Martin Yan, the renowned celebrity chef and host of the iconic show “Yan Can Cook,” recently shared insights into his illustrious career and unwavering passion for learning. During an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the prestigious Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Yan delved into his culinary journey spanning nearly five decades and the profound influence of his upbringing in China on his cooking style.
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The 76-year-old culinary maestro opened up about how his childhood in China, where he grew up immersed in the food industry due to his parents’ involvement in restaurants and grocery businesses, laid the foundation for his enduring love for food and cooking. Recalling the challenging times in China during his teenage years, Yan expressed his deep-seated connection to food, emphasising his determination to pursue a career in close proximity to culinary delights from a young age.
Yan’s namesake show, “Yan Can Cook,” has captivated audiences for 47 years with his culinary skills and captivating travel anecdotes. Reflecting on his journey, Yan revealed that his passion for cooking has been a driving force, echoing Oprah Winfrey’s sentiment that loving what you do eradicates the concept of work. He underscored his unwavering enthusiasm, zeal for learning, and commitment to culinary exploration that have defined his career.
In a bid to constantly evolve and expand his culinary horizons, Yan highlighted the importance of curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. Through his extensive travels around the globe and collaborations with chefs from diverse culinary backgrounds, he has honed his skills and gleaned inspirations from various cuisines. Yan’s ventures, such as the docuseries “Martin Yan’s Korea Food Alive,” exemplify his dedication to learning and embracing new cooking techniques.
Emphasising the sensory nature of cooking, Yan described how each culinary experience engages all senses, from visual observations of colour changes to auditory cues of sizzling ingredients, culminating in tantalising flavours that excite the palate. He playfully remarked that individuals who love to cook possess an innate allure, crafting a narrative that elevates cooking beyond a mere culinary task.
Despite his extensive career and numerous accolades, including authoring over 30 cookbooks, Yan remains committed to growth and innovation in his culinary endeavours. He underscored the significance of continuous practice and perseverance in honing culinary skills, alluding to his mastery in dismantling a chicken in a mere 18 seconds—a testament to years of dedicated practice and refinement.
Looking ahead, Yan expressed his steadfast resolve to maintain his culinary journey and encourage aspiring chefs and enthusiasts to embrace learning and hard work as essential components of culinary excellence. With a legacy spanning decades and a global impact on the culinary landscape, Martin Yan epitomises the essence of lifelong learning and unwavering passion in the realm of gastronomy.
In conclusion, Martin Yan’s profound reflections on his culinary odyssey serve as an inspiration to aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts worldwide, underscoring the transformative power of dedication, curiosity, and a relentless pursuit of culinary excellence. As he continues to chart new culinary territories and share his expertise with audiences globally, Yan’s enduring commitment to learning and innovation solidifies his status as a culinary icon for generations to come.