{"id":12,"date":"2015-08-16T13:58:52","date_gmt":"2015-08-16T20:58:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chineserestaurantawards.com\/stagingAUG5\/?page_id=12"},"modified":"2026-08-22T17:40:18","modified_gmt":"2026-08-23T00:40:18","slug":"about-cra","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chineserestaurantawards.com\/stagingAUG5\/about-cra\/","title":{"rendered":"About Chinese Restaurant Awards"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”min-height-animation”][vc_column css_animation=”fadeIn”]
<\/div>[vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”4\/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Discover the new visionaries of Chinese culinary excellence around the world.
\n2026 North America & Asia chapters” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:36px|text_align:left|color:%234387fb|line_height:1.5″ google_fonts=”font_family:Open%20Sans%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=””][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=””]Founded in Vancouver in 2008, the Chinese Restaurant Awards were created to recognize and celebrate excellence in Chinese cuisine. From the beginning, the Awards set themselves apart by focusing not on opulent dining rooms or lavish d\u00e9cor, but on what truly matters whenever Chinese diners gather at the table: what to eat first.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Awards began as a “Signature Dish” dining guide, introducing the wider public to Chinese cuisine through its most exceptional flavours. With this simple yet powerful belief \u2014 that appreciation begins with the dish itself \u2014 the Awards highlighted the artistry and diversity of regional traditions, inviting diners to discover Chinese cuisine in a way that felt both approachable and profound.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, the Awards serve as both a trusted dining guide and a cultural platform \u2014 showcasing the chefs, restaurants, and culinary visionaries shaping the future of Chinese gastronomy. From time-honoured masters to rising innovators, each honouree reflects a commitment to craft, heritage, and creative evolution.<\/span><\/p>\n

What began in Vancouver has since grown to embrace all of Canada, the United States, and Asia \u2014 extending the Awards’ mission of honouring Chinese culinary excellence onto an international stage. This new chapter reflects a continued purpose: to celebrate talent, deepen understanding of Chinese cuisine’s richness and regionality, and invite the world to explore its stories and innovation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Signature initiatives include DIM SUM GALA, DINING by the Awards series, New Wave Discovery, Chinese Master Chefs, and the #TasteCity culinary tourism campaigns. Through these programs, Chinese Restaurant Awards continue to foster cross-cultural dialogue and elevate one of the world’s great culinary traditions.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”70px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”1008325″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”fadeInRight” css=””][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][vc_row_inner gap=”35″][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”5743″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=””]Rae Kung<\/span>
\nCEO<\/span><\/p>\n

With years of experience at top-tier international agencies in Hong Kong and extensive collaborations with luxury and lifestyle brands across Canada and Asia, Rae Kung brings a distinctly global perspective to her work in culinary storytelling and cultural advocacy. Named one of Western Canada\u2019s Top 10 Foodies by Western Living magazine<\/em> in 2019, she has long been dedicated to promoting Chinese cuisine through thoughtful programming and community engagement. Rae creates platforms that spotlight chefs and their stories and connects with Chinese culinary professionals worldwide to foster dialogue and collaboration. Her work reflects a commitment to sharing the evolution of Chinese food culture with a broader audience.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1012868″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=””]Jacob Ung<\/span>
\nChief Operating Officer<\/span><\/p>\n

A former marketing leader for global automotive brands, Jacob Ung brings a wealth of experience, curiosity, and a genuine passion for people and ideas. A lifelong learner and seasoned traveller from Richmond, British Columbia, he sees dining as a way to discover culture, history, and the people behind the food. Today, as Chief Operating Officer of Chinese Restaurant Awards, Jacob brings his global perspective and love of Chinese cuisine to the organization, travelling widely in search of memorable dining experiences and new discoveries. He is particularly drawn to the depth, diversity, and heritage of Chinese cuisine. In recognition of his contributions to Canada and his community, Jacob was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025.\u00a0 Please note:<\/em> <\/strong>Mr. Jacob Ung served as a Taste Advisor for the 2025 and 2026 Awards. As the 2026 voting process concluded in June, his advisory role was completed prior to his appointment as Chief Operating Officer. His 2026 votes were submitted during the official voting period and remain fully valid. Effective August 2026, Mr. Ung has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Chinese Restaurant Awards.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1008385″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=””]Amy Venhuizen<\/span>
\nVice President, Gala & Events<\/span><\/p>\n

