Vancouver’s Asian Restaurants Unite to Feed Frontline Health-Care Workers

Asian restaurants across the Lower Mainland are joining efforts to thank and support frontline health-care workers during the COVID-19 crisis.

The #ChopstickstoHeroes initiative, co-ordinated by the annual Chinese Restaurant Awards, will see 30 restaurants each provide dinner for 100 staff at Vancouver General Hospital for 15 days beginning April 6. Most of the participating restaurants are Diners’ Choice Nominees, with the majority serving regional Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine. There are also two Japanese restaurants contributing. In total, 1500 meals, including vegetarian options, will be served.

Though many of the restaurants are continuing to operate under the current health guidelines by offering takeout, several—including Fortune Terrace Chinese Cuisine, New Fishport Seafood Bistro and Peninsula Seafood Restaurant—are currently closed and are reopening solely to show their appreciation for the staff at VGH.

“We are honoured to be the supporting organization of the #ChopstickstoHeroes campaign, by connecting the generosity of Asian restaurants with the bravery of frontline health-care workers,” said Rae Kung, managing director of the Chinese Restaurant Awards, in a statement.

Other hospitals and health-care facilities interested in receiving meals from #ChopstickstoHeroes are invited to contact the Chinese Restaurant Awards for more details. Likewise, other restaurants eager to help should do the same.

Rae is hoping that other businesses will consider helping the campaign with corporate sponsorship, or through free food supplies.

This year’s Chinese Restaurant Awards have been postponed until the current crisis is over, and voting for the Diners’ Choice Awards has been extended until May 3. Diners of the Lower Mainland are encouraged to show their own support for the participating restaurants by ordering takeout from them—and voting for their favourites.