From Peking duck to dim sum, experts dined out and voted to determine the 2024 Chinese restaurant priceshonoring area restaurants, including Richmond and Vancouver.

At a ceremony held in Vancouver on Tuesday, November 5, the “Elite 15” winning restaurants as well as the recipients of certain special awards and designations were announced.

For its 15th edition, the prestigious distinctions shake up its format and return after a one-year hiatus with a taste buds tease the “long list” representing the judges’ picks for the city’s best dining experiences. From this list of 30, the Elite 15 emerged victorious, ranging from an upscale one-Michelin-star restaurant in Vancouver to one of the oldest Hong Kong-style noodle and congee restaurants in Richmond.

Among those receiving special “individual awards” was Steven Che, who was named Rising Star Chef of the Year for Vancouver’s Just Pizza. Richmond’s JiangNan Wok was named best new restaurant by Chinese Restaurant Awards judges, while Lai Wei of Lanxuan Restaurant was named Dim Sum Chef of the Year.

Additionally, the 21 judges were asked to select 15 of their favorite signature dishes, and winners included the Hakka Stir Fry from Vancouver Taiwanese restaurant A. Bento and the Typhoon Shelter Geoduck from Richmond’s famous The Fish Man.

“For 15 years, we have recognized the excellence of our local dining scene, inspiring diners to discover exclusive dishes and the rich diversity of Chinese and Taiwanese cuisines, making Vancouver a hub for Chinese cuisine in North America” , says Craig Stowe, president and co-founder of 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

Founded 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

Overlooking False Creek, Chang’An offers dishes inspired by Shaanxi cuisine, with signature creations from Executive Chef Leo Wang, such as his famous roasted Peking duck and savory lamb tenders.

Chef’s Choice Chinese Cuisine, Cantonese Cuisine, Vancouver

Led by Executive Chef Tommy Pang, Chef’s Choice offers diners a welcoming and warm atmosphere for authentic Hong Kong cuisine. Its signature dishes include house special fried sticky rice chicken, barbecue pork jowl with chicken liver, minced pork and seafood soup balls, 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, in a retro Chinese restaurant setting. The restaurant was founded by Order of Canada recipient Carol Lee, a pioneer of Vancouver’s Chinatown.

Dynasty Seafood Restaurant, Cantonese cuisine, Vancouver

This long-standing Vancouver destination is known for its exceptional Cantonese seafood and traditional, classic dishes created by Executive Chef Cao Can Hui, who trained under master chef Sam Leung.

The Fish Man, Sichuan cuisine and seafood, Richmond

Located on Richmond’s famous Eat Street, chef-owner Li Bo’s kitchen celebrates the flavors of Sichuan mala and exceptional cuisine in a casual dining room. Signature dishes include its lingcod with sour cabbage 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. Jury president Lee Man names Golden Paramount’s dim sum as his favorite.

iDen & Quanjude Beijing Duck House, Northern Chinese cuisine, Vancouver

Famous for its northern Chinese cuisine and legendary roast duck, Quanjude combines traditional flavors 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 authentic and remarkable Cantonese cuisine. The restaurant elevates classic dishes and soups with dishes such as the popular sautéed fish maw and scallops with mushrooms. Jade Seafood is a favorite of Vancouver chefs Alex Chen and Roger Ma.

Landmark Hotpot House, hotpot, Vancouver

A beloved institution for 35 years, Landmark is famous for its authentic Hong Kong-style hotpot and late-night menu. Co-owned by top chef David Li, the restaurant prides itself on offering fresh seafood and ingredients, as well as popular dishes like salt and pepper wok-fried lobster and award-winning fried sticky rice created by chef Raymond Cheung .

Max Noodle House, noodles and congee, Richmond

As one of Richmond’s longest-running Hong Kong-style noodle and congee restaurants, Max Noodle House is known for transporting guests to Hong Kong with its authentic versions of wonton noodles in soup, lo-mein with shank braised pork, lo-mein with shredded pork shank. pork with spicy brown sauce and fried dace balls.

Memory Corner, Taiwanese cuisine, Richmond

Located in Richmond on Garden City Road, Memory Corner is a tribute to owner Yu-Hsuang’s grandparents, serving authentic Taiwanese dishes like lamb hot pot and crispy popcorn chicken. The room is filled with trinkets and souvenirs from Taiwan, giving guests a warm, nostalgic hug as soon as they enter.

Mott 32, contemporary Chinese, Vancouver

Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Mott 32 is an internationally renowned, upscale Chinese restaurant with roots in Hong Kong. Its menu features creative takes on classics, from dim sum to applewood roasted Peking duck, accompanied by a carefully curated selection of fine wines, spirits and cocktails.

Osmanthus Chinese fusion restaurant, Jiangnan cuisine, Richmond

Located in the Aberdeen hub of Richmond, Osmanthus opened in 2023. Its dishes highlight the rich flavors of the Song Dynasty, blending traditional Jiangnan cuisine with contemporary techniques and ingredients.

Sea Harbor Restaurant, Cantonese cuisine, Richmond

A destination for fine Cantonese cuisine and dim sum, Sea Harbor is known for combining tradition and modern flavors in a spacious and elegant room. Highlights include its king crab with mayonnaise and wasabi cream sauce and steamed eggs. Chinese Restaurant Awards judge Jenice Yu of Fresh Ideas Start Here praises Sea Harbor for its perfect balance of authenticity and creativity in Cantonese cuisine.

Critics’ Choice Signature Dishes 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
• Crunchy pork with fresh pineapple, Kin’s Food and Bistro
• Fried pork ribs on rice, Cloud 9 delicacy
• Stir-fry Hakka, A. Bento
• Lo-Mein with Slow Cooked Pork Shank, Max Noodle House
• Mochi, Fresh Mango with Cream, Car Dessert
• Pan Fried Buns – Pork Toppings, Color View View
• Barbecue pork bun in puff pastry, Lanxuan restaurant
• Nanjing-style salted duck, Yuan’s Garden restaurant
• Chicken with green onion sauce over rice, Cha Kee
• Shanghai-style soy pudding, excellent tofu and snacks
• Geoduck from the refuge Typhoon, the fish man
• Winter Melon Soup, Sea Harbor Restaurant

15th Annual Chinese Restaurant Awards – Individual Awards

• Best New Restaurant -Wok Jiang Nan
• 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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