Amy Venhuizen built a career at the intersection of real estate development and lifestyle curation. As Director at Vancouver-based developer Sunwins, she oversaw projects ranging from planning and constructing high-rise residential towers with industry leaders to collaborating with notable talent to create distinctive dining, hospitality, and lifestyle experiences. She has played a key role in shaping projects that blend architectural vision with curated lifestyle programming, bringing a holistic approach to development. A lifelong passion for travel has shaped her global perspective, while her roots trace back to Thunder Bay, Ontario, where she studied at Lakehead University.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner gap=”35″][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1006163″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=””]Lee Man<\/span>
\nVice President, and Chair of Judging Panel – CANADA<\/span><\/p>\n

Lee Man, a founding judge of the Awards and a prominent food critic in Canada, has a deep passion for Chinese cuisine and exploration of outstanding signature dishes. 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 \u2013 and he has enthusiastically shared his knowledge with interviews in the New York Times, Los Angelese Times, Seattle Times and Eater Online.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”5742″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=””]Craig Stowe<\/span>
\nCo-founder<\/span><\/p>\n

Craig Stowe, renowned for producing high-profile events such as Luxury & Supercar Weekend and Diamond Rally, co-founded the Chinese Restaurant Awards with food and wine expert Stephen Wong in 2008. Driven by a vision to elevate Vancouver\u2019s Chinese culinary scene, Stowe began by collaborating with esteemed critics to ensure thoughtful and credible recognition of excellence. His efforts have helped position Vancouver as a global destination for Chinese gastronomy, leaving a lasting impact both nationally and internationally.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”588″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=””]Stephen Wong<\/span>
\nCo-founder<\/span><\/p>\n

Stephen Wong, a respected food and wine authority and author, co-founded the Chinese Restaurant Awards with Craig Stowe in 2008. Known for bridging the non-Chinese-speaking world with the depth and diversity of Chinese cuisine in Vancouver, Wong has played a pivotal role in shaping broader appreciation of the city\u2019s dining landscape. His publications, including HeartSmart Chinese Cooking (1996) and New World Noodles, reflect a longstanding commitment to accessibility and authenticity. Through his writing and advocacy, he has helped bring greater visibility to notable Chinese dining experiences in Vancouver, influencing both local and international audiences.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_separator color=”white” el_width=”50″ css=””][vc_empty_space height=”60px”][vc_empty_space height=”90px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” bg_type=”bg_color” bg_override=”ex-full” el_class=”wide-ipad”][vc_column css_animation=”none” width=”1\/2″ el_class=”not-wide-mobile”][vc_row_inner el_class=”without-padding”][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″]

\t\t
[vc_single_image image=”1006152″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””]\t\t<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″]
\t\t
[vc_single_image image=”1006153″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”scaleOutIn” css=””]\t\t<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column css_animation=”fadeInUpShort” width=”1\/2″]
<\/div>
\t\t
[vc_single_image image=”7174″ img_size=”170×140″ css_animation=”fadeIn” css=””][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Skill, creativity, and passion are essential for any great chef, but true mastery demands even more. Since its inception in 2013, the Chinese Master Chefs program has honored those who excel in their craft, uphold culinary traditions, and inspire the next generation. This prestigious initiative provides insight into the culinary journeys of these masters, offering emerging chefs the opportunity to learn from them and allowing the public to savor their exceptional signature dishes. Noteworthy events featuring the Vancouver and Asia Chinese Master Chefs include the prestigious Chinese Master Chef Gold Medal Dinner at Four Seasons Vancouver<\/a> in 2014 and the Master Finale at Paradox Hotel Vancouver in 2022<\/a>.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_btn title=”DISCOVER MORE” style=”outline-custom” outline_custom_color=”#4387fb” outline_custom_hover_background=”#4387fb” outline_custom_hover_text=”#ffffff” size=”lg” align=”left” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fchinesemasterchefs.com%2F|title:Chinese%20Master%20Chefs|target:_blank”]

