2018 Golden Teddy Awards — Food + Dining

Winner: Din Tai Fung

Taiwanese chain Din Tai Fung has locations around the world including several in our area. It serves Taiwanese and Chinese fare (including dim sum), but the xiao long bao (soup dumplings) are the primary draw. This place is popular, so plan for a long wait. Fortunately, its restaurants now use buzzers to call you when your table is ready, so kids can run around outside while you wait. And once you’re seated, the service is as fast as the food is delicious.   

Finalists

Got a hankering for Japanese food? Or maybe Italian? Mexican? Korean, Mediterranean, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese? Crossroads Public Market International Restaurants has you covered. Add in free entertainment at the Market Stage on weekends and it’s a great destination for family fun.

Vegans rejoice! Araya’s Place in Bellevue and Seattle has been serving vegan Thai food since 1987. No worrying about hidden fish sauce here — everything at Araya’s is made to order with respect to individual allergy and dietary concerns.

As the name indicates, Bengal Tiger Indian Restaurant is rooted in the cuisine of Bangladesh and Bengal. But it offers iconic dishes from regions all across India, including vegetarian options. Regardless of origin, the food is always delicious.  

Seattle has almost as many Thai restaurants as it has Starbucks, but according to readers, Thai Siam rises above the crowd. Thai Siam has been part of the Ballard/Crown Hill community since 1987, using fresh local ingredients to create its Thai flavors.