San Francisco Chinatown with Martin Yan | 100 Days: Drinks, Dishes, & Destinations | KQED

San Francisco’s Chinatown is home to barbeque pork, steamed bao, dragon beard candy, and enough dim sum to fill the table. There’s no one better than local celebrity chef Martin Yan to show Leslie Sbrocco around and discover hidden gems tucked in these busy streets. These two are quite the duo singing and laughing their way through the labyrinth of shops and eateries. But she couldn’t leave the enclave without a lesson in tea and a visit to famed Chef George Chen’s elegant Shanghai Retreat.

Episode 102: Chinatown, San Francisco, California

About The Series:
Pack your bags and join Leslie Sbrocco, beloved host of Check Please! for 100 days of cultural and culinary adventures around the globe.

[DeadBarbieDoll]

I got to cook with Martin Yan when I was in elementary. We made beef and broccoli. He gifted me a Wok and Cookbook. My mom still has both things till this day. This man is a legend, especially in the Bay Area.

[thegeelifestyle]

Martin Yan. I remember watching him on TV as a young boy. It felt like he was a family friend or uncle that was on TV. Today I love seeing him on TV. He is the original celebrity chef.

[Life-ootr]

I just love how open Leslie is to trying new things! Also appreciate being honest about what she likes and doesn’t like without disrespecting the food and culture. What a great host!

[sapgeek]

Martin Yan is a legend with boundless energy.

[opwave]

I met Martin when I was a freshman at UCD. He was just hanging around and was very nice to all of us who stopped by to say hello. But the coolest part was when he demonstrated how to carve a swan out of an apple.

[CarlosRodriguez-ddsb]

Martin Yan was not only hugely influential to our good culture in the USA, but he is also a phenomenal human being.

I was lucky to meet him years ago and found him funny, gracious, and thoughtful.

[VenomStryker]

Crazy that the candy guy's great great grandfather made dragons beard candy for the emperor. I would love to visit Chinatown some day, but even more epic would be to see it with Martin Yan. I used to love watching Yan Can Cook back in the day and he still has that same energy and love of sharing his culture that I remember.

[Remybrook]

I'm hungry after seeing this!! Thanks!

[keanelimusic]

I’ve lived in SF for 17 years and even I learned a lot. Great piece!

[colinmcneil]

Im a smiple man i see Martin Yan i click and watch the video

[Boxerdogg]

Thanks for the memories! My brothers and I use to watch Martin Yan when we were kids on PBS.

[flipgalrn]

Loved watching this brought back many memories of going to Chinatown on dates with my boyfriend now husband, unfortunately many of the restaurants featured in this video have since closed down.

[BeauLeafulLife]

Does Martin have any restaurants we may visit? I remember watching Yan Can Cook as a kid growing up in the Midwest and it was awesome to see him on TV at an era where there were no Asians on television. I remember he had a woman assistant on the cooking show too, who wore a traditional Chinese dress.

[GWBarker]

Martin Yan has not changed. I haven't seen him in a LONG time. I am glad I came across this channel. Sub'd for this reason. What an awesome guy.

[CyberChallah]

Grew up and watched this all the time... Lol I was a little kid... Why do I love him so much? Yan can cook was so good omg. Love you Martin thanks for all you've done👍

[Mleencihols]

Leslie and Martin do a wonderful tour of one of my favorite blocks in SF. Quite something....inspires me to go down for some dim sum even if I don't have out-of-town visitors...

[smt]

I missed SF. Moved away 2002. My been to most of these places before. It's so nice to see this show. It's bring back alots of memories. Yan Can Cook was great. Thank you!

[nunyoubusyness]

Looks like great fun and new experiences in food. I like how she doesn't claim to like everything. Honest reactions are good! Thank you 🌻

[Mysasser]

Hot wok, cold oil; food won't stick! I'll never forget that from the show.

[audiofella]

Yan is the OG I used watch that dude on channel 9 since I was a kid, I also learned how to make easy steamed rice and fried rice from his