{"id":1012746,"date":"2026-08-18T18:01:20","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T01:01:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chineserestaurantawards.com\/septstaging\/?page_id=1012746"},"modified":"2026-09-07T20:58:19","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T03:58:19","slug":"2026-canada-taste-advisors","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chineserestaurantawards.com\/septstaging\/2026-canada-taste-advisors\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 CANADA – The Taste Advisors"},"content":{"rendered":"
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C<\/span>A<\/span>N<\/span>A<\/span>D<\/span>A<\/span><\/span><\/h5>\n

T<\/span>A<\/span>S<\/span>T<\/span>E<\/span> A<\/span>D<\/span>V<\/span>I<\/span>S<\/span>O<\/span>R<\/span>S<\/span> 2<\/span>0<\/span>2<\/span>6<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3\/6″][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1787087660982{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;border-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]\n

The 2026 Chinese Restaurant Awards’ Canada Taste Advisors Panel <\/strong>brings together 21 diners from across the country, each with a strong connection to the Chinese dining scene in their own community and a broad understanding of Canada\u2019s diverse Chinese dining landscape. They come from different backgrounds, but share a genuine passion for Chinese food and firsthand knowledge of how people dine\u2014from Vancouver\u2019s dim sum traditions to Toronto\u2019s regional Chinese restaurants and Calgary\u2019s growing dining scene.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taste Advisors vote based on their own dining experiences, looking first at what is on the plate, then considering the wider experience, including craft, service, hospitality, setting and cultural context. They also recommend dishes that best represent each restaurant, helping diners discover what is worth ordering from often extensive Chinese menus.<\/span><\/p>\n

The process is designed to stay independent and grounded in the diner\u2019s perspective. Advisors disclose potential conflicts of interest and recuse themselves where appropriate. Together, their experiences offer a broad, on-the-ground view of Chinese dining across Canada.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_btn title=”THE AWARDS STANDARDS” style=”outline-custom” outline_custom_color=”#ffffff” outline_custom_hover_background=”#4387fb” outline_custom_hover_text=”#ffffff” align=”left” css_animation=”fadeIn” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fchineserestaurantawards.com%2Fseptstaging%2Fhow-the-awards-are-decided-2026%2F|title:The%202026%20Awards%20Standards”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row gap=”10″ bg_type=”image” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_new=”id^1006674|url^https:\/\/chineserestaurantawards.com\/septstaging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/iron-grip-1920×1080-1.png|caption^null|alt^null|title^iron-grip-1920×1080|description^null” bg_image_repeat=”repeat-y” bg_image_size=”initial” bg_override=”ex-full”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=””]\n

\u2014<\/div>\n
W<\/span>i<\/span>t<\/span>h<\/span> g<\/span>r<\/span>a<\/span>t<\/span>i<\/span>t<\/span>u<\/span>d<\/span>e<\/span> t<\/span>o<\/span> t<\/span>h<\/span>i<\/span>s<\/span> y<\/span>e<\/span>a<\/span>r<\/span>\u2019<\/span>s<\/span> T<\/span>a<\/span>s<\/span>t<\/span>e<\/span> A<\/span>d<\/span>v<\/span>i<\/span>s<\/span>o<\/span>r<\/span>s<\/span>,<\/span> w<\/span>h<\/span>o<\/span>s<\/span>e<\/span> p<\/span>a<\/span>r<\/span>t<\/span>i<\/span>c<\/span>i<\/span>p<\/span>a<\/span>t<\/span>i<\/span>o<\/span>n<\/span> m<\/span>a<\/span>d<\/span>e<\/span> t<\/span>h<\/span>i<\/span>s<\/span> l<\/span>i<\/span>s<\/span>t<\/span> p<\/span>o<\/span>s<\/span>s<\/span>i<\/span>b<\/span>l<\/span>e<\/span>.<\/span><\/em><\/div>\n
\u2014<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner gap=”25″][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1010713″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1760401284055{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;border-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]\n
Vancouver<\/span><\/div>\n
Lee Man<\/span><\/h5>\n
Chair of Judging Panel \u2013 Canada,<\/strong> Food Critic and Founding Judge of Chinese Restaurant Awards<\/div>\n
Lee Man, a founding judge of the Awards and a prominent food critic in Canada, has a deep passion for Chinese cuisine and for discovering outstanding signature dishes. His regular contributions to Vancouver Magazine<\/em> and Montecristo Magazine<\/em>, as well as features in Wine Access<\/em>, Financial Times<\/em>, and Time Out<\/em>, showcase his devotion to the craft of dining. He has also shared his insight in interviews with The New York Times<\/em>, Los Angeles Times<\/em>, Seattle Times<\/em>, and Eater Online<\/em>.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1010707″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1760401361214{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;border-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]\n
Vancouver<\/span><\/div>\n
Bernice Chan<\/span><\/h5>\n
Freelance Journalist<\/div>\n
Bernice Chan is a freelance journalist covering food, drink, lifestyle, and stories of the Chinese diaspora. She was formerly a Culture writer at the South China Morning Post<\/em> in Hong Kong and co-host of the award-winning podcast Eat Drink Asia<\/em>. Passionate about exploring both cuisine and the people behind it, Bernice brings depth, curiosity, and cultural insight to every story she tells.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1010708″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1760401395498{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;border-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]\n
Toronto<\/span><\/div>\n
Carmen Chan<\/span><\/h5>\n
Radio Host, Sing Tao A1 Chinese Radio<\/div>\n
