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Martin Yan

Martin Yan (born December 22, 1948) is a Chinese-American chef, television personality, cookbook author, and educator renowned for popularizing Chinese cuisine in North America through his energetic cooking demonstrations and the long-running public television series Yan Can Cook.^[1]^[2] Born in Guangzhou, China, to a family involved in the food business—his father a restaurateur and his mother operating a grocery store—Yan developed an early passion for cooking, beginning apprenticeships in Hong Kong at age 13.^[3]^[1] After formal culinary training in Hong Kong, he immigrated to Calgary, Canada, in the early 1970s, where he began demonstrating Chinese cooking techniques on local television, leading to the debut of Yan Can Cook as a segment that evolved into a full PBS series in 1982.^[3]^[2] The show, which has aired over 3,500 episodes and been syndicated internationally, features Yan's signature style of blending humor, knife skills (including deboning a chicken in 18 seconds), and accessible recipes to demystify Asian cooking for home audiences.^[2]^[4] Yan furthered his education in the United States, earning a B.S. in 1973 and an M.S. in 1977 in food science from the University of California, Davis, where he later donated his extensive archive of cookbooks, photographs, videos, and culinary artifacts to the university library in 2022.^[2]^[5] Throughout his career, he has authored more than 35 cookbooks, starting with The Joy of Wokking in 1978, and owned several restaurants, including M.Y. China in San Francisco and the Martin Yan Culinary Arts Center in Shenzhen, China.^[2]^[6] His contributions to culinary education earned him consecutive James Beard Awards, including for Best Television Cooking Show (1994) and Best Television Food Journalism (1996), as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022, and he continues to engage audiences through YouTube livestreams, social media, and global food ambassadorship, emphasizing cuisine as a bridge across cultures.^[3]^[4]^[7]

Early life

Childhood in China

Martin Yan was born in 1948 in Guangzhou, China, to parents deeply embedded in the local food trade—his father managed a successful 60-seat restaurant in the city center, while his mother operated a grocery store just a block away.^[8] This family environment, steeped in culinary traditions, provided Yan with constant immersion in the preparation and commerce of Cantonese dishes from an early age.^[3] Growing up in post-war communist China during a period of economic hardship and food rationing—such as monthly limits of four ounces of oil and two pounds of pork per family—Yan faced frequent scarcity, including famine and drought that left many evenings with empty stomachs.^[8]^[9] These challenges, set against the backdrop of political turmoil, built his resilience and deepened his appreciation for resourceful cooking. Early influences included the comforting aromas wafting from his mother's tiny home kitchen during family meals, as well as the lively calls of street vendors hawking wonton noodles and other daily specials outside their home.^[10]^[8] As a young child around age nine, Yan began assisting in the family kitchen, honing basic skills like prepping ingredients and even crawling on the floor to gather food scraps to prevent waste—a practice born of necessity in their resource-strapped household.^[9]^[8] He also spent time observing the bustling local markets in Guangzhou's fertile Pearl River Delta region, where vendors offered an array of fresh produce, seafood, and spices that exemplified the vibrant, ingredient-driven essence of Cantonese cuisine.^[8] At age 13, Yan moved to Hong Kong to apprentice at his uncle's restaurant, marking the start of his formal culinary training.^[7] These formative experiences, blending home-cooked comforts with the dynamic street food culture, ignited his lifelong passion for food and laid the groundwork for his expertise in regional Chinese flavors.^[10]

Immigration to the United States

Martin Yan immigrated to North America in 1969 at the age of 21, first arriving in Calgary, Canada, on a path toward educational opportunities abroad.^[11] Motivated by the promise of greater prospects in the West and his longstanding interest in culinary arts nurtured in his family's restaurant during childhood in China, he sought to build a career in food.^[7] However, the severe winter in Alberta, the coldest in two decades, proved too challenging, leading him to relocate south to the United States within months.^[11]^[7] Entering the U.S. as an international student, Yan initially settled in Davis, California, where he confronted substantial hurdles as a young immigrant, including limited English proficiency and the need to adapt to a new cultural landscape far from his Hong Kong roots.^[12] These early experiences in California, amid the state's vibrant Chinese immigrant communities, laid the groundwork for his integration and eventual enrollment at the University of California, Davis.^[12]

