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.

[@DeadBarbieDoll13]

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.

[@elitem3]

That is awesome I love this guy!!!

[@user-vy4xx2qp3d]

Why did your mom steal the Wok and Cookbook from you?

[@ChibiPanda8888]

Thats a cool experience!

[@sapgeek1]

Martin Yan is a legend with boundless energy.

[@donnarowe1890]

I agree!

[@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.

[@_Wai_Wai_]

Yo, GK! Didn't think I'd find your comment here.

[@Life-oo2tr]

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!

[@opwave79]

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-dd4sb]

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.

[@kqed]

Definitely a national treasure!

[@accordiongordon]

Switch Blade oh shut up you killjoy

[@howardng8534]

@@kqed It's just too bad that its news reporters are so leftist oriented and biased. It would be nice if KQED remove PBS News and NPR and its local news division from the programming schedule. Or it could make sure its news divisions play fair with all sides. I have been a member of over 30 years, and I am rethinking my support of KQED.

[@colinmcneil3131]

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

[@ericdelacruz1]

Grew up watching Mr. Yan on KQED and Mister Rogers, childhood memories.

[@kqed]

Martin Yan is *still* putting out new cooking shows with as much energy as ever! He's a national treasure.

[@ericdelacruz1]

KQED Absolutely a national treasure.

[@lupeabbysanchez4236]

Me too😊Never had cable growing up but I'm glad! I loved watching his show, Lamb Chop, Mister Rogers and of course Bob Ross🎨...😌

[@howardng8534]

@@ericdelacruz1 It's just too bad that the PBS reporters are so leftist oriented and biased. It would be nice if KQED removed PBS news hour and NPR.

[@ericdelacruz1]

H Ng i concur

[@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.

[@Mysasser1]

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

[@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...

[@LeslieSbrocco]

Thanks much! Martin is such fun to hang out with in Chinatown. We laughed so hard. Cheers.

[@Boxerdogg02]

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

[@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.

[@nunyoubusyness6345]

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 🌻

[@victorha9923]

His energy is still the same. Awesome.

[@audiofella5066]

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 shows!!!!!!

[@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👍

[@suemayt5354]

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!

[@bartonpercival3216]

Yup, me too moved out in 2001. I miss so many of the great food neighborhoods in the City. Chinatown, North Beach, Fisherman's wharf and of course the Mission District for great Mexican food!!!!!!!!!!! 👍🌯🌮🍺🦀🥖🍷

[@geeman4085]

Love this! Martin is awesome! Used to watch his cooking shows as a kid.

[@buffedtrainer1]

I cannot believe Leslie Sbrocco has never taken the time to explore ChinaTown. She admits this was her first exploration. I have lived in SF for over 15 years, and I try to make it to ChinaTown at least once every three months, exploring the side streets, finding new bakeries that make Dim Sum in the morning....

[@LeslieSbrocco]

it's true! I've "visited" many times but wandering with Martin is completely different!

[@elitem3]

Love this dude always loved all of his shows since I was a kid Martin glad you ate doing well bless you with good health for more years to come

[@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.

[@kqed]

This video is only about 4 years old. It's so sad we've lost so many in that short amount of time.

[@bodhi974]

They hit both of my favorite, go to shops when I visit China Town. The Wok shop and Eastern bakery. Need to visit again soon.

[@lipleong3487]

Martin you ate the most entetain chef i ever see myself watched your show since 20years agoand i find many broad casting chef ypu are the most experienced chinese cuisine chef you are the best

[@bllybao]

What a funny and lovely woman, and good old Martin too xD

[@LeslieSbrocco]

;) Appreciate the feedback and you watching! More to come

[@MARKINAU8]

@@LeslieSbrocco You are an amazing host, Leslie. I am from Melburne, nick name New Gold Mount whilst San Fran nick name Old Gold Mount amongst Chinese

[@jz5748]

oh my god yan can cook...my childhood memory....what an amazing guy

[@elizatscott]

Love this show Leslie. You nailed it.

[@theMISSIDGAF]

I was just in SF over the weekend. I go visit every 2-3 months.

