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What Is the Blue Banner™? Understanding the Culinary Honor System Founded by LACCI
- LACCI
- May 13
- 3 min read
Published by: Los Angeles Chinese Culinary Institute (LACCI) | Blue Banner™ Cultural Research Office
In the global culinary scene, Chinese cuisine is rich in tradition, technique, and innovation. Yet, when it comes to systems of recognition, honor, and professional identity—especially those that speak clearly across cultures—Chinese chefs and restaurants have long lacked a unified, chef-centered framework.
That’s why the Blue Banner™ was created.
What is the Blue Banner™?
The Blue Banner™ is a cultural and professional honor system established by the Los Angeles Chinese Culinary Institute (LACCI). It is both a literal flag—a rich, gemstone-blue standard held aloft by our school’s emblematic dragon—and a metaphor for excellence, responsibility, and leadership in Chinese culinary arts.
This flag is not just a logo. It represents a promise: that Chinese culinary professionals can be seen, celebrated, and certified through a system built on their talent, not just their restaurant’s decor or location.
The Blue Banner™ is rooted in LACCI’s belief that great food comes from great people—and those people deserve to carry a flag that reflects their mastery.
A Complete System of Honor, Built Around People
The Blue Banner™ is more than a symbol. It’s a full structure of cultural recognition, talent development, and global visibility for chefs and the restaurants they lead.
🎓 The Flagbearer Pathway
LACCI’s flagship training and certification program for chefs who aspire to lead. Graduates who pass the full program are officially awarded the title of Blue Banner™ Flagbearer—with a certificate, a personalized blue banner, and a public profile.
🏁 The Blue Banner™ Directory
A global recognition platform for restaurants led by certified Flagbearer Chefs. Restaurants must have an active Blue Banner™ Flagbearer on staff to qualify. Awards include:
Blue Banner™ Restaurant
Double Blue Banner™ Restaurant
Triple Blue Banner™ Restaurant
🌐 Additional Modules
Blue Banner™ List: Annual directory of recognized restaurants
Blue Banner™ Selection: Curated products, dishes, or places recommended by Flagbearers
Blue Banner™ Nights / Talks / Market: Events and media platforms for cultural exchange and celebration
What Makes the Blue Banner™ Different?
Where Michelin focuses on restaurants and dining experience, Blue Banner™ starts with the chef. It’s about:
Visibility: Chefs get recognized for their personal excellence
Traceability: Every Flagbearer has a unique ID, QR code, and record of achievement
Cultural Continuity: From kitchen to community, the Blue Banner™ links heritage with innovation
We’re building a system where people—especially Chinese culinary professionals—can be celebrated globally for what they do best.
LACCI × Blue Banner™: Relationship and Vision
LACCI is the origin of the Blue Banner™ system. Our academy designed the certification, curriculum, and standards behind the entire structure.
The Blue Banner™ is how we express LACCI’s culture to the world:
Flagbearers represent our highest values
Blue Banner™s are the physical and symbolic award of excellence
Blue Banner™ Restaurants are the places where that excellence is made visible to the public
It’s not just a brand. It’s LACCI’s cultural identity in action.
A Global Language for Chinese Culinary Identity
When you walk into a restaurant and see the Blue Banner™ hanging, you know something important:
A trained, recognized professional stands behind this kitchen. They’re not just cooking—they’re carrying forward the future of Chinese cuisine.
That’s what the Blue Banner™ means.
It’s more than a flag. It’s a standard.
Learn more: lacci.org/bluebanner
Blue Banner™ is a proprietary brand and honor system created by the Los Angeles Chinese Culinary Institute (LACCI). The name, logo, and related content are trademarked and may not be used without written permission.