Education and training

Culinary training in Hong Kong

Martin Yan began his professional culinary journey at age 13, when, following his father's death at age five and amid family hardships, he relocated to Hong Kong at his mother's urging and started an apprenticeship at his distant uncle's restaurant.^[2] There, he lived on-site with the staff, enduring long hours that initially involved basic chores such as sweeping floors, mopping, stacking chairs, and preparing his sleeping area in the dining room, in exchange for meals and shelter.^[13] Amid the social unrest of 1960s Hong Kong, including riots and droughts under British colonial rule, this immersion built his resilience while introducing him to the demanding rhythm of restaurant operations and foundational Cantonese culinary practices.^[2] Building on this groundwork, Yan pursued formal education at the Overseas Institute of Cookery in Hong Kong, a vocational program focused on professional chef training.^[14] He completed the program and earned a diploma in 1967, which certified his proficiency in structured culinary arts and equipped him with essential knowledge for a career in high-end Chinese cooking.^[15] This certification marked a pivotal step, transitioning him from informal apprenticeship to recognized expertise in Cantonese and regional techniques. Throughout his apprenticeship and institute training, Yan accumulated hands-on experience in Hong Kong's fast-paced, high-volume kitchens, where he honed critical skills central to Chinese cuisine.^[14] He mastered precise knife techniques, such as deboning a whole chicken in under 20 seconds, which became a hallmark of his demonstrations.^[2] Additionally, he developed proficiency in wok cooking for stir-fries and the preparation of dim sum staples like dumplings, emphasizing speed, balance of flavors, and efficient use of fresh ingredients in demanding environments.^[4]

Studies at UC Davis

Martin Yan enrolled at the University of California, Davis, to pursue formal education in food science, building on his practical culinary experience from Hong Kong. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in food science in 1973 and a Master of Science degree in the same discipline in 1977.^[12]^[16] His academic work at UC Davis emphasized the scientific principles underlying food production and consumption, including nutrition and food technology, which provided a rigorous foundation for understanding how ingredients and techniques could be optimized for broader applications.^[17]^[2] A key component of Yan's master's studies involved research on rice, a staple in Asian cuisine, exploring its properties through a food science lens to enhance processing and nutritional value.^[18] This focus aligned with his interest in bridging traditional Asian ingredients with modern technological advancements, laying groundwork for adapting culinary practices to diverse cultural contexts. While at UC Davis, Yan's coursework delved into the biochemical and technological aspects of food systems, equipping him with analytical tools to innovate in areas like ingredient preservation and dietary health benefits.^[2] To support his education financially and hone his communication skills, Yan took on extracurricular roles teaching Chinese cooking classes through the university's extension program, replacing an earlier low-wage dishwasher position.^[19]^[7] These sessions not only helped fund his studies but also allowed him to build a network among students and faculty, fostering early connections in the culinary and academic communities. Through this hands-on teaching, Yan began integrating his food science knowledge with practical demonstrations of Asian techniques, enhancing his ability to demystify complex recipes for novice audiences.^[20]

Professional career

Early culinary roles

After earning his master's degree in food science from the University of California, Davis in 1977, Martin Yan initially worked low-paying jobs as a chef in Bay Area restaurants, applying his culinary training from Hong Kong to prepare traditional Chinese dishes.^[7] These roles, often at minimum wage in establishments like the sole Chinese restaurant in Davis, provided practical experience but limited financial stability, prompting a shift toward education.^[2] Yan transitioned to teaching Chinese cooking through the UC Davis Extension program, where he had already offered classes during his graduate studies to support himself.^[2] His courses quickly gained popularity, with an early class attracting 43 students after a simple newspaper advertisement, earning him $18 per hour—significantly more than restaurant work.^[2] He expanded his instruction to other Bay Area venues, including guest roles at culinary institutions like the California Culinary Academy, focusing on demystifying Chinese techniques for non-expert learners.^[19] Central to Yan's emerging teaching style was making Chinese cuisine approachable for American audiences, emphasizing quick, simple recipes using everyday ingredients and tools like the wok for efficient stir-frying and steaming.^[7] His energetic demonstrations built student confidence, often incorporating humor and interactive elements to convey the joy of cooking, a persona honed from his food science background at UC Davis.^[2] In 1978, Yan consulted on menu development and operations for a friend's new Chinese restaurant in Calgary, Canada, where he prepared dishes such as beef with broccoli and egg foo young.^[7] This experience included an impromptu local TV demonstration that led to further media opportunities, marking his initial foray into on-camera culinary presentations in the late 1970s.^[2]

