotpot, Sichuan seafood, to Peking duck and Shunde dishes, the eateries on the list highlight the rich diversity of Chinese and Taiwanese restaurants in Metro Vancouver.
In addition to the Elite 15, six specialty awards, including Best New Restaurant and Rising Star Chef of the Year, were also announced, as well as judges’ picks for The Critics’ Choice Signature Dish Awards.
“For fifteen years, we’ve recognized excellence in our local dining scene, inspiring diners to explore signature dishes and the rich diversity of Chinese and Taiwanese cuisines – showcasing Vancouver as a leading hub for Chinese cuisine in North America,” says Craig Stowe, president and co-founder, Chinese Restaurant Awards. “Our judges visited many restaurants across Metro Vancouver, and these are our Elite 15 for 2024. It’s exciting to see the talent that exists right here at home.”
15th Annual Chinese Restaurant Awards – INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Best New Restaurant – JiangNan Wok
Rising Star Chef of the Year – Steven Che, Just Pizza
Dim Sum Chef of the Year – Lai Wei, Lanxuan Restaurant
Master Chef of the Year – May Chau Siu-may, Golden Paramount Seafood Restaurant
Master Chef of the Year – David Li Hon-keung, Landmark Hotpot House
Elite Service Crew Member of the Year – Lisa Zhang, The Fish Man
15th Annual Chinese Restaurant Awards – ELITE 15
in alphabetical order
Bamboo Grove Restaurant – Cantonese cuisine, Richmond
Established in 1963, Bamboo Grove is Richmond’s oldest Chinese restaurant, known for its wok-heated “wok hei” dishes by executive chef Ming Yeung.
Chang’An Restaurant, Northern Chinese cuisine, Vancouver
With views of False Creek, Chang’An features dishes inspired by Shaanxi cuisine, with signature creations by executive chef Leo Wang, such as its renowned roast Peking duck and flavorful lamb offerings.
Chef’s Choice Chinese Cuisine, Cantonese cuisine, Vancouver
Led by executive chef Tommy Pang, Chef’s Choice offers diners a welcoming and cozy atmosphere for authentic Hong Kong cuisine. Its signature dishes include house special fried sticky rice chicken,BBQ pork jowl with chicken liver, savoury minced pork and seafood soup dumplings, and of course, dim sum.
Chinatown BBQ, Cantonese BBQ, Vancouver
Located in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown, Chinatown BBQ is a popular spot for authentic Cantonese barbecue, set against a retro Chinese diner backdrop. The restaurant was founded by Order of Canada recipient Carol Lee, a pioneering champion for Vancouver Chinatown.
Dynasty Seafood Restaurant, Cantonese cuisine, Vancouver
This longtime Vancouver destination is known for its outstanding Cantonese seafood and traditional, classic dishes created by executive chef Cao Can Hui, who trained with esteemed master chef Sam Leung.
Fish Man, The, Sichuan cuisine and seafood, Richmond
Located on Richmond’s famous “Eat Street”, chef-owner Li Bo’s cuisine celebrates Sichuan mala flavours and exceptional cuisine in a casual dining room. Signature dishes include his sour cabbage lingcod and fresh seafood preparations.
Golden Paramount Seafood Restaurant, Cantonese cuisine, Richmond
Known for its take on Shunde cuisine, Golden Paramount Seafood, led by chef-owner May Chau, has been serving authentic Cantonese cuisine for two decades. Judging panel chair Lee Man names Golden Paramount’s dim sum as his favourite.
iDen & Quanjude Beijing Duck House, Northern Chinese cuisine, Vancouver
Celebrated for its Northern Chinese cuisine and legendary roast duck, Quanjude combines traditional flavours with contemporary ingredients in many of its dishes. Its sophisticated and elegant space was designed by renowned architect Lee Hsuheng.
The Jade Seafood Restaurant, Cantonese cuisine, Richmond
Led by executive chef Tam Chi Ling, Jade Seafood Restaurant is known for its standout, authentic Cantonese cuisine. The restaurant elevates classic dishes and soups with items such as the popular stir-fried fish maw and scallops with mushrooms. Jade Seafood is a favourite of Vancouver chefs Alex Chen and Roger Ma.
Landmark Hotpot House, hotpot, Vancouver
A beloved institution for 35 years, Landmark is celebrated for its authentic Hong Kong-style hotpot and late-night menu. Co-owned by master chef David Li, the restaurant prides itself on offering fresh seafood and ingredients, along with popular dishes like salt and pepper wok-fried lobster and award-winning fried glutinous rice created by chef Raymond Cheung.
Max Noodle House, noodle and congee, Richmond
As one of Richmond’s longest-running Hong Kong-style noodle and congee eateries, Max Noodle House is known to transport guests to Hong Kong with its authentic takes on wonton noodles in soup, lo-mein with braised pork hock, lo-mein with shredded pork in spicy brown sauce, and deep-fried dace balls.
