{"id":1011688,"date":"2026-03-16T14:36:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T21:36:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chineserestaurantawards.com\/septstaging\/?page_id=1011688"},"modified":"2026-08-23T10:59:30","modified_gmt":"2026-08-23T17:59:30","slug":"how-the-awards-are-decided-2026","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chineserestaurantawards.com\/septstaging\/how-the-awards-are-decided-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"2026: How the Awards Are Decided"},"content":{"rendered":"
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How the Awards Are Decided in 2026<\/h1><\/div>
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The Chinese Restaurant Awards<\/strong> are guided by a distinguished panel of Taste Advisors<\/strong>. This group includes food critics, culinary media figures, chefs, and well-travelled diners from various industries.<\/p>\n

Each member is known for their refined taste and has the knowledge and experience that comes from regularly enjoying Chinese cuisine and the restaurants where it is best showcased. Together, they provide cultural insight and a deep appreciation for the richness of Chinese culinary traditions and modern innovation.<\/p>\n

Each year, part of the panel is refreshed to ensure new perspectives and ongoing credibility. This strategy helps the Awards stay independent, relevant, and a trusted standard of excellence in Chinese dining across North America and Asia.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″]\n

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\nINDEPENDENT OVERSIGHT
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\nINDEPENDENTLY REVIEWED & AUDITED
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\nTo maintain the integrity of the process, all award ballots are independently reviewed and audited by a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) in Canada. This ensures transparency, thoroughness, and the highest level of accountability.
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THE VOTING DIRECTION<\/h2><\/div>
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01<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nGREAT TASTE LEADS
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\nthe decision
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02<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nSIGNATURE DISH
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\nwhat is worth ordering
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03<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nOVERALL EXPERIENCE
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\nthe restaurant beyond the plate – consistency, skills, services
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To uphold the integrity and credibility of the Chinese Restaurant Awards, all Taste Advisors must adhere to the following principles:<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]\n

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\nCONFIDENTIALITY
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All votes remain strictly confidential until the official announcement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\nAWARDS VOTING
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Each Taste Advisor may vote for a number of establishments and their dishes (depending on the awards year and region), based on their travel and dining activity. Advisors are also encouraged to recommend signature dishes to accompany their selections\u2014shaping a trusted guide to the best flavours to taste and order.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\nFIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE
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Taste Advisors must have personally dined at each nominated restaurant within the past 12 months and confirm the date of their most recent visit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\nAUTHENTICITY OF EXPERIENCE
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Only full dining experiences at the restaurant\u2019s permanent location are valid. Votes based on pop-ups, sponsored experiences, off-site events, or collaborations are not permitted.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]\n

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\nCONFLICT OF INTEREST
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Taste Advisors may not vote for restaurants in which they have a financial interest or ownership. Any such ties must be declared with each nomination.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\nACTIVE RESTAURANTS ONLY
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Eligible restaurants must be open at the time of voting and not scheduled to close within six months of the Awards announcement. Temporary or pop-up concepts are ineligible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\nRESTAURANT-BASED RECOGNITION
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Nominations are for restaurants and dishes, not individual chefs or restaurateurs, unless the award category is specifically for individual recognition.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\nANONYMITY
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Taste Advisors are asked to maintain discretion regarding their participation on the Awards panel before the annual Awards announcement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]

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ELIGIBILITY<\/h2><\/div>
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There are no formal entry requirements for a restaurant to be considered. Previous accolades, years in operation, or style of service are not determining factors. Restaurants cannot apply or nominate themselves; all must be discovered, experienced, and selected organically by the Awards\u2019 panel.<\/p>\n

This approach ensures that any restaurant\u2014whether an established institution or an emerging talent\u2014can earn its place solely on the strength of its culinary merit.<\/p>\n

The Chinese Restaurant Awards reflect authentic dining experiences, cultural insight, and the discerning palates of some of the most respected voices in the Chinese culinary world. Our panel also includes individuals we have long recognized for their deep knowledge of the dining scene\u2014those who truly know where to find the best Chinese cuisine and understand its regional traditions and craftsmanship.<\/p>\n

Together with our Taste Advisors, the Awards have become a trusted benchmark for excellence in Chinese cuisine. We continue to refine the guide each year, with the goal of offering the dining public a thoughtful and credible reference to the finest Chinese dining experiences.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]

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2026 AWARD CATEGORIES<\/h2><\/div>
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NORTH AMERICA<\/h3><\/div>
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\n01 \/ CANADA
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\nELITE 30 CANADA
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Recommended by Taste Advisors across the country, the Elite 30 Canada recognizes 30 of the nation\u2019s most outstanding Chinese and Taiwanese restaurants.<\/p>\n