Restaurant ventures

In the early 2000s, Martin Yan expanded into restaurant ownership by launching the Yan Can chain in the Bay Area, with locations offering a variety of Asian dishes from multiple cuisines, including dim sum, stir-fries, Thai curry, and Korean barbecue.^[21] One notable outlet, Yan Can Asian Bistro in Santa Clara, operated from 2002 until its closure in 2017, serving as a casual dining spot that brought Yan's approachable style to everyday diners.^[22] Yan ventured further with the 2012 opening of M.Y. China in San Francisco's Westfield Centre, a collaboration with Koi Palace owners that introduced modern Chinese fusion cuisine drawing from 16 regional traditions, including hand-pulled noodles and interactive dim sum preparations.^[23] The restaurant innovated with theatrical elements like live noodle-pulling demonstrations and a menu blending classic flavors with contemporary twists, such as tea-smoked duck and Sichuan-style seafood.^[24] Despite its popularity, M.Y. China permanently closed in November 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on hospitality.^[25] In March 2023, Yan debuted M.Y. Asia, his first Las Vegas property, at the rebranded Horseshoe Las Vegas, where an open kitchen showcased interactive wok cooking experiences that echoed his television demonstrations; the 150-seat venue featured a diverse menu of pan-Asian dishes, including wok-tossed specialties and dim sum, but closed permanently in August 2023.^[26]^[27] In 2023, Yan announced plans for a new restaurant in San Francisco's Chinatown, partnering again with Koi Palace to potentially revive the M.Y. China concept with a simplified, seasonal menu highlighting local ingredients like Dungeness crab and authentic Southern Chinese fare.^[28]^[29] Aimed at revitalizing the neighborhood, site selection was ongoing as of late 2023; as of November 2025, the project has not resulted in an opening.

Media presence

Television career

Martin Yan's television career began in 1978 when he launched the cooking series Yan Can Cook on CFAC-TV in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, initially as a daily syndicated program that produced 250 episodes over four years.^[3] The show quickly gained popularity for its focus on Chinese cuisine and Yan's engaging demonstrations, leading to its expansion to public television in the United States on PBS stations starting in 1982.^[30] This marked Yan Can Cook as a pioneering series, becoming the first major cooking show hosted by an Asian American on U.S. television and introducing audiences to authentic Chinese recipes through accessible, step-by-step tutorials.^[6] By drawing from his early teaching roles in college extension programs, where he honed his instructional approach, Yan transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, emphasizing practical techniques for home cooks.^[7] The series has endured for over 40 years, amassing more than 3,500 episodes across various iterations, including Yan Can Cook: So Can You!, Yan Can Cook: Spice Kingdom, and Taste of Malaysia.^[7] Yan's hosting style is characterized by high energy, rapid-fire knife skills—often showcased with his signature cleaver—and vivid storytelling that weaves in cultural context from his Chinese heritage, making complex dishes approachable and entertaining.^[3] These elements, combined with his humor and passion, transformed Yan Can Cook into a cultural touchstone, educating viewers on stir-frying, dim sum preparation, and regional Chinese flavors while breaking down barriers to Asian cooking in Western kitchens.^[30] Yan Can Cook expanded beyond PBS to include guest appearances and specials on networks like Food Network, where Yan demonstrated recipes on shows such as Cooking Live.^[31] The program also aired internationally across Asia and Europe, reaching audiences in over 50 countries and solidifying Yan's role as a global culinary ambassador.^[7] With over 3,500 episodes produced as of 2025, the show's enduring impact is evident in Yan's continued production of new content exploring diverse Asian cuisines.^[32]

Films and other media

Martin Yan made his most notable foray into feature films with the leading role in Rice Rhapsody (2004), a Singaporean-Hong Kong comedy-drama directed by Kenneth Bi, where he portrayed Kim Chui, a rival duck rice restaurateur and romantic interest to the protagonist, blending culinary competition with themes of cultural identity and acceptance.^[33] The film, also known as Hainan ji fan, blends culinary demonstrations with themes of cultural identity and acceptance, showcasing Yan's on-screen charisma as he performs cooking scenes that highlight traditional Asian recipes.^[34] Earlier, Yan appeared in smaller roles, such as Sherman Hu in the Canadian family drama Improper Channels (1981), marking his initial cinematic outing. Beyond scripted films, Yan has contributed to documentaries and travel-focused media exploring Asian cuisine and culture. In the series Martin Yan's Chinatowns (2008–2010), he served as host and narrator, traveling to Chinatowns worldwide to document their history, markets, and foods through immersive segments like preparing meals at historic eateries in San Francisco.^[35] He has made guest appearances in culinary documentaries, such as episodes of The Joy of Cooking specials on public television, where he demonstrated wok techniques in contexts tied to Asian heritage.^[30] Additionally, Yan provided voice work for an episode of the animated series Space Ghost Coast to Coast (1996), appearing as himself in a humorous interview format that intersected food and pop culture.^[36] In recent years, Yan has expanded his media presence into digital platforms, leveraging his television fame to reach broader audiences through online content. He maintains an active YouTube channel, Yan Can Cook | Chef Martin Yan, with over 13,500 subscribers and videos featuring cooking tutorials, such as dim sum preparations and holiday recipes, including a New Year's message posted in late 2024.^[37] On Instagram (@chefmartinyan), with 65,000 followers, Yan shares short-form tutorials and behind-the-scenes clips, like garlic-focused recipes and virtual cooking classes, emphasizing accessible Asian dishes.^[38] In 2025, Yan participated in the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen (June 20–22), debuting as a presenter with a seminar on noodle cooking techniques, drawing crowds with live demonstrations of dishes like dan dan noodles.^[39] In 2025, Yan conducted an Asia Culinary Tour, promoting it via social media with highlights of regional explorations.^[40]

