The Chinese Restaurant Awards Reveal Their Canadian Top 50
On September 8, the Chinese Restaurant Awards revealed the 50 Canadian finalists for their Elite 30 ranking, the final order of which will be announced on September 23 at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver. Montreal returns to the selection with Oncle Lee Kăo, the only Quebec address on the list this year.
Founded in Canada in 2008, the Chinese Restaurant Awards are the world’s longest-running awards program dedicated exclusively to Chinese cuisine. After launching their Canada and Asia guide in 2025, they move into the United States this year, which makes this 17th ceremony a pivotal edition.
“The Chinese Restaurant Awards have never been about ranking restaurants for the sake of ranking,” says Rae Kung, Managing Director of the organization. “Our goal is to help diners discover truly exceptional Chinese and Taiwanese restaurants, while recognizing the people whose passion and craftsmanship continue to elevate the cuisine around the world.”
The selection falls to the Canada Taste Advisors Panel, expanded from 15 to 21 members this year and chaired by founding judge Lee Man. Critics, journalists, radio hosts and content creators sit on it, with one guiding principle: the quality and execution of the food come before consistency, hospitality and the overall dining experience. “Our advisors have a great understanding of Chinese cuisine because they’ve spent a lifetime experiencing its flavours, the unique traditions, and regional nuances and complexities,” notes the chair of the panel. Once voting closed, every ballot went through a conflict-of-interest review, each advisor having to declare any ties to a restaurant under consideration and step aside.
Metro Vancouver leads with 31 finalists, ahead of the Greater Toronto Area (15), Calgary (2), Montreal and Ottawa, represented by Bite & Bite Shanghai Fried Bun. Twelve addresses appear on the list for the first time.
Several addresses from our list of the best Chinese restaurants in Toronto made the cut: Mimi Chinese, Sunnys Chinese, a first-time finalist this year, along with Wonton Hut, Fishman Lobster Clubhouse and Jumbo Lobster Restaurant.
On the Montreal side, Oncle Lee Kăo is listed in the modern Chinese category. Backed by the Bouillon Bilk team and chef Andersen Lee, it makes its case with a grill-driven table, generous in seafood as in vegetables, built for sharing.
The Elite 30 ranking, the 12 Signature Dish Awards, expanded this year to all of Canada, and the individual awards, including Rising Star Chef of the Year and Master Chef of the Year, will be handed out on September 23.
For more suggestions, check out our list of the best Chinese restaurants in Montreal and in Toronto.
Written by Maya Cloutier
Photography by Alison Slattery
