Eng’s in Kingston Honored with 2026 James Beard America’s Classic Award

What is The James Beard America's Classic Award?

In the world of food, winning a James Beard Award is the equivalent of an actor winning an Oscar or a musician winning a Grammy.

Needless to say it's a big deal.

Yesterday, the James Beard Foundation named the winners of their 2026 James Beard America's Classics Award.

The America's Classics award is part of the James Beard Restaurant and Chef's Award. According to their website, the America's Classic Award celebrates " independently owned restaurants with timeless appeal."

The James Beard website adds:

These institutions reflect local character and cultural traditions and serve as an enduring anchor for their communities by serving delicious food across many years.

With that, the James Beard Foundation announced 6 restaurants from across the U.S. that made the list and 1 of the 6 is located right here in the Hudson Valley.

Kingston, New York Restaurant Receives Huge Award

Eng's in Kingston is a recipient of The 2026 James Beard America's Classic Award.

On the James Beard Foundation website, they explain that Eng's was the first Chinese restaurant in Kingston when they opened their doors in 1966.

The Broadway staple was founded in 1927 by Jimmi Eng and his son Paul.

Tom Sit and his wife Faye have been operating Eng's for the last 5 decades and have served up their delicious menu favorites like their "iconic egg rolls" as well as their Singapore chow mei fun and the pu pu platter.

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After the James Beard Foundation announced Eng's as an award winner, Eng's shared their thanks on social media writing "We are absolutely thrilled and humbled to win this year’s James Beard Award for America’s Classics!"

They add that the award is so much more meaningful since its focus is on small local restaurants. Eng's adds:

 to be given this honor as a Chinese American restaurant whose heart is Kingston through and through means this award is as much ours as it is yours. Our food is your food -- it tastes like home, and home is here in Kingston, New York.

You can read their full statement on Instagram. Congratulations to the team at Eng's! A well deserved honor.

Double Take: Did You See Eng's on TV?

If you're a fan of the Apple TV series Severance, you most definitely saw the Kingston eatery on your TV.

Eng's was first seen in the much anticipated season 2 trailer (as were many other Hudson Valley locations):

At one point viewers saw Mark (played by Adam Scott) sitting at a booth at Eng's, but in the show known as ZuFu. That's all we'll give you, no spoilers.

READ MORE: Which Hudson Valley Locations Can You Spot in Severance Trailer?

For the season 2 finale, Eng's teamed up with the Phoenicia Diner (which was also featured in Severance) to provide the food for a finale watch party aka "The Music Dance Experience."