Cookbooks and writings

Major publications

Martin Yan has authored over 37 cookbooks since the late 1970s, establishing himself as a prolific writer on Chinese and Asian cuisine.^[41] His debut work, The Joy of Wokking: A Chinese Cookbook (1978, self-published; revised edition 1982), was initially self-published with financial support from friends at the University of California, Davis, where it quickly sold out and introduced home cooks to wok-based techniques through over 175 recipes from various Chinese regions and Southeast Asia.^[2]^[42]^[43] Key publications include Martin Yan's China (2008), which features 100 authentic recipes accompanied by cultural insights and photographs from his travels across China's diverse provinces, and Martin Yan's Asian Favorites: From Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand (2003), blending influences from these areas with accessible adaptations for Western kitchens.^[44]^[45] These books consistently emphasize wok techniques, regional Chinese recipes adapted for home cooks, step-by-step instructions, and cultural notes to enhance understanding of ingredients and methods.^[46]^[47] Notable among them is the award-winning Martin Yan's Feast: The Best of Yan Can Cook (1993), a compilation of 350 recipes from his television series that highlights stir-fries, soups, and desserts with practical guidance for everyday preparation.^[19]^[48] In 2024, Yan released Best of Yan Can Cook, a compilation of over 110 favorite recipes from his television series. In 2025, he published his 36th and 37th cookbooks, further exploring Asian culinary traditions.^[49]^[41] Many of Yan's cookbooks draw inspiration from recipes demonstrated on his PBS shows, adapting them into printed formats for broader accessibility.^[50]

Contributions to culinary literature

Martin Yan's writings have played a pivotal role in demystifying Chinese cuisine for Western audiences by emphasizing accessible techniques, such as stir-frying and one-dish meals, that can be replicated in standard home kitchens without specialized equipment.^[4] His approach often includes practical ingredient substitutions—replacing hard-to-find Asian staples with readily available Western alternatives—and adaptations that incorporate health-conscious modifications, like reducing oil usage while preserving authentic flavors, thereby broadening the appeal of Chinese cooking to novice home cooks.^[51] Through these methods, Yan has influenced the dissemination of Chinese culinary traditions, encouraging a global audience to explore and adapt them confidently.^[4] Over the course of his career, Yan's writing style has evolved from foundational guides focused on essential wok-based cooking skills in his early works to more expansive explorations of Chinese regional cultures and personal narratives in his later publications.^[10] This progression reflects a deepening emphasis on cultural context, integrating stories of regional diversity and historical influences alongside recipes to foster a holistic understanding of Asian gastronomy.^[10] By 2025, his contributions continued this trajectory, with self-published volumes that compile decades of insights into Asian kitchen practices.^[41] In addition to his authored works, Yan has collaborated with major publishers like Doubleday and Simon & Schuster to produce over 30 cookbooks that prioritize educational value, making complex culinary concepts approachable for international readers.^[19] A significant gesture toward preserving culinary literature came in 2022, when Yan and his wife donated nearly 3,000 volumes from his personal collection—including 30 of his own books—to the UC Davis Library, establishing the Chef Martin Yan Legacy Archive to support ongoing research and education in Asian food history.^[9] This donation, accompanied by photographs, videos, and artifacts, underscores his commitment to ensuring the accessibility of culinary knowledge for future generations of scholars and enthusiasts.^[9]

Awards and recognition

Culinary awards

Martin Yan has been recognized as a certified Master Chef by the American Culinary Federation, a prestigious designation that acknowledges his exceptional expertise in culinary arts and contributions to the profession.^[19]^[52] This certification highlights his mastery in Chinese cuisine and his role as an influential figure in elevating global culinary standards through innovative techniques and authentic flavors. In 2022, Yan received the James Beard Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his decades-long impact on the culinary world as a chef, educator, and promoter of diverse cuisines.^[7] He dedicated the award to the millions of hardworking culinary professionals worldwide, emphasizing their vital role in sustaining the industry amid challenges. This recognition underscores Yan's pioneering efforts in restaurant ventures, such as M.Y. China and Yan Can Bistro in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he blended traditional Chinese methods with modern interpretations. Yan has also been appointed as a culinary ambassador for the cities of Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen in China, roles that celebrate his work in promoting regional Chinese gastronomy on an international stage.^[53] These honors reflect his commitment to cultural exchange through food, fostering appreciation for authentic ingredients and cooking practices from these culinary hubs. In 2025, Yan was awarded the Humanitarian Award by the Northern California Public Media Food & Wine Awards for his lifelong dedication to promoting Chinese cuisine and inspiring global audiences to embrace diverse culinary traditions.^[54] This accolade recognizes his broader influence in making cooking accessible and enjoyable, bridging cultural divides through shared meals and educational outreach. In 2025, Yan was named Chef of Honour at the World Top Gourmet Awards, recognizing his status as an international renowned celebrity chef.^[55]

