ABOUT US

Behind LDC are James Beard Foundation semifinalists and Michelin Guide celebrated 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.

Over the course of 14 action-packed years the San Francisco Bay Area, we’ve hosted countless pop ups and events, opened and closed a busy community-minded brick and mortar, and partnered with some of the US’s most influential food and beverage leaders on dozens of exciting projects, from food consulting to collaborations.

Our first self published cookbook, featuring over 115 of our most popular recipes, came out in early 2026.

We have since relocated to C-Y’s native Singapore. As our culinary journey continues, follow us on instagram and sign up for our newsletter for the next chapter.

“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

the Chefs - Owners

C-Y Chia (they/them) and Shane Stanbridge (he/him), the duo behind critically acclaimed pop up S+M Vegan and food consulting and photography co. Storm Now Creative.