[@iceblue1457]

I am amazed at your openness to taste different kinds of food from different levels. This is enjoyable to watch.

[@PrincipalScratcher1]

Loved Martin Yan on PBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@kqed]

He's still making new shows!

[@panama-canada]

She’s such a good sport!

[@bartonpercival3216]

I remember watching his cooking show on Saturdays on KQED Channel 9 called Yan can cook!!!! 👍

[@broad100]

I loved this video. Ive been to China Town many times and it's one of my favorited places to visit.

[@keanelimusic]

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

[@kqed]

Thanks for watching!

[@chriss2295]

...And Then!!! Love Martin Yan.

[@chrisandersen5635]

Love ya girl. How did i miss this show? Ah quarantine. Love the Wok Shop, love tea tastings. Eternity Gift Shop.

[@Mysasser1]

Awe! I loved Yan Can Cook!!!!!! Good to see he's well.

[@LeslieSbrocco]

He's so much fun. Thanks for watching!

[@craig00]

Love Martin Yan

[@grilled4cheese1]

I love the show! From Texas, we love SFO, keep them coming!

[@Mysasser1]

75224! Aye!!!!!!

[@LeslieSbrocco]

Thanks much for the lovely notes! so appreciate you watching.

[@coolinspirefunnybook1289]

i hope everything will back to normal soon.i love go to SF china town.

[@Yayanese]

I love this episode

[@M_Ladd]

I remember watching Yan can cook!

[@victoriaredsky3859]

Yan! Funny Guy,!! Yan Can Cook, a wonderful Half hour, sitting in front of the Tube... taking notes. Mainly drooling...

[@Thtkidwil]

Damn I’m Chinese but i didn’t know about flipping your chopsticks. That’s a good hack. Lol

[@illustriouschin]

3:55 I bet the locals love it when Martin Yan is in town.

[@thenewlevi]

Martin was an awesome host! I ended up visiting a lot of his recommendations and loved them. Would HIGHLY suggest the duck and pork ribs from gourmet delight!

[@CesarSandoval024]

Yan got soo much spunk at his old age i like him

[@rayisnumbaone]

Fantastic episode

[@TRUESEPH]

Everybody and everything in this video is beautiful.

[@Riceball_caws]

This is so wholesome

[@tommyt1971]

Found a great tea shop in Paris that had a lot of Chinese varieties. The owner of the place to take the canisters off the shelves and open and smell them. I took one off the shelf and started to smell it and she said I didn’t want to drink it because it was potpourri. We also found a wine shop nearby where they were selling the top brands of champagne: Moet, Krystal, Bollinger and Dom. Wish I could remember where it was in the city.

[@bubbalo3388]

The take out dim sum shops and the bakeries are the way to go in Chinatown if you don't want the more fancier stuff and just want a dirt cheap meal. You get a better experience also trying a bunch of different places.

[@bernietajonera5359]

hanging with the Legend .."I need a cabernet :) lol " great coverage !! Love Martin !!!!!!

[@Peggy65607]

I would love to go to the San Francisco's Chinatown, like in the olden days........

[@anissacisneros4889]

Leslie is the best 😊

[@joseillathu933]

Hello, Check please, thank you for the video and enojoyed it. I live in Palo Alto and a food fanatic. Love to see you to title the places you are and identify them for your fans!!!

[@ravineshprasad2474]

if yen can cook so can you....never gets old...he still have the same energy

[@nhupham9829]

I love how she jumps in and doesn't tip-toe around something exotic to her. When she doesn't like something she does say it haha.

[@thefozzybear]

Martin Yan the legend.

[@LL-sd2fc]

I’ve been to SF Chinatown but now I’m in dire need to go back!

[@bartonpercival3216]

Me too. I remember there use to be a Chinese pharmacy on Grant near Broadway called Ping Yuen. And they had a small deli in the front of the pharmacy that sold the ducks hanging from the front window, and the most amazing chow fun noodles with sliced pork bbq and scallions, omg, so delicious, and also great bbq pork buns 😆👍

[@AriVovp]

Man, i love the energy of this guy. What he usually says "if Yan can cook, you can cook"

[@spike378]

Love how Martin shows her old school cantonese chinese food

[@TheBockChannel]

@14:28 i call those boa chinese tacos looks so good thats what i would order also it comes with duck sauce oh man i wish i went there before they closed oh well maybe i find a place that serves that the same way i love boa buns, martin yan "yan can cook" is the best!

