Chinese Restaurant Awards bring Michelin-starred chefs to Vancouver's Dim Sum Gala in September
The September 23 event at Fairmont Pacific Rim pairs multi-course dim sum with wine pairings, led by chefs from Hong Kong and Vancouver.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
The Chinese Restaurant Awards is bringing one of the city's fanciest dim sum experiences to Vancouver on September 23.
The organization, marking its 17th year and expanding its reach beyond Canada to recognize Chinese culinary talent across North America, is hosting a one-night-only Dim Sum Gala at Fairmont Pacific Rim. The event, themed "Pearl City Splendor," draws inspiration from the glamour of old Hong Kong and Shanghai supper clubs.
The kitchen lineup pairs international and local talent. Leading are chef Li Chi Wai and dim sum head chef Cheuk Ka Ching from Michelin-starred The Legacy House at Rosewood Hong Kong. They're joined by Vancouver's Garley Leung of Dynasty Seafood Restaurant, who was named 2025 Dim Sum Chef of the Year, along with Alex Kim of Five Sails Restaurant (2025 Canadian Culinary Champion) and chef Toby Chen, an alumnus of the Chinese Restaurant Awards' emerging talent program.
The menu pairs heritage-inspired dishes—including dishes highlighting premium aged tangerine peel (chenpi)—with modern takes on classic dim sum. Whisky, sparkling, and local provincial wines will accompany the courses. Tickets start at $450 and are available through the Chinese Restaurant Awards website.
The gala coincides with major milestones for the awards themselves. Founded in Canada in 2008, the organization has expanded into Asia and is now launching its first U.S. dining guide. The 2026 North American award winners will be announced during an afternoon ceremony before the gala.
Good to know
When is the Dim Sum Gala in Vancouver?
The Dim Sum Gala takes place on September 23 at Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver.
How much are tickets?
Tickets to the Dim Sum Gala start at $450 and are available through the Chinese Restaurant Awards website.
What kind of food will be served?
The menu at the Dim Sum Gala pairs heritage-inspired dim sum dishes—including dishes highlighting premium aged tangerine peel—with modern takes on classic dim sum.
What will pair with the courses?
Whisky, sparkling, and local provincial wines will accompany the courses at the Dim Sum Gala.
