By V. Sivaji
Many may know celebrity chef Martin Yan from television, but a lucky few had the rare opportunity to meet him in person during a special hi-tea session hosted by the St Giles Wembley Hotel in Penang.
The ever-energetic chef delivered a heartfelt speech, sharing his fondness for Penang and its vibrant culture. “I’ve been to Penang many times and I just love the city. The people are vibrant, and the food is renowned,” he said. “I even love Penang durians and have thought about retiring here. I’ll continue to promote Penang and Malaysia to Americans so they can experience the wonderful hospitality here.”
The event was hosted by the hotel’s general manager, Dato Tony Goh, along with his team. Among the esteemed guests were Madam Tan Lean Kee, wife of the Penang Chief Minister; Penang Global Tourism CEO Ooi Chok Yan; and the hotel’s executive chef Adrian Lim.
Known for his passion for connecting with people, Yan said, “Throughout my career, I’ve always aimed to educate and engage. I’ve been on television for the past 48 years.”
During the gathering, Chef Yan also showcased his custom-designed knife and promoted his latest book. He delighted guests by personally presenting roses to every woman in attendance, further adding a personal and thoughtful touch to the occasion.
The chef is scheduled to make several other appearances in George Town, continuing his book promotion tour and engaging with more fans and food lovers.