Rising Star Chefs 2025:
The Voices Leading
Chinese Cuisine Forward
2025. Dec 16. INSIGHTS
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As Chinese cuisine continues to expand its global presence, the 2025 Chinese Restaurant Awards’ Rising Star Chefs remind us that its future is built on craft, culture, and conviction. Their perspectives reflect a generation of chefs who are deeply rooted in tradition, yet unafraid to reinterpret it for a new era.
From Asia to North America, Chef Jayson Tang, Chef Henry Zhang, and Chef Andersen Lee offer three distinct—but remarkably aligned—visions of where Chinese gastronomy is heading next.
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Chef Jayson Tang

Chef Henry Zhang

Chef Andersen Lee
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As a 2025 Rising Star Chef, how do you envision Chinese cuisine evolving over the next decade?
Chef Jayson Tang sees Chinese cuisine embracing modern techniques while strengthening its global relevance. He believes advances such as smart kitchen technologies and innovative methods will enhance texture, flavour, and presentation—without distancing the cuisine from its cultural foundation.
“Modern techniques will allow Chinese cuisine to express itself in new dimensions, while remaining deeply connected to its heritage.”
He also notes that increasing cultural exchange will lead to more creative interpretations, making Chinese cuisine even more accessible and appealing to diners worldwide.
For Chef Henry Zhang, the future is less about reinvention and more about refinement. He believes Chinese cuisine is entering a phase of maturity—one that values fundamentals over surface-level trends.
“The real depth of Chinese cuisine lies in the invisible details—heat control, knife skills, and seasoning.”
As chefs refocus on craft and cultural storytelling, he sees Chinese cuisine naturally establishing a confident and distinctive voice on the global stage.
Chef Andersen Lee observes a growing movement among diaspora chefs—many trained in Western kitchens—who are reconnecting with their culinary roots.
“The next decade will see chefs blending their heritage into whatever style they cook.”
For him, this return to identity, guided by strong technique, will define the next evolution of Chinese cuisine beyond Asia.
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What philosophies or inspirations are shaping your creative journey today?

Roast Goose with Aged Dried Radish, by Chef Jayson Tang – Executive Chef, Man Ho Chinese Restaurant, JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong
Chef Jayson Tang’s cuisine balances tradition and modernity, guided by sustainability and respect for ingredients. Local sourcing and environmental responsibility play an increasingly important role in his work.
“Each dish should tell a story—one that honours heritage while reflecting the present.”
Chef Henry Zhang describes his philosophy through three pillars: authenticity, flavour, and spirit. His inspiration comes not from grand concepts, but from everyday experiences—markets, travel, collaboration, and dialogue with diners.
“Creativity isn’t a moment—it’s life slowly accumulating over time.”
For Chef Andersen Lee, inspiration is deeply personal. Mentorship, memory, and lived experience shape his cooking philosophy, rooted in sincerity rather than spectacle.
“Cooking from the heart, using the techniques you’ve gathered along the way, is what keeps a cuisine alive.”
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Which regions or movements will drive the next wave of Chinese gastronomy?
Chef Jayson Tang points to cities such as Singapore, Seoul, and Beijing as centres of innovation, where Chinese cuisine is being refined through service, seasonality, and cross-cultural dialogue. He also highlights the rise of plant-based Chinese fine dining as a significant shift in how the cuisine is perceived.
“These developments are redefining elegance and expanding the boundaries of Chinese dining.”

Sri Lanka Mud Crab with Black Pepper, by Chef Henry Zhang – Executive Chef, Drunken Fish, Wynn Macau
Chef Henry Zhang believes the most powerful movement lies within China’s vast regional diversity—many flavours still waiting to be rediscovered.
“Regional cuisines are treasures waiting to be reorganised and presented anew.”
From Jiangnan delicacy to Chaoshan seafood and southwest aromatics, he sees the future driven by chefs who travel, experience terroir, and cook with confidence.
Chef Andersen Lee credits trailblazing restaurants such as Mimi Chinese in Toronto & Miami, Mister Jiu’s in San Francisco, and Mission Chinese Food in New York with inspiring a new generation of chefs.
“When creativity, technique, and heritage meet, a ripple effect begins.”
These kitchens, he believes, empower young chefs to express their own stories and push the cuisine forward in unexpected ways.
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Who do you see as the next rising stars in Chinese cuisine?
Chef Jayson Tang recognises Chef Kwan Ho Man of Rùn at The St. Regis Hong Kong and Chef Ho Fuk Lam of Man Ho, praising their precision, composure, and dedication to excellence.
“True rising stars are defined by discipline, consistency, and an uncompromising pursuit of quality.”
Chef Henry Zhang highlights Chef Kevin Zhu of Lakeview Palace at Wynn Palace Macau, admiring his mastery of Cantonese and Huaiyang cuisines and his relentless work ethic.
“The chefs who move our cuisine forward are the ones focused on the food—not the hype.”

Five-Spice Duck Platter, by Chef Andersen Lee – Executive Chef, Oncle Lee & Oncle Lee Kǎo, Montreal
Chef Andersen Lee shines a light on Christophe Jiulong Yu and Nora Lou of Flying Tables Montreal, whose pop-ups celebrate regional Chinese cuisines and community-driven dining. He also applauds their role in reviving J’ai Feng, preserving a beloved culinary legacy.
“They’re keeping flavours, stories, and spirit alive for the next generation.”
Looking forward
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As Chinese cuisine continues to expand its global presence, the 2025 Rising Star Chefs remind us that its future is built on craft, culture, and conviction. Their perspectives reflect a generation of chefs who are deeply rooted in tradition, yet unafraid to reinterpret it for a new era.
As we look ahead to 2026, we eagerly anticipate the next wave of talent who will continue to redefine Chinese gastronomy across regions and generations. The question now is not whether Chinese cuisine will evolve—but who will be the next to lead its journey forward.







