Celebrating Chinese Cuisine at the Highest Level

For the first time in culinary history, Chinese cuisine across Asia is getting its own moment in the global spotlight. The Chinese Restaurant Awards—long established in Canada—have unveiled the Top 30 honourees for their inaugural Elite 15 Asia Awards 2025, a new initiative that recognises excellence in Chinese dining across the continent.

This milestone announcement sets the stage for the Elite 15 Asia list, which will be ranked and officially revealed during the 16th Annual Chinese Restaurant Awards Ceremony in Vancouver, Canada on 29 October 2025.

A Diverse and Deliberate Panel of Tastemakers

What makes this list particularly significant is its Asia Taste Advisors Panel—a group of 15 influential figures from across the region, chaired by the iconic Hong Kong–based food critic and TV host Agnes Chee. From Michelin-starred chefs to cultural leaders, investors, and creatives, the panel curated this list to reflect more than just good food—it’s about signature dishes, memory, and the evolution of tradition.

“There are many lists in the world, but this will be the first to independently celebrate Chinese cuisine in Asia—one rooted in cultural confidence,” says Agnes Chee.

The selection process was stringent, with each advisor disclosing personal affiliations to ensure voting integrity.

Ho Lee Fook – Hong Kong

Meet the Top 30 Honourees: A Celebration of Regional Excellence

Spanning a wide range of culinary traditions—from imperial court cuisine and Taizhou seafood to refined vegetarian menus and modern fusion—the Top 30 honourees showcase the richness and diversity of Chinese gastronomy in Asia. Highlights include:

Peach Blossoms (Singapore) – Cantonese

Sazenka (Tokyo) – Chinese–Japanese fine dining

102 House (Shanghai) – Classic Cantonese

Fu He Hui (Shanghai) – Innovative vegetarian

Ho Lee Fook (Hong Kong) – Modern Cantonese

The Chairman (Hong Kong) – Renowned for its ingredient-driven approach

Yong Fu (Hong Kong) – Specialising in Ningbo cuisine

Da Dong (Beijing) – Famous for its Peking duck

Chef Tam’s Season (Macau) – Michelin-starred Cantonese

Lingnan House (Guangzhou) – Heritage-driven Cantonese dining

…and 20 other standout establishments across Hong Kong, Macau, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Bangkok, and beyond.

The final Elite 15—a ranked list distilled from these 30 honourees—will be announced in Vancouver and joined by award categories like Rising Star Chef, Dim Sum Chef, and Master Chef of the Year.

Silks House – Taipei

Why This Matters

While Chinese restaurants often shine in localised rankings, this is one of the few dedicated efforts to elevate Chinese cuisine to a unified, pan-Asian stage. It’s not just about big names—it’s about signature dishes that tell a story, local ingredients used with imagination, and chefs who are preserving cultural heritage while innovating for modern diners.

What’s Next?

Stay tuned for the final Elite 15 list coming this October. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie, industry insider, or curious traveller planning your next culinary journey across Asia, this is one list you’ll want to bookmark.

🔗 Explore the full list and panel bios at ChineseRestaurantAwards.com

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Images: Chinese Restaurant Awards