Gold: Crab Hot Lau
Crab Hot Lau scores gold in this category for the second year in a row. The family-run Northern Vietnamese eatery “specializes in dishes beyond the expected,” said one judge. Think: a complex and deeply aromatic bun riêu cua đồng (crab ball soup) that arrives with lumps of fresh crab meat and succulent pork. The rice field crab hot pot and crispy crab spring rolls are two other exceptional dishes that have taken the restaurant to legendary status.
2141 Kingsway
crabhotlau.ca
Silver: Lunch Lady
Silver goes to Commercial Drive staple Lunch Lady—where the subtle-yet-punchy wagyu phở bò stands out as a luxe take on a classic (do not sleep on upgrading it to the satay version), as does the lúc lắc (often called shaking beef in English)—which can rival any steakhouse for its exceptional cookery.
1046 Commercial Dr.
thelunchlady.com
Bronze: Anh and Chi
Bronze goes to Anh and Chi for its lively, buzzy atmosphere and renowned dishes (the sticky fish sauce chicken wings are legendary).
3388 Main St.
anhandchi.com
Honourable Mentions
Cafe Xue Hue
2226 Kingsway
604-454-9940
Bun Cha Ca Hoang Yen
5155 Victoria Dr.
bunchacahoangyen.com
