ABOUT

LDC is multi-award winning, Michelin Guide celebrated, and run by James Beard Foundation nominated chefs C-Y Chia and Shane Stanbridge.

Bold flavors from our Teochew Singaporean & Cali Italian family recipes, nostalgic hawker favorites, and the culinary legacy of the Chinese American & Italian American diasporas.

We cook from scratch from local farmers’ markets and house ferments, and highlight natural wines and local breweries sourced from makers systemically marginalized in their fields.

Two gold yellow traditional Chinese lions outdoors.

“Why Lion Dance Cafe 舞狮咖啡座 ?

A lion dance is a traditional Chinese art form meant to bring good luck to its audience. As a child growing up in Singapore, witnessing kung fu schools driving around town to perform lion dances brought joy and excitement. The whole team, sitting in the back of an open pickup truck, would play their drums and cymbals to alert of their whereabouts, and with other kids I would eagerly run outside in hopes of catching a show. 

To this day, the sound of percussion still makes my heart pound and takes me back. I wish for Lion Dance Cafe to elicit these same feelings in our diners -excitement in all, and extra comfort for those who, like me, have sought a home away from home in the small things.” -C-Y

Lion Dance Cafe owners C-Y and Shane smiling at the camera from the restaurant's colorful staircase.

photo by Thomas Dang Vo

the Chefs - Owners

Opened in September of 2020, multi-award winning, Michelin listed Lion Dance Cafe was founded by two James Beard semifinalists, C-Y Chia (they/them) and Shane Stanbridge (he/him), the duo behind critically acclaimed longstanding pop up S+M Vegan. All vegan, all flavor.