Elite 15 Asia Awards
Voted by the Taste Advisors in Asia and led by the Chair of the Asia Judging Panel, Ms. Agnes Chee, the Elite 15 Asia highlights the 15 most voted outstanding Chinese restaurants across the region. From heritage institutions to trailblazing innovators, this list showcases the finest of Asia’s Chinese dining. To guide exploration, each winning restaurant is accompanied by a summary of its most recommended signature dishes — must-try flavours that best reflect its craft and character.

Individual Awards – Asia
Voted by the Taste Advisors in Asia, these honours celebrate exceptional chefs and culinary talents whose achievements embody the spirit and future of Chinese cuisine.

Elite 30 Canada Awards
Recommended by Taste Advisors across the country and led by the Chair of the Canada Judging Panel, Mr. Lee Man, the Elite 30 Canada celebrates the nation’s 30 most outstanding Chinese restaurants. This trusted guide highlights excellence across regions, directing diners to the very best of Chinese dining nationwide. Each winning restaurant is also accompanied by a summary of its most recommended signature dishes — the essential flavours that showcase its craft and identity.

Individual Awards – Canada
Selected by the core judging panel, these awards honour outstanding chefs in Canada whose skill, creativity, and leadership set new benchmarks for Chinese dining.

Critics’ Choice Signature Dish Awards – Vancouver Exclusive
Determined through collaborative tasting and deliberation by the Taste Advisors, the Critics’ Choice Awards spotlight 15 remarkable dishes — a refined list capturing the defining flavours of the moment. As the Awards’ original foundation and enduring mission, it encourages the dining public to experience and appreciate Chinese cuisine through its most exceptional dishes.

• To uphold the integrity and credibility of the Chinese Restaurant Awards, all Taste Advisors must adhere to the following principles:
• Confidentiality
  All votes remain strictly confidential until the official announcement.
• Elite Awards Voting
  Each Taste Advisor may vote for up to a number of establishments(depending on the awards year), depending on their travel and dining activity. Advisors are also encouraged to recommend signature dishes to accompany their selections — shaping a trusted guide to the best flavours to taste and order.
• First-Hand Experience
  Taste Advisors must have personally dined at each nominated restaurant within the past 18 months and confirm the date of their most recent visit.
• Authenticity of Experience
  Only full dining experiences at the restaurant’s permanent location are valid. Votes based on pop-ups, off-site events, or collaborations are not permitted.
• Conflict of Interest
  Taste Advisors may not vote for restaurants in which they have financial interest or ownership. Any such ties must be declared with each nomination.
• Active Restaurants Only
  Eligible restaurants must be open at the time of voting and not scheduled to close within three months of the Awards announcement. Temporary or pop-up concepts are ineligible.
• Restaurant-Based Recognition
  Nominations are for restaurants, not individual chefs or restaurateurs, unless the award category is specifically for individual recognition.
• Anonymity
  Taste Advisors are asked to maintain discretion regarding their participation on the Awards panel before the annual Awards announcement.

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’ panel.

This approach ensures that any restaurant—whether an established institution or an emerging talent—can earn its place solely on the strength of its culinary merit.

The Chinese Restaurant Awards reflect authentic dining experiences, cultural insight, and the discerning palates of some of the most respected voices in the culinary world. Together with the Taste Advisors, the Awards have become a trusted benchmark for excellence in Chinese cuisine and will constantly refine to be the best Chinese dining for the dining public.