Media honors

Martin Yan's television work has earned him significant recognition in the media landscape, particularly for his innovative approach to presenting Asian cuisine on public broadcasting. His series Yan Can Cook, which debuted in 1978 and became a staple on PBS, is credited with pioneering the genre of Asian food programming on American television, introducing viewers to Chinese cooking techniques and ingredients with engaging demonstrations.^[19] In 1994, Yan received the James Beard Award for Best TV Cooking Show, honoring his ability to blend education and entertainment in culinary television. This was followed by a 1996 James Beard Award for Best TV Food Journalism, recognizing his insightful reporting on global food cultures through on-air segments. He was nominated for the James Beard Foundation's Best National Television Cooking Show in 2004, reflecting the enduring popularity of his PBS productions. Additionally, in 2022, Yan was awarded the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his half-century of contributions to culinary media and his role in popularizing Asian flavors in mainstream American viewing.^[19]^[56]^[7] Yan also secured a Daytime Emmy Award in 1998 for Outstanding Achievement in Single Camera Photography for Yan Can Cook, a win that underscored the production quality of his long-running series amid several nominations over the years for excellence in daytime programming. His international broadcasts garnered further acclaim, including a Telly Award in 2004 for the series Martin Yan's Chinatowns, which explored Asian diaspora communities worldwide. These honors collectively affirm Yan's status as a trailblazer in multicultural food television.^[19]^[57]

Personal life and philanthropy

Family and personal interests

Martin Yan has been married to Susan Yoshimura Yan since December 6, 1980; the couple met while attending the University of California, Davis, and have collaborated as business partners in his culinary endeavors for over four decades.^[14]^[2] They have twin sons, Devin and Colin, born in 1992, who graduated from the University of California, Irvine, and the University of California, Davis, respectively; the sons have occasionally assisted in family projects, including collaborating with their father on a youth nutrition cookbook promoting healthy Chinese cooking.^[2]^[9]^[58] Beyond his professional life, Yan pursues travel as a key interest for gathering culinary inspiration, emphasizing how journeys allow him to engage all senses—sight, touch, sound, and taste—to deepen his understanding of global flavors and techniques.^[59] He maintains his fitness by adhering to principles of balanced Chinese cooking, such as consuming clear soups like chicken or fish broth before meals to promote satiety and health; this approach has helped him avoid weight gain for over three decades while attributing the nutrient-rich, vegetable-focused aspects of Chinese cuisine to his overall longevity.^[60] Additionally, Yan enjoys collecting kitchen tools, particularly favoring the versatile Chinese cleaver (cai dao) for its multifunctional utility in chopping, slicing, and other tasks, which he considers an essential extension of his culinary expertise.^[61] At age 76 in 2025, Yan reflects on his enduring career by highlighting the importance of work-life balance, crediting his family's unwavering support—including his wife's partnership and his sons' involvement in home cooking—as vital to sustaining his energy and passion without burnout.^[60]^[2] His immigration to Canada in the early 1970s and subsequent relocation to the United States for studies at the University of California, Davis, shaped his family life, fostering a resilient household dynamic centered on shared cultural traditions.^[2]

Charitable activities

Martin Yan has actively engaged in philanthropy, particularly leveraging his culinary expertise to address food access and community needs. In 2020, he co-led the "We Wok Together" initiative through the Chinese Restaurant Foundation, partnering with chefs Lawrence Chu Sr. and Tony Hu to mobilize Chinese restaurants across the United States in delivering meals to frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign rallied dozens of restaurateurs to prepare and distribute nourishing Chinese dishes, ultimately serving over 500,000 meals and providing essential support to healthcare professionals, first responders, and other essential personnel at a time of widespread hardship.^[62]^[63] Throughout his career, Yan has organized and participated in fundraising efforts centered on cooking demonstrations and events to benefit various causes. An early example occurred in 1977, when his connections at the University of California, Davis—his alma mater—raised nearly $24,000 through community donations to help publish his debut cookbook, The Joy of Wokking: A Chinese Cookbook, demonstrating how his passion for teaching Asian cooking fostered collaborative support networks. He has since extended this approach to broader charitable endeavors, hosting live cooking sessions and auctions to generate funds for education and hunger relief programs.^[9] As of 2025, Yan continues to champion culinary education and Asian American community initiatives. Serving as Chef Ambassador for the Moonstar Charitable Organization's Cooking with Heart program, he contributes accessible recipes featuring affordable ingredients like chicken, pork, and vegetables, enabling high-volume meal preparation for financially struggling families while promoting Chinese and Asian culinary traditions. In partnership with At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy, he offers annual online scholarships in culinary arts, pastry, and food management, providing 14-week e-learning courses, certifications recognized by the World Association of Chefs' Societies, and potential employment opportunities at his restaurants to aspiring young chefs worldwide. Additionally, Yan supports Asian American advocacy through ongoing donations to the 1990 Institute, including contributions to its galas and auctions that advance U.S.-China relations and community empowerment. His television platform amplifies these efforts, inspiring broader participation in philanthropy. In 2025, Yan received the Humanitarian Award at the Food & Wine Awards for his contributions to culinary education and philanthropy.^[64]^[65]^[66]^[67]

