The Critics’ Choice Signature Dish Awards have been a cornerstone of the Chinese Restaurant Awards since their inception, serving as a trusted guide to Vancouver’s most outstanding signature dishes as chosen by our panel of food critics. These dishes are recognized not only for their exceptional flavors but also for their cultural significance within Chinese culinary traditions. Our mission remains to inspire diners to discover and appreciate these iconic creations and the stories they carry. In 2025, we proudly present a new dining guide curated by our esteemed panel of five judges. Free from considerations of dining environment or service, their focus is solely on highlighting the most flavorful and memorable signature dishes. This guide invites you to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the very best of regional Chinese cuisines in Vancouver.
Critics' Choice Signature Dish Awards
Boiled Beef Brisket with Rice Noodle in Soup
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New Town Bakery & Restaurant (Chinatown)
♦ 148 E Pender St, Vancouver
♦ (1604) 689-7835
Chayote in Light Vinegar Dressing
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Chef Tian’s
♦ 4711 McClelland Rd #1010, Richmond
♦ (1604) 276-9168
Crab & Kurobuta Pork Xiao Long Bao
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Din Tai Fung – Vancouver
♦ 1132 Alberni St, Vancouver
♦ (1778) 508-6638
Green Pepper Chicken
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Xi’An Flavor
♦ 4731 McClelland Rd #1105, Richmond
♦ (1604) 782-1188
Hainanese Chicken with Yellow Rice
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Mamalee Malaysian Delight
♦ 3144 W Broadway, Vancouver
♦ (1604) 733-8882
♦ 186 Keefer Pl, Vancouver
♦ (1604) 900-9800
Live Abalone with Ginger and Scallion
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The Fish Man
♦ 8391 Alexandra Rd #1170, Richmond
♦ (1604) 284-5393
Luffa Squash with Clams in Superior Broth
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Chang’An
♦ 1661 Granville St, Vancouver
♦ (1604) 681-1313
Nanjing Big Bowl Noodle
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Yuan’s Garden
♦ 8077 Alexandra Rd #101, Richmond
♦ (1778) 297-6098
Sautéed Bitter Melon with Pine Nuts and Egg White
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Sea Harbour Restaurant
♦ #150–8888 River Rd, Richmond
♦ (1604) 232-0816
Scallion Oil Noodle
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Mama’s Dumpling & Coffee
♦ 103-11782 Hammersmith Way, Richmond
♦ (1778) 297-1618
Pork Liver, Eggplants and Rice Rolls in Sizzling Claypot
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Southern Delicacy
♦ 6055 West Blvd, Vancouver
♦ (1604) 559-3939
Sliced Double Cooked Pork with Garlic and Cabbage
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Ban Bu Xian
♦ 110-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver (1604) 564-9888
♦ 1282 Robson St, Vancouver (1604) 566-5888
♦ 1161 – 8328 Capstan Wy, Richmond (1604) 370-8963
The Judges 2025
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.
Bernice Chan
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Bernice Chan, a former South China Morning Post culture writer based in Vancouver, covers food, lifestyle, and the Asian diaspora. She co-hosted the Eat Drink Asia podcast, and earned a SOPA honorable mention for a feature video on a Jamaican-American’s search for her Chinese grandfather’s roots.
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.
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.
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.
