What Are the Vancouver Chinese Restaurant Awards?

On October 29th, 2025, the 16th edition of the Chinese Restaurant Awards will converge in Vancouver at the sold-out Dim Sum Gala, hosted at the historic Vancouver Club. These prestigious awards began in 2008 with a singular category: a “Signature Dish” dining guide, spotlighting the most exceptional Chinese dishes in the Lower Mainland. Over the years, the awards have grown to celebrate the chefs, restaurants, and innovators whose influence has set the bar for premier Chinese gastronomy.

This year, the Awards are evolving into something even more special. In 2025, the celebration takes a giant leap forward, moving beyond the Lower Mainland, beyond Canada, and onto the global stage to honour Chinese culinary excellence across Asia as well.

What Categories Are Featured in the Chinese Restaurant Awards?

This year’s ceremony will present awards across five categories:

The Elite 15 Asia Awards

The Elite 15 Asia Awards directs diners to the most outstanding Chinese restaurants across the region. Honourees include establishments ranging from time-honoured institutions to pioneering newcomers. Each winning restaurant will be celebrated alongside the panel’s most recommended signature dishes, representing the very best of each restaurant’s offerings.

Honourees are selected by the Taste Advisors in Asia, a distinguished group of 15 authorities, including Michelin-starred chefs, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders. Panel members draw on their first-hand experience to determine each winner.

Individual Awards Asia

Also chosen by the esteemed Taste Advisors in Asia, this category honours visionary chefs and culinary artisans throughout the region. Winners are selected for their roles in shaping the evolution and spirit of Chinese cuisine across Asia.

Elite 30 Canada Awards

A panel of Taste Advisors across Canada votes to award the nation’s 30 most outstanding Chinese restaurants. This list serves as a guide for diners seeking to expand their palates and experience the very best Chinese cuisine found in Canada. In a format similar to the Elite 15 Asia Awards, each winning restaurant is featured alongside signature dishes considered essential “must-tries” for diners.

Individual Awards - Canada

This category recognizes the most outstanding chefs from across Canada, raising the benchmarks for Chinese gastronomy. The Core Judging Panel awards these individuals for their leadership, mastery, and innovation.

Critics’ Choice Signature Dish Awards - Vancouver Exclusive

As the category that started it all, the Critics’ Choice Signature Dish Awards spotlights 15 of the Lower Mainland’s most remarkable Chinese dishes. It serves as a guide for curious food lovers,

inviting diners to discover new flavours and deepen their appreciation of Chinese cuisine through the panel’s chosen most remarkable dishes.

What began as a local celebration of great food has grown into a global stage to celebrate Chinese cuisine at an international scale. The Chinese Restaurant Awards continue to shine a light on the chefs and dishes that bring people together, inspire discovery, and share the richness of Chinese gastronomy with the world.