References

[1]
Master Chef - UC Davis
Apr 15, 2022 · Famed chef Martin Yan '73, M.S. '77, brings his archive of cookbooks, photographs and more to UC Davis.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
[2]
Martin Yan : Awards | Carnegie Corporation of New York
Born in Guangzhou, China in 1948, Martin Yan received his culinary training in Hong Kong before being tapped to demonstrate Chinese cooking on a Canadian ...
[3]
Four Decades on, Martin Yan Faces a New Audience and a New ...
Jun 21, 2021 · In 1982, at age 33, Mr. Yan became one of the first people of Asian descent to host a cooking show in the United States. “Yan Can Cook,” on ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[4]
Chef Martin Yan and Wife Donate Archive to UC Davis
Jan 24, 2022 · Martin Yan '73, MS '77, and his wife, Susan '75, recently made a gift to the UC Davis Library Archives and Special Collections to create the Chef Martin Yan ...
[5]
Chef Martin Yan Can Cook (Understatement) - US Foods
Working his way through apprenticeships from age 13, he rose to fame as a master chef and educator. Yan has rolled with—and mastered—every punch the industry ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
[6]
Build A Food Brand That Reaches Millions: If Chef Yan Can Do It, So ...
Nov 23, 2021 · Martin Yan: To make a long story short: before I was born, my father actually ran a small, very successful 60-seat restaurant in the heart ...Missing: childhood background
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My Story - Yan Can Cook
Martin Yan, chef extraordinaire and popular television host recognized from Shanghai to San Francisco. Promoting Chinese cuisine, making it easy for the cook ...
[8]
Chef Martin Yan creates legacy archive at UC Davis Library
Jan 24, 2022 · Growing up during the most turbulent years of modern Chinese history, Yan's childhood memories include famine, drought, going to bed hungry ...Missing: influences | Show results with:influences
[9]
Martin Yan shares stories of China through food - The Today Show
Aug 8, 2008 · The China where I spent my early years was a very different place than it is today. Growing up in Guangzhou, I was labeled a “city boy” simply ...Missing: background influences
[10]
Yan can-do - Chicago Tribune
Apr 23, 2008 · Yan came to North America in 1969 when he was 21, stopping first in Calgary, Canada. But it was the coldest winter in 20 years, and after a few ...
[11]
2022 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Martin Yan
May 24, 2022 · Growing up during the Great Chinese Famine in the late 50s and early 60s, Yan's earliest memories of food include rationing and scarcity. ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
[12]
Alum Martin Yan Shares Cooking Tips, Diverse Flavors - UC Davis
Jan 30, 2024 · When Martin Yan arrived in Davis as an international student in 1969, the minimum wage in California was just $1.65, but he discovered ...Missing: States | Show results with:States
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Chef Martin Yan: Bringing the Joy of Chinese Cooking to the World
May 24, 2018 · Inspired by his mother, Chef Yan began his cooking career at an early age as an apprentice in a Hong Kong restaurant. Later moved overseas, ...
[14]
Yan, Martin 1948- | Encyclopedia.com
Born December 22, 1948, in Guangzhou, Canton, China; son of Tat Ming (a restaurateur) and Xi Mei (an owner and operator of a grocery store; maiden name, Lin) ...
[15]
Martin Yan of "Yan Can Cook" to prepare community dinner at Bates
Apr 17, 2001 · He moved to Hong Kong when he was 13 years old and earned a diploma from the Overseas Institute of Cookery in 1967 before relocating to Canada.
[16]
Chef Martin Yan and wife donate archive to UC Davis
Jan 24, 2022 · Martin Yan earned a bachelor's degree in 1973 and a master's degree in 1977, both in food science. Susan Yoshimura of Yuba City, California ...
[17]
Martin Yan: On Food and Wellbeing | CIIS
In this episode, Dr. Meg Jordan joins Chef Yan for a conversation and cooking demonstration exploring Traditional Chinese Medicine, food, and wellbeing.
[18]
50 Features of Special Collections: Chinese Cookery in the U.S.
Jan 13, 2017 · ... Martin Yan of Yan Can Cook fame, graduated from Davis in 1977 with a master's in food science (his thesis was about rice). Hertzmann donated ...
[19]
Biography of Martin Yan | Explore Recipes, Shows & More | PBS Food
