From Peking Duck to dim sum, the experts have dined out and cast their votes to determine the 2024 Chinese Restaurant Awards, honouring restaurants in the region, particularly Richmond and Vancouver.
In a ceremony held in Vancouver on Tuesday, Nov. 5, the winning "Elite 15" top restaurants along with the recipients of some special awards and designations were announced.
For its 15th year, the prestigious honours shook up its format and returned after a one-year hiatus with a tastebud teasing "longlist" representing the judges' picks for the top dining experiences in the city. From that list of 30, the Elite 15 emerged victorious, spanning a Michelin Guide one-star high-end Vancouver restaurant to one of Richmond’s longest-running Hong Kong-style noodle and congee eateries.
Among those earning special "individual awards" is Steven Che, who earned Rising Star Chef of the Year for Vancouver's Just Pizza. Richmond's JiangNan Wok was named the Best New Restaurant by the Chinese Restaurant Awards judges, while Lai Wei of Lanxuan Restaurant was named the Dim Sum Chef of the Year.
Additionally, the 21 judges were asked to select 15 of their favourite signature dishes, and the winners include the Hakka Stir Fry from Vancouver Taiwanese spot A. Bento and the Typhoon Shelter Geoduck from Richmond's acclaimed The Fish Man.
“For 15 years, we’ve recognized excellence in our local dining scene, inspiring diners to explore signature dishes and the rich diversity of Chinese and Taiwanese cuisines – showcasing Vancouver as a leading hub for Chinese cuisine in North America,” says Craig Stowe, president and co-founder, Chinese Restaurant Awards.
"It’s exciting to see the talent that exists right here at home.”
15th Annual Chinese Restaurant Awards: Elite 15 (in alphabetical order)
Bamboo Grove Restaurant - Cantonese cuisine, Richmond
Established in 1963, Bamboo Grove is Richmond’s oldest Chinese restaurant, known for its wok-heated “wok hei” dishes by executive chef Ming Yeung.
Chang'An Restaurant, Northern Chinese cuisine, Vancouver
With views of False Creek, Chang'An features dishes inspired by Shaanxi cuisine, with signature creations by executive chef Leo Wang, such as its renowned roast Peking duck and flavorful lamb offerings.
Chef's Choice Chinese Cuisine, Cantonese cuisine, Vancouver
Led by executive chef Tommy Pang, Chef’s Choice offers diners a welcoming and cozy atmosphere for authentic Hong Kong cuisine. Its signature dishes include house special fried sticky rice chicken, BBQ pork jowl with chicken liver, savoury minced pork and seafood soup dumplings, and of course, dim sum.
Chinatown BBQ, Cantonese BBQ, Vancouver
Located in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown, Chinatown BBQ is a popular spot for authentic Cantonese barbecue, set against a retro Chinese diner backdrop. The restaurant was founded by Order of Canada recipient Carol Lee, a pioneering champion for Vancouver Chinatown.
Dynasty Seafood Restaurant, Cantonese cuisine, Vancouver
This longtime Vancouver destination is known for its outstanding Cantonese seafood and traditional, classic dishes created by executive chef Cao Can Hui, who trained with esteemed master chef Sam Leung.
The Fish Man, Sichuan cuisine and seafood, Richmond
Located on Richmond’s famous “Eat Street”, chef-owner Li Bo’s cuisine celebrates Sichuan mala flavours and exceptional cuisine in a casual dining room. Signature dishes include his sour cabbage lingcod and fresh seafood preparations.
Golden Paramount Seafood Restaurant, Cantonese cuisine, Richmond
Known for its take on Shunde cuisine, Golden Paramount Seafood, led by chef-owner May Chau, has been serving authentic Cantonese cuisine for two decades. Judging panel chair Lee Man names Golden Paramount’s dim sum as his favourite.
iDen & Quanjude Beijing Duck House, Northern Chinese cuisine, Vancouver
Celebrated for its Northern Chinese cuisine and legendary roast duck, Quanjude combines traditional flavours with contemporary ingredients in many of its dishes. Its sophisticated and elegant space was designed by renowned architect Lee Hsuheng.