[@stevenborgens1390]

Martin Yan is the man.

[@anthonynavarro4276]

Man, glad to see he hasn’t slowed down yet 😮👍

[@RyanMilani]

9:37 Yuuuum!

[@michaeldesilvio9980]

I lived on Kearny and went to China town almost every day.

[@kqed]

Beautiful neighborhood. I bet you miss it.

[@michaeldesilvio9980]

KQED I was paying four thousand dollars a month rent.I don't miss that.

[@bartonpercival3216]

@@michaeldesilvio9980 where did u live on Kearny street for $4000 a month, Julius Castle????

[@tommyt1971]

First dim sum place I went to was in Windsor Ontario and they calculated your bill by the patterns on the dishes. We had 6 people and the bill was less than $40 but that was many years ago.

[@PrincipalScratcher1]

If Yan can cook, so can you!!!

[@junhaotan3570]

Unless your very hungry, don't eat the paper! 😂😂

[@xvenomx8089]

22:18 that was a slick your welcome 😂

[@litametha8846]

I want a grandpa like martin yan.

[@ooooopsszzz]

Martin such a funny guy 🤣

[@DokBua0424]

He came to the home and garden show here in fresno,Ca.

[@mcsuibhne005]

The Chinese: a great bunch of lads!

[@billallmon4094]

Woc with yen was one funny cooking show

[@JcruzFit]

Anyone know which dim sum restaurant they went into? Looks really nice and the food looks amazing. Would like to stop by on my next trip to Chinatown

[@michaelserebreny454]

9:23 that mural is so deep symbolically it’s insane. Kwanyin Bodhisattva (Buddha of compassion) incarnated as freedom itself; sitting in front of the moon, between a dragon and an eagle sitting atop peacock feathers and having blue hands..... 🦅

[@basic138]

the episode is awesome... do you have a list to the places visited? (some of them are not know as Cheng´s 😁)

[@OGarden_8396]

Came because of the thumbnail. 😂😂😂

[@uo9zzzyxwvutsrqp0nmkjihgfe43]

Look at the dragon beard🤣😂

[@DarthSinistris]

If i'd ran into martin when I went to SF, i'd have lost my shit.

[@Njfishingmaniac]

2:28 “If you wokked in off the street and you wanted a regular wok.”

[@jakekgfn]

Percentage of chance Martin Smashed? 100%

[@gederoniyansen4043]

Why Does a Wok Need to be Seasoned? Seasoning your cast iron or carbon steel wok creates a patina, or a protective coating inside of the pan. Every time you cook with oil, the patina becomes thicker and heavier and creates a natural, non-stick cooking surface

[@christopherchang6378]

martin yan is a fucking GOAT

[@chrismartin956]

Oh I bet Chef Tony showed you how to pull the noodles. 11:26

[@highwayman1188]

Martin hasn't changed a bit!

[@zhengguan6431]

What a heavy day.

[@gerlibs2069]

martin yan is the jackie chan of the kitchen

[@Mysasser1]

Ole girl loves that 🍷!

[@LeslieSbrocco]

yes, I do! cheers.

[@victoriaredsky3859]

Ohh...Duck!!!!!

[@SWandG]

Omg..braised chicken feet..dim sum!

[@spongebobby188]

When did Sonja Morgan from RHNY turn up in San Fran? 🤣

[@skipsch]

Martin Y a a a a a n

[@singalong4124]

Gum cha!

[@victorha9923]

lol at least she got the rest right besides the "g" :)

[@worrow]

Wow, how old is Yan now? If Yan can cook, so can you:^)

[@magicdreemurr3771]

Martin Yan is one of the funniest human beings and he's not even a comedian.

[@Rodecpt0]

Ah the days before Corona

[@tianyuelin9641]

I thought this was Martin Sheen