Martin Yan enjoys distinction as a certified Master Chef, a highly respected food consultant, a professional instructor and a prolific author.
[20]
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[21]
TV chef Yan opens first Yan Can restaurant - Berkeley Daily Planet
Jun 27, 2002 · Yan's first fast, casual restaurant opened this week, offering ... “I decided maybe it's time to open a restaurant so I can serve the ...
[22]
Martin Yan closing Yan Can Bistro in Santa Clara - The Mercury News
Oct 11, 2017 · No final date has been set yet, but a Chinese restaurant replacement has been lined up, a manager confirmed Wednesday. The renowned Yan of “Yan ...<|separator|>
[23]
Martin Yan's M.Y. China Will Open On December 3 | Eater SF
Nov 16, 2012 · The 16 regional cuisines of China will be divvied up in a menu of three sections: hand-pulled noodles (lo-mein, “hand-cut Daochow style stir- ...
[24]
Noodle work to be a show at Martin Yan's new spot - SFGATE
Sep 8, 2012 · TV chef and cookbook author Martin Yan is bringing to his restaurant, MY China, slated to open in late October under the dome at Westfield San Francisco Centre.
[25]
M.Y. China, co-owned by celebrity chef Martin Yan, permanently ...
Nov 23, 2020 · M.Y. China, co-owned by celebrity chef Martin Yan and Koi Palace, has permanently closed after nearly 10 years at Westfield San Francisco ...
[26]
Cooking Show Star Martin Yan Opens M.Y. Asia on the Las Vegas ...
Feb 22, 2023 · Set to open on March 13 at the newly rebranded Horseshoe Las Vegas, Yan's restaurant will reflect his decades-long career and his extensive travels.
[27]
Celebrity chef Martin Yan opens his first Las Vegas restaurant
Apr 7, 2023 · MY Asia opened in mid-March at Horseshoe Las Vegas, with the James Beard Foundation 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award winner introducing his cuisine.
[28]
Celebrity chef Martin Yan plans to revive M.Y. China in SF - SFGATE
Aug 17, 2023 · Namesake co-owner and celebrity chef Martin Yan told SFGATE that he and his partners at Koi Palace, a mini-chain of restaurants, hope to revive MY China in ...
[29]
Chef Martin Yan Is Eyeing a New Restaurant Project in San ...
Aug 18, 2023 · Celebrity chef Martin Yan hopes to reopen a restaurant in San Francisco and has his eye on a historic building in Chinatown, SFGATE reports.
[30]
Yan Can Cook - PBS
After receiving his formal restaurant training in Hong Kong, Chef Martin Yan immigrated to Calgary, Canada where he was asked to appear in a daytime news ...
[31]
Comfort Food; Guest: Martin Yan | Cooking Live
Comfort Food; Guest: Martin Yan. Today, Velvert Corn Soup; Steamed Egg Custard; Mixed Vegetable Stir-Fry; Chicken and Seafood Trio in a Basket. See Tune- ...
[32]
Building an Archive: 3500 Episodes with Chef Martin Yan | Esculent
Jun 11, 2025 · Building an Archive: 3500 Episodes with Chef Martin Yan ... Thousands of television episodes leave a mark – not only on digital archives of our ...
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Rice Rhapsody - Rotten Tomatoes
Rating 67% (24) I love this film from Singapore, especially because Sylvia Chang is in it. A woman has to deal with the fact that her first two sons are gay. She fears that the ...
[35]
Martin Yan's Chinatowns - Prime Video
Rating 8.6/10 (11) Martin tours the Chinatown Markets in San Francisco. Then he enjoys a meal at the Pearl City Restaurant owned by his friends Mr. And Mrs. Kin-Fai Chan. This ...
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For four plus decades, Martin Yan and Yan Can Cook have been synonymous with Chinese cooking throughout North America and beyond. On this channel we ...
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https://www.instagram.com/chefmartinyan/
[39]
Live From Aspen: The 2025 Food & Wine Classic
Jun 24, 2025 · Join us as we celebrate the 42nd Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, with over 40 cooking demonstrations, food and beverage seminars, ...
[40]
https://www.instagram.com/martinyanasiatour2025/
[41]
Martin Yan Shares His Astonishing 36th and 37th Cookbooks With Us
May 18, 2025 · Martin Yan's 36th cookbook. I had the pleasure of interviewing Martin Yan again for my GOOD TASTE column at 48 Hills this week.
[42]
The Joy of Wokking: Yan, Martin: 9780385183420 - Amazon.com