The Jade Seafood Restaurant, Cantonese cuisine, Richmond
Led by executive chef Tam Chi Ling, Jade Seafood Restaurant is known for its standout, authentic Cantonese cuisine. The restaurant elevates classic dishes and soups with items such as the popular stir-fried fish maw and scallops with mushrooms. Jade Seafood is a favourite of Vancouver chefs Alex Chen and Roger Ma.
Landmark Hotpot House, hotpot, Vancouver
A beloved institution for 35 years, Landmark is celebrated for its authentic Hong Kong-style hotpot and late-night menu. Co-owned by master chef David Li, the restaurant prides itself on offering fresh seafood and ingredients, along with popular dishes like salt and pepper wok-fried lobster and award-winning fried glutinous rice created by chef Raymond Cheung.
Max Noodle House, noodle and congee, Richmond
As one of Richmond’s longest-running Hong Kong-style noodle and congee eateries, Max Noodle House is known to transport guests to Hong Kong with its authentic takes on wonton noodles in soup, lo-mein with braised pork hock, lo-mein with shredded pork in spicy brown sauce, and deep-fried dace balls.
Memory Corner, Taiwanese cuisine, Richmond
Located in Richmond on Garden City Road, Memory Corner is a tribute to the grandparents of owner Yu-Hsuang, serving authentic Taiwanese dishes like lamb hot pot and crispy popcorn chicken. The room is filled with trinkets and memories from Taiwan, giving guests a nostalgic warm hug as soon as they enter.
Mott 32, contemporary Chinese, Vancouver
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Mott 32 is an internationally-celebrated, upscale Chinese restaurant with roots in Hong Kong. Its menu features creative takes on classics, from dim sum to its Applewood Roasted Peking Duck, paired with a carefully curated selection of fine wines, spirits, and cocktails.
Osmanthus Chinese Fusion Restaurant, Jiangnan cuisine, Richmond
Located in Richmond’s Aberdeen Centre, Osmanthus opened in 2023. Its dishes highlight the rich flavours of the Song Dynasty, blending traditional Jiangnan cuisine with contemporary technique and ingredients.
Sea Harbour Restaurant, Cantonese cuisine, Richmond
A destination for elevated Cantonese cuisine and dim sum, Sea Harbour is known for blending tradition with modern flavours in a spacious and elegant room. Signature dishes include its King Crab with mayo wasabi cream sauce and steamed eggs. Chinese Restaurant Awards judge Jenice Yu of Fresh Ideas Start Here enjoys Sea Harbour for its perfect balance of authenticity and creativity in Cantonese cuisine.
Critics' Choice Signature Dish Awards
- A Handful of Pepper Fried Eel Paste with Emerald Vegetable Fried Rice, JiangNan Wok
- Applewood Roasted Peking Duck with Duck Fried Rice, Mott 32
- Dry Beef Honeycomb Tripe, Bliss Kitchen
- Fresh Pineapple Crunchy Pork, Kin's Food and Bistro
- Fried Pork Ribs on Rice, Cloud 9 Delicacy
- Hakka Stir Fry, A. Bento
- Lo-Mein with Stewed Pork Hock, Max Noodle House
- Mochi, Fresh Mango with Cream, Car's Dessert
- Pan Fried Buns - Pork Fillings, Colour See See
- Puff Pastry BBQ Pork Bun, Lanxuan Restaurant
- Salty Duck in Nanking Style, Yuan's Garden Restaurant
- Scallion Sauce Chicken on Rice, Cha Kee
- Soy Pudding Shanghai Style, Excellent Tofu & Snacks
- Typhoon Shelter Geoduck, The Fish Man
- Winter Melon Soup, Sea Harbour Restaurant
15th Annual Chinese Restaurant Awards - Individual Awards
- Best New Restaurant - JiangNan Wok
- Rising Star Chef of the Year - Steven Che, Just Pizza
- Dim Sum Chef of the Year - Lai Wei, Lanxuan Restaurant
- Master Chef of the Year - May Chau Siu-may, Golden Paramount Seafood Restaurant
- Master Chef of the Year - David Li Hon-keung, Landmark Hotpot House
- Elite Service Crew Member of the Year - Lisa Zhang, The Fish Man
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