Carmen Chan is a certified sake sommelier, wine enthusiast, and cocktail connoisseur, as well as an active food writer and restaurant critic. Passionate about exploring cultures through food and travel, she brings a refined and adventurous perspective to her work. As a host on Sing Tao A1 Chinese Radio in Canada, she has become a recognized voice in the culinary and lifestyle community, known for her expertise and insightful commentary.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner gap=”25″][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1010710″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1787445095711{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;border-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]\n
Vancouver<\/span><\/div>\n
Jacob Ung<\/span><\/h5>\n
Vice President, Canadian Liver Foundation \u2013 BC Chapter<\/div>\n
Former marketing leader for global automotive brands, Jacob Ung is a lifelong learner with a passion for people and ideas. A seasoned traveller, he views dining as a full sensory journey that reflects culture and heritage. He continues to explore the world through food while serving as Vice President of the Canadian Liver Foundation\u2019s BC Chapter, advancing its mission in liver health.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1012757″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1787096743521{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;border-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]\n
Vancouver<\/span><\/div>\n
Jenice Yu<\/span><\/h5>\n
CEO, Eatfish.ca<\/div>\n
Jenice Yu is the CEO of Eatfish.ca, a restaurant judge and advocate for Canadian seafood and food culture. She is passionate about the connection between food, sustainability and local ingredients, and follows closely how Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine in Canada continues to evolve.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1010711″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1760401773458{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;border-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]\n
Toronto<\/span><\/div>\n
Jennifer Kwan<\/span><\/h5>\n
Yelp Elite Reviewer<\/div>\n
Jennifer Kwan is a Yelp Elite reviewer and frequent traveler who has been a prominent voice in the Greater Toronto Area dining scene. She was among the early reviewers to shape the Chinese food landscape in Markham and Scarborough, and served as a judge for the Chinese Restaurant Awards in Toronto more than a decade ago.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner gap=”25″][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1012758″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1787096864038{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;border-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]\n
Toronto<\/span><\/div>\n
John Ho<\/span><\/h5>\n
Food Enthusiast & Dining Observer<\/div>\n
Born and raised in Taiwan, John moved to Toronto at 15 and has been passionate about food ever since. A keen explorer of Asian cuisine, he has watched Canada\u2019s Chinese dining scene evolve since the 1990s and enjoys discovering the new restaurants and dining experiences shaping its future.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1010712″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1760401559660{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;border-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]\n
Toronto<\/span><\/div>\n
Johnny Cheng<\/span><\/h5>\n
CPA Accountant<\/div>\n
Johnny Cheng is a Chartered Professional Accountant whose expertise lies in financial management and strategic planning. Beyond the numbers, he is an avid food enthusiast with a discerning palate, bringing both analytical precision and genuine passion to the judging panel.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1012759″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1787096935490{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;border-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]\n
Vancouver<\/span><\/div>\n
Leon Ng<\/span><\/h5>\n
Founder, LNG Studios<\/div>\n
Leon Ng is a Vancouver-based entrepreneur and founder of LNG Studios, with a background spanning real estate, media and technology. A passionate diner, he has explored Chinese and Taiwanese restaurants across Metro Vancouver, from traditional Cantonese institutions to contemporary regional concepts, and is fascinated by how the cuisine continues to evolve in Canada.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner gap=”25″][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1787097553283{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;border-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]\n
Toronto<\/span><\/div>\n
Leslie Yip<\/span><\/h5>\n
VP, Business Solutions, Singtao Media<\/div>\n
Based in the Greater Toronto Area, Leslie Yip brings her perspective as a media and business professional and engaged diner to the Taste Advisors panel. She has a particular appreciation for the depth and diversity of Chinese dining across Canada.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1010714″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1760401571806{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;border-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]\n
Vancouver<\/span><\/div>\n
Ling Chu<\/span><\/h5>\n
Food Critic, Fairchild Radio<\/div>\n
Born and raised in Taiwan, Ling Chu is passionate about food, travel, and cultural exchange. With a discerning palate and extensive experience exploring diverse cuisines, she brings thoughtful insight and appreciation to her critiques. As a food critic for Fairchild Radio Vancouver, she is a recognized voice in the city\u2019s dining scene.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1012760″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1787097286928{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;border-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]\n
Calgary<\/span><\/div>\n
Patricia Lau<\/span><\/h5>\n
Food Writer & Influencer<\/div>\n
Born and raised in Alberta, Patricia Lau has spent more than a decade exploring Calgary\u2019s restaurant scene as a food writer and influencer. She has watched Chinese dining in Western Canada grow from a largely Cantonese scene into a vibrant mix of regional cuisines, and loves discovering the flavours and stories behind it.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner gap=”25″][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1010709″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1760401483451{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;border-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]\n