This trusted guide highlights excellence across regions, directing diners to some of the very best Chinese dining experiences nationwide. Each selected restaurant is also accompanied by its most recommended signature dishes\u2014the essential flavours that showcase its craft and identity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″]\n

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\n02 \/ CANADA
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\nSIGNATURE DISH AWARDS
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CANADA EXCLUSIVE<\/p>\n

Determined through recommendation, tasting and deliberation by the Taste Advisors, the nationwide Signature Dish Awards spotlight 12 remarkable dishes\u2014a refined list capturing some of the most defining flavours of the moment.<\/p>\n

As the Awards\u2019 original foundation and enduring mission, the Signature Dish Awards encourage diners and visitors to experience and appreciate Chinese cuisine through its most exceptional dishes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″]\n

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\n03 \/ CANADA
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\nINDIVIDUAL AWARDS
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CANADA<\/p>\n

Recommended by the Taste Advisors, the Chef Awards honour outstanding chefs in Canada whose skill, creativity, and leadership set new benchmarks for Chinese dining.<\/p>\n

The Premier Visionary Award honours an outstanding individual whose contribution, leadership, innovation, and\/or strategic vision has driven meaningful change in Chinese dining while inspiring the next generation of industry leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″]\n

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\n04 \/ UNITED STATES
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\nELITE 12 UNITED STATES
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Recommended by Taste Advisors in the United States, Elite 12 United States is a new extension of the Chinese Restaurant Awards, recognizing 12 outstanding and explore-worthy Chinese and Taiwanese restaurants across the United States.<\/p>\n

Reflecting the rapidly growing Chinese and Taiwanese dining scene in the United States, this trusted guide highlights notable establishments and directs diners to some of the most compelling expressions of Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine. Each selected restaurant is accompanied by its most recommended signature dishes, showcasing the flavours and craftsmanship that define its identity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″]\n

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\n05 \/ UNITED STATES
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\nINDIVIDUAL AWARDS
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UNITED STATES<\/p>\n

Recommended by the Taste Advisors, the Chef Awards honour outstanding chefs in the United States whose skill, creativity, and leadership set new benchmarks for Chinese dining.<\/p>\n

The Premier Visionary Award honours an outstanding individual whose contribution, leadership, innovation, and\/or strategic vision has driven meaningful change in Chinese dining while inspiring the next generation of industry leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]

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ASIA \u2014 OUTSIDE MAINLAND CHINA<\/h3><\/div>
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\n01 \/ ASIA
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\nELITE 25 ASIA AWARDS
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Recommended by Taste Advisors across Asia, the Elite 25 Asia (outside Mainland China) highlights 25 of the region\u2019s most highly regarded upscale Chinese restaurants.<\/p>\n

From heritage institutions to trailblazing innovators, the list celebrates some of the finest expressions of Chinese dining in elevated settings across Asia beyond Mainland China. Each selected restaurant is accompanied by its most recommended signature dishes, guiding diners to the flavours that best reflect its craft and character.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″]\n

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\n02 \/ ASIA
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\nESSENTIAL 25 ASIA AWARDS
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Recommended by Taste Advisors across Asia, the Essential 25 Asia list highlights 25 of the region\u2019s most respected and accessible Chinese dining establishments outside Mainland China.<\/p>\n

From longstanding favourites, affordable eateries to modern expressions of Chinese culinary culture, the selection reflects the richness and diversity of Asia\u2019s everyday dining scene. Each restaurant is accompanied by its signature dishes, offering a clear path to the flavours that define its character and craft.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″]\n

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\n03 \/ ASIA
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\nCHINESE INSPIRED ASIA AWARDS
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Selected by a panel of Taste Advisors from across Asia, the Chinese Inspired Asia Awards recognizes three exceptional dining establishments across Asia outside Mainland China.<\/p>\n

The selection focuses on non-Chinese restaurants and non fully-Chinese that, through creativity and skill, interpret the essence of Chinese cuisine, reimagining its ingredients and cooking techniques for today\u2019s dining experience.<\/p>\n

The award goes beyond taste and technique; it also reflects the wider cultural impact of Chinese culinary traditions. It shows how Chinese cuisine crosses geographic and stylistic boundaries, inspiring culinary innovation throughout Asia and beyond. Ultimately, it highlights how Chinese cuisine, as a culinary language, has become a significant and lasting influence on the global dining scene.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″]\n

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\n04 \/ ASIA
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\nINDIVIDUAL AWARDS \u2014 ASIA
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Voted by Taste Advisors across Asia, these honours recognize exceptional chefs and talents across Asia (outside Mainland China), whose work reflects both the spirit and evolving future of Chinese cuisine.<\/p>\n

The Premier Visionary Award honours an outstanding individual whose contribution, leadership, innovation, and\/or strategic vision have driven meaningful change in Chinese dining while inspiring the next generation of industry leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]

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