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Martin Yan

Martin Yan, born on December 22, 1948 is a Chinese born American chef cum host of the popular cook show Yan Can Cook, which is also an award winning show. Born to a grocer mother and restaurateur father, Yan began interested in cooking since the age of 12 and moved to Hong Kong at the age of 13 to attend the Munsang College in the city of Kowloon. While studying in Munsang College, Martin Yan did job at a Chinese restaurant owned by his uncle and it was there that he acquired the culinary skills of cooking Chinese barbecue foods.

 

Professional Life of Martin Yan

Martin Yan earned his diploma from the prestigious Overseas Institute of Cookery of Hong Kong, after which, he moved to Canada for higher studies. Ten years hence, i.e. in 1975, Yan became a Master of Science in Food Science, a degree that was awarded to him by the University of California, Davis. Today, Martin Yan is one of the most respected food consultants, besides being a prolific cookery author and a distinguished cooking instructor.

 

Achievements of Martin Yan

  • The Johnson & Wales University awarded Martin Yan the honorary Doctorate of Culinary In 1998; he received Arts by A Daytime Emmy Award for the best cooking show.
  • He was awarded the James Beard Award twice once in 1994 and another time in 1996, for Best TV Cooking Show and Best TV Food Journalism respectively.
  • He has also bagged The Courvoisier Leadership Award presented by Courvoisier 2008 Picnic Day (UC Davis) Parade Marshall.
  • Martin Yan is also the proud owner of The Antonin Careme Award presented to him by the Chef's Association of the Pacific Coast.

 

Restaurants

The restaurants owned by Martin Yan are –

  • Yan Can Thought – This restaurant is located in California’s Santa Clara.
  • Yan Can Pleasant Hill – This Yan Can restaurant in located in Pleasant Hill, CA.
  • Yan Can Asian Bistro & Bar – This restaurant can be found in San Diego, CA.

 

Popular Media Shows

The certified Master Chef, Martin Yan has played host to more than 3,000 cook shows which have been telecasted worldwide. Some of the most notable shows he has appeared in either as a host or a guest include –
 

  • Yan Can Cook – This is a lavishly illustrated compendium with more than 200 recipes from different cuisines of the world.
  • Martin Yan's Quick and Easy – This cookbook of Martin Yan recipes is all about the various traditional and roadside foods available all across Asia, their unique ingredients and cooking utensils.
  • Martin Yan's Chinatown Cooking – This book comes complete with 200 unique recipes from the various Chinese communities of the world, especially Singapore, Macao and Sydney.
  • Martin Yan's China – A companion book of the PBS series, this guide covers the food, culture and history of China.

 

Cookbooks of Martin Yan Recipes

Books of Martin Yan recipes are mainly based on Chinese cuisine and sometimes, broadly Asian cuisine as well. While there are a number of books written by the author, here are few cookbooks of Martin Yan recipes that deserve a special mention –

  • Martin Yan's Culinary Journey Through China – This book was written by Martin Yan after he made a trip to China for his TV series and thus packs in more than 120 unique recipes, which are followed in the kitchens of local China.
  • Chinese Cooking for Dummies – This is not just book of Martin Yan recipes, but also a book complete with cooking techniques with guidance on how to use both western as well as Asian ingredients, plus USDA poultry label reading guide.
  •  Martin Yan's Feast: The Best of Yan Can Cook – This cookbook offers an array of Martin Yan recipes starting from appetizers to desserts which are simple to follow.