Vancouver<\/span><\/div>\n
Dr. Peter Chan<\/span><\/h5>\n
Dentist, Monarch Dental Centre<\/div>\n
Raised in Canada with Hong Kong roots, Dr. Peter Chan is a passionate food enthusiast who finds joy in everything from curated fine dining to nostalgic comfort food. He has witnessed firsthand the evolution and growing influence of Chinese cuisine in Vancouver and beyond. For him, food is more than sustenance\u2014it is a journey for the heart and soul, a bridge to culture, memory, and identity that connects people across generations.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1010715″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1760401585063{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;border-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]\n
Ottawa<\/span><\/div>\n
Peter Hum<\/span><\/h5>\n
Restaurant Critic, Ottawa Citizen<\/div>\n
Peter Hum is the restaurant critic at The Ottawa Citizen<\/em>, the leading daily newspaper in Canada\u2019s capital. A journalist at the paper since 1990, he has served as its restaurant critic since 2012. He has also written culinary travel features on destinations including Hong Kong, San Francisco, New Orleans, and Montreal, and is a contributor to Canada\u2019s 100 Best Restaurants<\/em> list.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1012761″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1787097175132{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;border-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]\n
Toronto<\/span><\/div>\n
Ren\u00e9e Suen<\/span><\/h5>\n
Food & Travel Writer, Photographer and Restaurant Judge<\/div>\n
Ren\u00e9e Suen is a Toronto-based food and travel writer and photographer and North America academy chair of World’s 50 Best with nearly two decades of experience covering Canada\u2019s dining scene. A contributor to publications including Toronto Life, the Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail and Chatelaine, she also holds judging roles with several leading restaurant awards.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner gap=”25″][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1787097146928{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;border-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]\n
Calgary<\/span><\/div>\n
Sam Lung<\/span><\/h5>\n
Host, CanMen<\/div>\n
Sam Lung is the host of CanMen, a Canadian Cantonese YouTube channel, and a passionate explorer of Canada\u2019s food scene. Over the past six years, he has travelled across nine provinces and two territories, discovering Chinese restaurants in both major cities and smaller communities and following the evolution of Chinese cuisine across the country.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1012762″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1787097382968{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;border-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]\n
Vancouver<\/span><\/div>\n
Tat San Hui<\/span><\/h5>\n
Video Producer, Director & Host, CanMen<\/div>\n
Tat San \u201cSunny\u201d Hui is a video producer, food enthusiast and member of the CanMen team, where he works as a video director and host of food programs. He travels across Canada exploring restaurants, grocery stores and regional ingredients, with a particular interest in Cantonese, Hong Kong-style and other Asian cuisines.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1010716″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1760401801153{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;border-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]\n
Vancouver<\/span><\/div>\n
Tony Kwan<\/span><\/h5>\n
Partner, PLLR Lawyers<\/div>\n
Tony Kwan is a partner at Richmond\u2019s largest law firm and an active community leader, having chaired the Richmond Chamber of Commerce and the Richmond Sunset Rotary Club. Beyond law, he shares his passion for food, wine, and travel as a lifestyle columnist for the Richmond News<\/em> and as the creator of the YouTube channels Trophy Wine Hunter<\/em>, Trophy Food Experiences<\/em>, and Trophy Travel Experiences<\/em>.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner gap=”25″][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1012763″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1787097438593{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;border-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]\n
Calgary<\/span><\/div>\n
Wingo Chan<\/span><\/h5>\n
Multimedia Producer & Digital Content Creator, CanMen<\/div>\n
Wingo Chan is a multimedia producer and digital content creator who uses food as a way to tell stories about culture, heritage and modern Canadian life. Travelling frequently between Western and Eastern Canada, he brings a broad perspective on the regional diversity and evolution of Chinese and Taiwanese dining across the country.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1012764″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1787097576962{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;border-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]\n
Vancouver<\/span><\/div>\n
Winston Chan<\/span><\/h5>\n
Senior Vice President, Sales, Sotheby\u2019s International Realty Canada<\/div>\n
Winston Chan is a lifelong food enthusiast whose appreciation for Chinese cuisine was shaped by his family and frequent trips to Hong Kong growing up. With experience in culinary operations and a passion for exploring restaurants, he brings a consumer-first perspective shaped by both his love of food and his understanding of how restaurants work behind the scenes.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1787097920920{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;border-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]\n
Plus one Taste Advisor who choose to stay anonymous.<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”100px”]