Over 175 recipes from different regions of China and other southeast Asian countries. B & W line drawings throughout.
[43]
Martin Yan's China - Amazon.com
A comprehensive cookbook featuring 100 authentic Chinese recipes, accompanied by cultural insights and photographs, designed to make traditional Chinese ...
[44]
Martin Yan's Asian Favorites: From Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand
Join certified Chinese Master Chef Martin Yan as he revisits Asia on an insider's tour of three memorable and inspiring cuisines.
[45]
https://www.amazon.com/Martin-Yans-Asian-Favorites-Thailand/dp/1580083706
[46]
Martin Yan's China - Goodreads
Rating 4.2 (39) Apr 1, 2008 · As the companion volume to the PBS series, Martin Yan's China brings the ancient country's beauty to the table with gorgeous dishes, ...
[47]
Martin Yan's Feast : The Best of Yan Can Cook - Amazon.com
Spotlighting the best dishes to be featured on the Asian chef's long-running PBS series, this illustrated cookbook presents 350 delicious recipes for such ...
[48]
https://www.amazon.com/Martin-Yans-Feast-Best-Cook/dp/0912333316
[49]
Martin Yan Is Chinese Cooking's Greatest Evangelist - The Takeout
Jul 23, 2018 · Then known as Yan Man-Tat, Yan grew up in a village outside Guangzhou in Southern China. His father died when he was five, leaving Martin to ...
[50]
The 2022 Lifetime Achievement Winner and Humanitarian of the ...
Mar 9, 2022 · TV cooking show host, cookbook author, and master chef Martin Yan has been named the winner of the 2022 James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award.Missing: Feast nominee
[51]
AMERICAN PISTACHIO GROWERS TAPS CHEF MARTIN YAN AS ...
Feb 19, 2023 · He has been named culinary ambassador for the cities of Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, China. For his efforts, Chef Yan has been awarded ...
[52]
2025 Food & Wine Awards - Northern California Public Media
Hog Island aims to keep up the tradition. HUMANITARIAN AWARD. Chef Martin Yan. Chef Martin Yan, celebrated for his pioneering television show Yan Can Cook ...
[53]
Martin Yan - James Beard Foundation
Awards. Nominee, Television Food Segment, National or Local 2006. Winner, Who's Who of Food & Beverage in America 2001. Winner, Best T.V. Food Journalism ...
[54]
Martin Yan - 美中餐饮业联合会
Born in Guangzhou, China, from a restaurant and grocery family, Chef Yan acquired a passion for cooking at an early age as a young apprentice in a popular ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
[55]
[PDF] 營養美食青少年及家長飲食烹調手冊 - SF.gov
to team up with Martin Yan's twin sons, Colin and. Devin, to start ... Colin & Devin Yan are the sons of celebrity chef Martin Yan. With an inside ...
[56]
Martin Yan Reflects on His Career, Desire to 'Never Stop Learning ...
Jun 21, 2025 · ... Yan Can Cook and shared how his childhood in China sparked a lifelong culinary passion; Yan also detailed how curiosity keeps his cooking ...
[57]
Legendary chef finds Chinese food aids longevity in his career, life
Oct 21, 2022 · Martin Yan, a TV personality and cookbook author, films a live cooking segment for an ABC television affiliate on January 23, 2012. UC Davis ...Missing: studies focus adaptation
[58]
Celebrity chef Martin Yan shares his favorite kitchen tool
May 14, 2021 · The Chinese chef's knife (also known as a Chinese cleaver or a cai dao) has a shorter and much wider blade, which allows you to do more than just chop or dice.Missing: hobbies travel
[59]
We Wok Together - PR Newswire
Apr 11, 2020 · Leading the "We Wok Together" initiative are Master Chefs: Martin Yan, Lawrence Chu, Sr. and Tony Hu. Dozens of Chinese restaurateurs signed up ...
[60]
Chef Program - Moonstar Charitable Organization
It is our honor to have world-renowned Chef Martin Yan to be our Chef Ambassador for the Cooking with Heart program. ... To find out our upcoming activities ...Missing: philanthropy | Show results with:philanthropy
[61]
Martin Yan's Scholarship Program with At-Sunrice GlobalChef ...
Aug 14, 2024 · Chef Martin Yan and At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy are pleased to offer certificate and higher certificate scholarships each year for an online culinary program.Missing: Asian | Show results with:Asian
[62]
1990 Institute Newsletter
Mar 25, 2022 · CONGRATULATIONS TO MARTIN YAN – Martin Yan is a master chef, pioneering cooking show host, prolific cookbook author, food and culture ambassador ...