The Award Categories

Our 19 awards categories represent not just the excellence of East and South East Asian restaurants throughout the UK but also the contribution of suppliers, supermarkets, food writers and individuals to the growth of the East and South East Asian foods sector.

Members of the public are invited to vote in all of our 13 public voting categories between 8th January and 26th February 2024.

 

Public Votes

1. The Golden Chopsticks Best Restaurant in England Award sponsored by Kirin Ichiban

2. The Golden Chopsticks Best Restaurant in Wales Award sponsered by Phoenix :: S&B Herba Foods

3. The Golden Chopsticks Best Restaurant in Scotland Award sponsored by Just Eat

4. The Golden Chopsticks Best Restaurant in Northern Ireland Award sponsored by Just Eat

Our regional awards are for the best East and South East Asian restaurants in Wales, Ireland, Scotland and England. Competition is always fierce for these categories, proving just how passionate us Brits are when it comes to our favourite local East and Southeast Asian restaurants while at the same time supporting our great British high street.

5. The Golden Chopsticks Best Newcomer Award sponsored by Kirin Ichiban

With this award we are celebrating East and South East Asian restaurateurs who have made the best first impression on their diners. Setting up in the hospitality industry is an admirable achievement, tempting customers to a new establishment and keeping them coming back, is something all of these nominees should be very proud of (Applies to any business trading since October 2022).

6. The Golden Chopsticks Best Delivery Experience Award sponsored by Just Eat

The finalists in this hotly contested category bring our nation’s best and favourite East and South East Asian dishes to our doorstep to be eaten from the comfort of our homes.

7. The Golden Chopsticks Best Design Award

This award recognises the design and architecture of the restaurant interior. Somewhere with a stand out space showcasing attention to detail and creative use of light and colour. Maybe its a dark, moody sprawling interior or a compact bright, light space with a clever colour palette. Somewhere original and memorable. 

8. The Golden Chopsticks Best Restaurant Multi-Site Award sponsored by Just Eat

This award is a celebration of the establishments who have upheld the very best industry standards, and delicious tasting food, while at the same time expanding their empires.  (Applies to businesses with more than 3 sites.)

9. The Golden Chopsticks Best Vegetarian/Vegan Dish Award

With so many diners now turning to vegetarian and vegan diets, this award celebrates the best vegetarian or vegan dish on the menu.

10. The Golden Chopsticks Best Sweet Treat Award sponsored by Chinatown London

This accolade recognises the establishments serving up the best sweet delights of East and South East Asia. From bubble tea and ice-cream to patisserie, we are giving sweet drinks and snacks the recognition they deserve, both for their deliciousness and technical skill involved in their creation.

11. The Golden Chopsticks Best Golden Cocktail Award sponsored by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

With this award we are celebrating the most inspired cocktail creations from East and South East Asian restaurateurs and mixologists. From the classics to cutting edge, for the hedonists or those avoiding the hard stuff, with the best seasonal ingredients to the freshest flavours, we will be honouring the cocktails tempting customers to work their way right through the cocktail menu.

12. The Golden Chopsticks Best Street Food Award sponsored by Seara

Street food has exploded on to the culinary scene, and we wanted to recognise the breadth of passion and skill that makes this sector what it is. This award celebrates the talented vendors serving up outstanding East and South East Asian dishes.

13. The Golden Chopsticks Best Dim Sum Award sponsored by Kwan Yick

The Best Dim Sum award honors those crafting bite-sized culinary delights, mastering the intricate balance of taste, texture, and presentation.  Elevating dining experiences with a symphony of dumplings, buns, and small plates that showcase not only culinary expertise but also a profound understanding of the cultural nuances behind each dish. From the moment the steamer baskets arrive at the table, laden with treasures of the kitchen, to the first savory bite that transports diners to the heart of dim sum perfection, this category acknowledges excellence in every aspect.

14. The Golden Chopsticks Heat and Eat Award

This award celebrates the finest East and South East Asian pre-made food ranges available from supermarkets and retailers. Recognising convenience without compromising on authenticity, this award highlights brands that deliver an immersive culinary experience at home. From delectable dim sum to savoury stir-fries, these ready-to-enjoy selections showcase the rich flavours and aromas of the region, requiring minimal effort from consumers. Join us in honouring the best in Asian cuisine that brings the taste of the East and South East straight to your table.

Judges Votes

15. The Golden Chopsticks Fine Dining Award sponsored by Yutaka

This hotly contested category includes some of the biggest names on the world’s food stage. These East and South East Asian food heavyweights have displayed excellence in all areas and are consistently delivering a five-star dining experience whilst providing the ultimate in food and drinks menus.

16. The Golden Chef Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee

This prestigious award recognises the talents of those outstanding individuals who consistently deliver the very best in innovative and delicious East and South East Asian menus. These chefs push culinary boundaries to bring diners the most exciting and innovative dishes.

17. The Golden Chopsticks Food Influenecer Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee

This award recognises the passionate individuals who have created inspiring social content around their love of East and South East Asian Food.  Not just by eating, these influencers have blogged, vlogged, snapped, tweeted and grammed, spreading the word about their favourite East and South East Asian food and establishments.

Founders Votes

18. The Ken Hom Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by Just Eat

This special award recognises an individual who has dedicated their life and career to the UK’s East and South East Asian food industry.

19. The Golden Future Award sponsored by Lucky Boat Noodles

An esteemed recognition that stands as a beacon of inspiration and celebration for those dedicated to fostering sustainability, community engagement and charity.  Honouring individuals, organisations and initiatives that exemplify an unwavering commitment to creating a brighter future for generations to come.
 
The Golden Future Award serves as a testament to the power of collective efforts in making a positive impact on the world. It applauds those who have made significant strides in actively contributing to their communities and demonstrating a genuine commitment to charitable endeavours.