Memory Corner, Taiwanese cuisine, Richmond
Located in Richmond on Garden City Road, Memory Corner is a tribute to the grandparents of owner Yu-Hsuang, serving authentic Taiwanese dishes like lamb hot pot and crispy popcorn chicken. The room is filled with trinkets and memories from Taiwan, giving guests a nostalgic warm hug as soon as they enter.
Mott 32, contemporary Chinese, Vancouver
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Mott 32 is an internationally-celebrated, upscale Chinese restaurant with roots in Hong Kong. Its menu features creative takes on classics, from dim sum to its Applewood Roasted Peking Duck, paired with a carefully curated selection of fine wines, spirits, and cocktails.
Osmanthus Chinese Fusion Restaurant, Jiangnan cuisine, Richmond
Located in Richmond’s Aberdeen Centre, Osmanthus opened in 2023. Its dishes highlight the rich flavours of the Song Dynasty, blending traditional Jiangnan cuisine with contemporary technique and ingredients.
Sea Harbour Restaurant, Cantonese cuisine, Richmond
A destination for elevated Cantonese cuisine and dim sum, Sea Harbour is known for blending tradition with modern flavours in a spacious and elegant room. Signature dishes include its King Crab with mayo wasabi cream sauce and steamed eggs. Chinese Restaurant Awards judge Jenice Yu of Fresh Ideas Start Here enjoys Sea Harbour for its perfect balance of authenticity and creativity in Cantonese cuisine.
THE CRITICS’ CHOICE SIGNATURE DISH AWARDS
Judges were asked to select 15 of their favourite signature dishes
A Handful of Pepper Fried Eel Paste with Emerald Vegetable Fried Rice, JiangNan Wok
Applewood Roasted Peking Duck with Duck Fried Rice, Mott 32
Dry Beef Honeycomb Tripe, Bliss Kitchen
Fresh Pineapple Crunchy Pork, Kin’s Food and Bistro
Fried Pork Ribs on Rice, Cloud 9 Delicacy
Hakka Stir Fry, A. Bento
Lo-Mein with Stewed Pork Hock, Max Noodle House
Mochi, Fresh Mango with Cream, Car’s Dessert
Pan Fried Buns – Pork Fillings, Colour See See
Puff Pastry BBQ Pork Bun, Lanxuan Restaurant
Salty Duck in Nanking Style, Yuan’s Garden Restaurant
Scallion Sauce Chicken on Rice, Cha Kee
Soy Pudding Shanghai Style, Excellent Tofu & Snacks
Typhoon Shelter Geoduck, The Fish Man
Winter Melon Soup, Sea Harbour Restaurant
“We thank our judges, partners, and especially Destination Vancouver for helping us further elevate Vancouver’s culinary scene on the world stage,” adds Rae Kung, managing director, Chinese Restaurant Awards.
The Chinese Restaurant Awards’ team of 21 judges are given full independence in selecting and voting for their favourite establishments. Notable judges include: Lee Man, judging panel chair; Brendon Matthews; former Globe & Mail food critic Alexandra Gill; Bernice Chan, Vancouver correspondent of South China Morning Post; Ben Lu, producer of award-winning TV series Blood and Water; and Emily Lin, VP of Vancouver Wine School.
For more information about the 15th Annual Chinese Restaurant Awards, please visit www.chineserestaurantawards.com.
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About Chinese Restaurant Awards
Founded in 2008, Chinese Restaurant Awards is the longest running Chinese culinary and restaurant awards event in the world. The Awards are rooted in two challenging yet humble goals; raise public awareness for quality Chinese cuisine throughout Metro Vancouver and create a platform for cross-cultural culinary exchange. The team behind the Chinese Restaurant Awards consist of food, media and marketing professionals who are Chinese food enthusiasts, with a passion for promoting regional Chinese cuisine in North America. Over the years, the team has achieved many milestones through several culinary events and campaigns such as the Chinese Master Chefs Gold Medal Dinner in 2014, East Meets West: Paris x Vancouver 2016, DINING by the Awards 2019, Chinese Restaurant Awards Scholarship and the highly popular social influential culinary tourism campaign #Taste city series in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou and Taipei from 2017 to 2019.
Chinese Restaurants Awards 2024 is generously supported by Destination Vancouver, DoorDash, St. Paul’s Foundation, Alumni UBC, The Dalmore, FRÄNK by Enrich Developments, Hamadaya Japanese Sauces, Olympic Distributors, Geoduck Canada, GoCanada.com, Clos du Soleil, Fresh Ideas Start Here, Hook and Herd, Wingtat Game Bird Packers, Golden Eagle Sablefish, Two Rivers Meats, Mama in the Kitchen, Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, and Vancouver Community College.
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Sophia Cheng
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