For 15 years, the Chinese Restaurant Awards have highlighted the depth and variety of Chinese cuisine in Metro Vancouver. This annual event has become a key celebration, recognizing the region’s rich culinary landscape—from traditional Cantonese banquets to inventive Sichuan seafood and signature Peking duck.
The 2024 Awards continued this legacy, unveiling the much-anticipated “Elite 15” list, featuring this year’s top Chinese and Taiwanese restaurants. These awards honoured the best in culinary craftsmanship, from upscale Cantonese and Hong Kong-style hotpot to innovative newcomers and legacy venues. Individual excellence was also recognized with titles like Best New Restaurant of the Year, Rising Star Chef, and Master Chef of the Year. A panel of 18 respected food writers, critics and diners visited numerous restaurants to determine the winners. While it may seem like a dream job—and in many ways it is—it involves a lot of work and tough decisions. Hats off to the judges for taking their roles seriously and for producing such a strong list!
SPECIAL CATEGORIES
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
ELITE 15
The following fifteen restaurants (presented in alphabetical order) have been singled out by the judges as the best of the best. Make note and get planning, there are a lot of addresses to visit!
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 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.
THE CRITICS’ CHOICE SIGNATURE DISH AWARDS
Judges were asked to select 15 of their absolute favourite signature dishes. It must have take a lot of inner battling to narrow this list down to just 15, so we feel confident that each is worth a making a trip for.
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