<\/div>\t\t<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” content_placement=”middle” bg_type=”image” parallax_style=”vcpb-vz-jquery” bg_image_new=”id^1006515|url^https:\/\/chineserestaurantawards.com\/stagingAUG5\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/DINING-bg-grey-2.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^DINING-bg-grey-2|description^null” bg_image_size=”contain” bg_override=”ex-full” el_class=”wide-ipad min-height-animation”][vc_column]
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/i><\/div>
Feast of Fortune<\/a><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

[vc_row_inner el_id=”Feast of Fortune”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1474056192226{padding-left: 25px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Scotiabank Feast of Fortune by St. Paul’s Foundation” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][vc_custom_heading text=”Since 2015, the Chinese Restaurant Awards has been a key partner of the Scotiabank Feast of Fortune, collaborating to support the crucial fundraising efforts of St. Paul\u2019s Foundation. Over the years, the Awards have invited over 40 award winning and new wave chefs to contribute their culinary talents to this charity gala, demonstrating the chefs’ dedication to community support. This partnership now aims to advance medical research at the new St. Paul\u2019s Clinical Support and Research Centre on the Jim Pattison Medical Campus.” font_container=”tag:p|font_size:1em|text_align:left|color:rgba(255%2C255%2C255%2C0.72)” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][vc_btn title=”Feast of Fortune” style=”outline-custom” outline_custom_color=”#4387fb” outline_custom_hover_background=”#4387fb” outline_custom_hover_text=”#ffffff” size=”lg” align=”left” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fhelpstpauls.com%2Ffeast-of-fortune%2F|title:Feast%20of%20Fortune|target:_blank”][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”1006236″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/i><\/div>
DINING series<\/a><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

[vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1474056192226{padding-left: 25px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Chinese Master Chefs Gold Medal Dinner, East Meets West, DINING by the Awards” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]Since 2014, the Chinese Restaurant Awards has hosted its signature dining events: Dim Sum Gala presented by Scotia Wealth Management<\/a>, Chinese Master Chefs Gold Medal Dinner 2014<\/a>, East Meets West (2016 Paris x Vancouver<\/a> ), DINING by the Awards(2018<\/a>, 2019<\/a>, 2022 New Wave<\/a> | MASTERS Finale<\/a>, and 2023<\/a>). This series provides a dynamic platform for both established and emerging chefs from Vancouver and beyond to collaborate, exchange insights on Chinese cuisine, and explore innovative culinary possibilities. By fostering creative partnerships, DINING by the Awards enhances the dining experience and delves into the vast potential of Chinese cuisine.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”1006240″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/i><\/div>
Taste City Series<\/a><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

[vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1474056192226{padding-left: 25px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Taste City Series” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]Launched in 2017, the Taste City Series began with the Taste Hong Kong “TasteHKG<\/a>” influencer contest, offering Canadian social media influencers an exclusive opportunity to meet visionaries of Chinese cuisine outside Canada and explore Hong Kong through a five-day journey featuring insider tastings and tours. The aim was to find an ambassador passionate about uncovering regional Chinese cuisine and Hong Kong\u2019s dining trends. The inaugural winner, Emma Choo, shared her experiences online, connecting Canadian food and travel enthusiasts with a unique gastronomic adventure. The series expanded to include cities such as Hangzhou and Shanghai in 2018<\/a>, Hong Kong and Taipei in 2018<\/a>, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou in 2019<\/a> and Shanghai and Ningbo in 2026<\/a>, further showcasing the rich diversity and evolving trends of Chinese cuisine.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”1006242″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>

<\/div>