Best Chinese and Taiwanese food in Richmond and Vancouver, BC

From Peking duck to dim sum, the experts dined out and cast their votes to determine the year 2024 Chinese restaurant pricescelebrating restaurants in the region, specifically Richmond and Vancouver.

During a ceremony held in Vancouver on Tuesday, November 5, the winning “Elite 15” top restaurants and the recipients of several special awards and accolades were announced.

For the 15th year, the prestigious award shook up the format and returned after a year’s hiatus immediately taste buds teasing “longlist” represents the jury’s choice for the best dining experiences in the city. From that list of 30, the Elite 15 emerged victorious, ranging from a luxury restaurant in Vancouver with one star in the Michelin Guide to one of Richmond’s longest-running Hong Kong-style noodle and congee restaurants.

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

In addition, the 21 judges were asked to select 15 of their favorite signature dishes, and the winners included the Hakka Stir Fry from Taiwanese spot A. Bento from Vancouver and the Typhoon Shelter Geoduck from the critically acclaimed The Fish Man from Richmond.

“For 15 years, we have recognized excellence in our local food culture, inspiring guests to discover signature dishes and the rich diversity of Chinese and Taiwanese cuisines – showcasing Vancouver as a leading hub for Chinese cuisine in North America ” said Craig Stowe, president and co-founder, Chinese Restaurant Awards.

“It’s exciting to see the talent that is 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 and is known for its wok-heated ‘wok hei’ dishes from chef Ming Yeung.

Chang’An Restaurant, Northern Chinese Cuisine, Vancouver

Overlooking False Creek, Chang’An serves dishes inspired by Shaanxi cuisine, featuring Chef Leo Wang’s signature creations such as the famous Roasted Peking Duck and flavorful Lamb.

Chef’s Choice Chinese Cuisine, Cantonese Cuisine, Vancouver

Led by Chef Tommy Pang, Chef’s Choice offers guests a welcoming and cozy atmosphere for authentic Hong Kong cuisine. Signature dishes include the special fried chicken with sticky rice, BBQ pork with chicken liver, savory pork dumplings and seafood soup, 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 the backdrop of a retro Chinese dinner. 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 excellent Cantonese seafood and traditional, classic dishes prepared by Chef Cao Can Hui, who trained under 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 the flavors of Sichuan mala and exceptional cuisine in a casual dining room. Signature dishes include its sour cabbage cod and fresh seafood preparations.

Golden Paramount Seafood Restaurant, Cantonese Cuisine, Richmond

Known for its take on Shunde cuisine, Golden Paramount Seafood has been serving authentic Cantonese dishes for twenty years, under the leadership of chef-owner May Chau. Jury chairman Lee Man names Golden Paramount’s dim sum as his favorite.

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

Celebrated for its northern Chinese cuisine and legendary roast duck, Quanjude combines traditional flavors with contemporary ingredients in many of its dishes. The sophisticated and elegant space was designed by renowned architect Lee Hsuheng.

The Jade Seafood Restaurant, Cantonese Cuisine, Richmond

Led by Chef Tam Chi Ling, Jade Seafood Restaurant is known for its distinctive, 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 favorite of Vancouver chefs Alex Chen and Roger Ma.

Landmark Hotpot House, hotpot, Vancouver

A beloved institution for 35 years, Landmark is known 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 such as wok-fried salt and pepper lobster and the 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 diners to Hong Kong with its authentic take on wonton noodles in soup, lo-mein with braised pork knuckle, lo-mein with shredded pork in spicy brown sauce and fried dace balls.

Memory Corner, Taiwanese Cuisine, Richmond

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

Mott 32, Contemporary Chinese, Vancouver

Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Mott 32 is an internationally acclaimed, upscale Chinese restaurant with roots in Hong Kong. The menu offers creative takes on classics, from dim sum to the Applewood Roasted Peking Duck, paired with a carefully curated selection of fine wines, spirits and cocktails.

Osmanthus Chinese Fusion Restaurant, Jiangnan Cuisine, Richmond

Osmanthus, located in the Aberdeen Center in Richmond, opened in 2023. The dishes highlight the rich flavors of the Song Dynasty, combining traditional Jiangnan cuisine with contemporary technique and ingredients.

Sea Harbor Restaurant, Cantonese Cuisine, Richmond

A destination for fine Cantonese cuisine and dim sum, Sea Harbor is known for combining tradition with modern flavors in a spacious and elegant room. Signature dishes include the King Crab with mayo-wasabi cream sauce and steamed eggs. Chinese Restaurant Awards jury member Jenice Yu of Fresh Ideas Start Here enjoys Sea Harbor for the perfect balance between authenticity and creativity in Cantonese cuisine.

Critics’ Choice Signature Dish Awards

• A handful of pepper fried eel paste with emerald green fried rice, JiangNan Wok
• Applewood Roasted Peking Duck with Duck Fried Rice, Mott 32
• Dry Beef Honeycomb Tripe, Bliss Kitchen
• Fresh Pineapple Crispy Pork, Kin’s Food and Bistro
• Fried pork ribs on rice, Cloud 9 delicacy
• Hakka Stir fry, A. Bento
• Lo-Mein with Braised Pork Knuckle, Max Noodle House
• Mochi, fresh mango with cream, car dessert
• Fried rolls – Pork filling, Color See See
• Puff Pastry BBQ Pork Bun, Lanxuan Restaurant
• Nanking Style Salty Duck, Yuan’s Garden Restaurant
• Spring Onion Sauce Chicken on Rice, Cha Kee
• Soy pudding Shanghai style, excellent tofu and snacks
• Typhoon shelter Geoduck, the fish man
• Wintermelon Soup, Sea Harbor 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, Monumental Hotpot House
• Elite Service Crew Member of the Year – Lisa Zhang, the fish man

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