inspired by excellence, driven by passion
chef alex chen
about chef alex chen
A Story of Discipline, Global Ambition, and Pacific Northwest Flavour
Chef Alex Chen's culinary journey is a masterclass in precision, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, deeply informed by his cultural roots and the bounty of the Pacific Northwest.
Born in Malaysia and raised in Vancouver, Alex began his career washing dishes and bussing tables, quickly falling in love with the intense rhythm and high-stakes camaraderie of the professional kitchen. This passion led him to spend over a decade honing his classical technique in some of North America's most demanding luxury hotel kitchens, including the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel and Polo Lounge, and Four Seasons properties in Toronto and Chicago.
The Competitive Edge
Alex's classical training and competitive spirit propelled him onto the world stage. In 2013, he led Team Canada to a Top-10 finish at the prestigious Bocuse d'Or in Lyon, France. In 2024, he returned as Team Canada Judge at the North American qualifier in New Orleans, continuing in that role at the Bocuse d'Or 2025 in Lyon, France.
Domestically, his competitive streak blazed a trail of victories — Gold Medal Plates regional championships in 2015 and 2017, gold at the 2018 Canadian Culinary Championships, and Chef of the Year at the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards. He also made history as the first challenger to defeat an Iron Chef on the inaugural season of Iron Chef Canada.
Culinary Leadership in Vancouver and Whistler
In 2014, Alex launched Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar in Vancouver, quickly establishing it as one of Canada's top dining destinations. Boulevard has earned multiple Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, including Best Upscale (2018, 2019, 2020, 2023), Best Seafood (2018, 2019, 2020, 2024), and Best Fine Dining (2026), along with repeated placements on Canada's 100 Best Restaurants list. His success was further recognized with the Pinnacle Chef of the Year Award (2019) and induction into the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame as a "Local Hero" (2024).
In 2022, he expanded his vision to the mountains, opening Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar in Whistler as Chef and Partner. Under his direction, Wild Blue earned immediate critical acclaim — ranking #2 on Air Canada enRoute's Best New Restaurants — and was named Best Whistler by Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards in 2024, 2025, and 2026, three consecutive years.
Mentor, Media Personality and family man
Beyond his restaurants, Alex has become a prominent figure in national culinary media, sharing his expertise as a chef and judge on Wall of Chefs and as a guest judge on Top Chef Canada Season 12 in 2025, including the Top Chef Canada x Bocuse d'Or "Showdown" episode — a full-circle moment connecting his competitive past with his role as leader and mentor.
Despite his global achievements, Alex remains deeply connected to Vancouver, the city that shaped his appreciation for Pacific Northwest ingredients. It is here that he and his wife, Elizabeth, are raising their two teens, passing down the cultural traditions and values that inform his work.
Today, Chef Alex Chen continues to influence Canada's dining culture — driven by quiet ambition, thoughtful leadership, and an enduring commitment to craft, culture, and community.