Photo of Martin Yan by East West Bank.
Chef Martin Yan has spent nearly five decades teaching people that success is built through curiosity, continuous learning and sharing what you know.
Yan moves with the same energy and enthusiasm that made him a household name. As he demonstrates how to break down a whole chicken in seconds and prepare a colorful, healthy meal, the lesson extends beyond cooking techniques.
“If Yan can cook, so can you,” may be one of television’s most recognizable catchphrases, but for Yan, it has always represented something deeper: the belief that ordinary people can achieve more than they imagine.
Today, that philosophy continues to guide his work as a chef, mentor, author and cultural ambassador.
Ten Thousand Miles of Learning
In the introduction to his cookbook, “Best of Yan Can Cook,” Yan reflects on a Chinese saying: “The knowledge from ten thousand books cannot amount to the journey of ten thousand miles.”
Courtesy of Chef Martin Yan.
The phrase captures a life spent learning—not only from textbooks and professional kitchens, but from people and places encountered along the journey.
Long before he became one of the world’s most recognized culinary personalities, Yan learned some of life’s most important lessons from his mother. He often credits her for teaching him the values of resourcefulness and respect for food.
Growing up in China during a period of scarcity, food was rationed and resources were limited. Those experiences shaped both his appreciation for food and his desire to share knowledge with others.
Photo courtesy of Chef Martin Yan.
“If I ever had the opportunity, I would choose food as my profession.”
— Martin Yan
That decision eventually led him to study food science and nutrition at the University of California, Davis, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees. To support himself, he taught cooking classes through the university extension program, unknowingly laying the foundation for a future television career.
Those early teaching experiences also helped define his purpose.
For Yan, success has never been about perfection.
“Keep being curious and never stop learning,” he advises aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs alike. “Trust yourself and do the best you can.”
A Culinary and Cultural Ambassador
When Yan launched Yan Can Cook in 1978, few could have imagined the impact it would have on global food culture.
At the time, cooking shows were rare. Chinese cuisine remained unfamiliar to many Western audiences. Yet Yan’s approachable style, infectious humor and practical instruction resonated with viewers around the world.
Over the decades, the program expanded into dozens of countries, introducing generations of viewers to Chinese cooking while helping build greater understanding between cultures.
Photo by East West Bank.
“My whole life, I want to share my love and passion for food with as many people as possible.”
— Martin Yan
Today, Yan sees himself not simply as a chef, but as a culinary and cultural ambassador.
Food, he believes, serves as one of the world’s most powerful connectors.
“America is a melting pot,” he said. “People bring their heritage, their culture, their music, their food and their spirit.”
Years of travel shaped those lessons. Conversations with home cooks, street vendors and chefs deepened his belief that food can bridge cultures.
That philosophy mirrors East West Bank’s role as a bridge between East and West, helping people, businesses and communities connect across cultures and opportunities.
A Legacy of Mentorship and Giving Back
Photo courtesy of Chef Martin Yan.
If there is a defining theme throughout Yan’s career, it is the importance of lifting others up.
He credits legendary chef and television pioneer Julia Child as both a mentor and inspiration. Today, he strives to provide that same encouragement to the next generation.
Whether speaking to culinary students, mentoring young chefs or visiting schools, Yan focuses on helping people discover their potential.
Feeding Communities in Times of Need
That philosophy aligns closely with the work of Daisy Li, founder of Moonchef and a longtime friend and collaborator.
Daisy Li and Chef Martin Yan at Moonchef. Photo by East West Bank.
What began as a senior meal program has grown into an operation preparing thousands of meals daily for older adults across the Bay Area. During the pandemic, demand surged, and Moonchef quickly scaled to meet it.
“It happened to be the right place, the right time and the right design,” Li said.
At the height of the crisis, Moonchef produced as many as 7,000 meals daily for vulnerable seniors. At the same time, Yan mobilized more than 100 restaurants nationwide to provide meals for healthcare workers, police officers, firefighters and others serving on the front lines.
Photo courtesy of Moonchef.
Together, those efforts showed that food can do more than feed people. It can create connection and provide care.
Daisy Li at Moonchef. Photo by East West Bank.
“Success is for helping others. It’s rooted in trust, respect and giving back.”
— Daisy Li
Their shared commitment to community service also reflects why they value their relationship with East West Bank.
During the pandemic, Li turned to East West Bank for assistance securing Paycheck Protection Program funding that helped preserve jobs and sustain operations when uncertainty was at its peak.
The partnership has since grown alongside Moonchef’s continued expansion.
If Yan Can, You Can!
For Yan, the connection feels especially fitting.
“My whole life I have been an ambassador for East and West,” he said.
That same spirit continues to guide his work today.
At a stage of life when many would choose to slow down, Yan remains as active as ever: teaching, mentoring, writing and inspiring others to pursue their dreams.
What motivates him is not fame or fortune.
It is the opportunity to help someone discover what is possible.
Whether speaking to young chefs, encouraging students or sharing a simple recipe, Yan continues to teach the same lesson he has carried throughout his career: Success is best when shared.
His life’s work has proven that one person’s willingness to teach can inspire countless others to reach further.
"If Yan Can, You Can!"
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