Martin Yan auctions books for Vietnamese charity

By Tam Ky April 17, 2019 | 09:30 pm PT

Martin Yan (L) of cooking show Yan Can Cook came to Vietnam this week. Photo acquired by VnExpress

American celebrity chef Martin Yan of cooking show Yan Can Cook came to Vietnam this week to raise funds for a children’s charity project.

He made an appearance at a charity fund raising banquet in Ho Chi Minh city on Tuesday. His participation is part of "Journey to connect love", a charity campaign to help children living in remote areas go to school.

Yan contributed three books about his culinary career for an auction, and they fetched VND45 million ($1,942). In the next few days he will stay in the city and take part in a local food tour. He will also attend activities related to the charity.

Martin Yan was born in Guangzhou, China. The 70-year old started his career at the age of 13, when he worked in a restaurant in Hong Kong belonging to one of his relatives.

He acquired a master’s degree in food science from the University of California in the U.S. He first appeared on television in a culinary show in 1978 and has since hosted more than 3000 shows.

He has traveled all around Vietnam for a 26-episode documentary called "Discover Vietnam with Martin Yan".

He has written more than 30 cookbooks including "Martin Yan's Feast: The Best of Yan Can Cook", "Martin Yan's Asian Favorites" and "Martin Yan's Quick and Easy."