When it comes to food, Ottawa is often praised for its multicultural diversity. But in recent years, the city’s Chinese culinary scene has been quietly gaining serious momentum. That growth is now receiving national attention, as two Ottawa restaurants, Gongfu Bao and Takumi BBQ, have been named among the Top 50 finalists for the Chinese Restaurant Awards’ Elite 30 Canada list.
Presented by the Chinese Restaurant Awards, this new national program represents a historic expansion of the awards’ long-standing recognition in Vancouver and British Columbia. The Elite 30 Canada Awards are designed to celebrate the excellence, innovation, and cultural diversity shaping Chinese cuisine across the country. This year’s Top 50 Honourees span everything from traditional Cantonese dim sum and banquet-style dining to bold Sichuan flavours and modern interpretations of Taiwanese and regional Chinese fare.
This annual awards program celebrates the best in Chinese and Chinese-inspired cuisine across the country. The 2024 finalists were selected by a panel of 15 judges, including chefs, food writers, and frequent diners, who evaluated restaurants based on culinary creativity, consistency, and authenticity — three qualities that Gongfu Bao and Takumi BBQ clearly deliver in spades.
For Gongfu Bao, known for its inventive street food and small-but-mighty menu of handcrafted bao, the nomination is a testament to how reimagined comfort food can resonate with both locals and critics alike.
Its core menu of handmade bao rarely changes, offering consistency and comfort, while limited seasonal specials allow for bold, unexpected flavour. Whether you’re dining in or just grabbing something quick, it’s easy to enjoy – fresh bao are served hot and fast from their takeout window. It’s this blend of integrity, accessibility, and culinary intention that helped land Gongfu Bao a spot among the Top 50.
Takumi BBQ, meanwhile, offers a sizzling, interactive dining experience that engages all the senses. Rooted in Korean and Japanese BBQ traditions, with subtle nods to Chinese culinary influences, Takumi invites diners to take the reins of the cooking process themselves. Each table is equipped with its own built-in grill, where guests can sear their selections of premium meats, fresh seafood, and seasonal vegetables to their own taste – all while enjoying the crackle, aroma, and communal energy that define the experience.
From house-made marinades to perfectly portioned cuts of meat, every detail is curated with care, creating a dining experience that’s as engaging as it is flavourful. It’s the kind of place where dinner becomes an event.
What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it shines a spotlight on Ottawa’s evolving food identity. For years, major cities like Vancouver and Toronto have dominated the conversation around top-tier Asian cuisine in Canada. But with local restaurants like Gongfu Bao and Takumi BBQ gaining national attention, Ottawa is proving it deserves a seat at the table.
The Elite 30 recognition also reflects a broader trend: Canadian diners are seeking deeper cultural experiences through food, and restaurants that prioritize authenticity and innovation are being rewarded. It’s no longer just about what’s on the plate — it’s about the story, the atmosphere, and the connection to tradition.
As the final winners of the Chinese Restaurant Awards are set to be revealed later this year, being named to the Top 50 is already a major honour — and a proud moment for Ottawa’s culinary scene.
For local food lovers, it’s yet another reason to explore what’s cooking right in their own backyard.
