Watch Martin Yan's Chinatowns

Name: Martin Yan's Chinatowns
Genre: Documentary & Biography
Released: 2002-09-01
Cast: Martin Yan

2002
1 Season
7.5 (10)

Martin Yan's Chinatowns, a documentary television series, follows Martin Yan as he explores various Chinatowns around the world. Yan, a celebrated chef and TV personality, has a deep understanding of Chinese cuisine, and his travels showcase the diversity and ingredients of Chinese food.

The show is produced by Janson Media, a production company that has won multiple awards for their work in factual film and TV production. The series, which first aired in 2017, has been praised for its beautiful cinematography and insightful exploration of different cultures.

Each episode of Martin Yan's Chinatowns focuses on a different Chinatown, providing insight into the local community, its history, and its culinary traditions. Viewers follow Yan as he explores local markets, meets with Chinatown residents, and tries traditional foods.

The series explores Chinatowns in a variety of cities, including Vancouver, Kolkata, London, New York City, and Bangkok. In each city, Yan immerses himself in the local culture, speaking to locals in the Chinatown community and attending cultural events.

One of the unique aspects of Martin Yan's Chinatowns is the way it intertwines food with culture. Yan's passion for Chinese cuisine is evident in every episode, with the host providing an in-depth exploration of the ingredients and dishes that are unique to each Chinatown. However, the show also takes the time to consider the cultural significance of each dish, shedding light on the ways in which food is intertwined with identity and history.

Throughout the series, Yan serves as an affable and knowledgeable guide, sharing personal anecdotes and insights. The host's infectious enthusiasm for food and travel is contagious, making the show an engaging and entertaining watch.

Overall, Martin Yan's Chinatowns is a fascinating and well-crafted exploration of Chinese culture and food. From bustling marketplaces to intimate family homes, the series provides an intimate look at the diverse and vibrant communities of Chinatowns around the world. Whether you're a foodie, a traveler, or simply interested in the culture and history of different cities, Martin Yan's Chinatowns is sure to captivate and inform.

Martin Yan's Chinatowns is a series that ran for 1 seasons (26 episodes) between September 1, 2002 and on Janson Media

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Seasons

26. Happy Tea

September 1, 2002

Martin, with the help of a few experts, explores the subtleties of Chinese tea, in New York, Yokohama and Singapore. He then takes us on a tour of bake shops in Chinatowns around the world. This episode's recipes include: Pineapple Buns, Sweet Bride's Delight Cakes, Jade Scallop Dumplings, and Nori-Sesame Shrimp Toasts.

25. Mr. Fish Head

September 1, 2002

Martin visits Damenlou or "Big Door" restaurant, the haunt of Singapore's legendary and beloved character, Mr. Fish Head. This episode's recipes include: Singapore's Fish Head Soup and Family-Style Fish with Bean Sprouts.

24. Traditional Favorites

September 1, 2002

Martin introduces Cantonese dishes inspired by the first Chinese settlers in the world's best known Chinatown in San Francisco. This episode's recipes include: Year of Good Fortune Fish Salad, Trout Stuffed with Fish Mousse, and Cantonese Clay Pot Rice.

23. Street Wonders

September 1, 2002

Martin samples the offerings of street vendors in Chinatowns around the world. This episode's recipes include: Cold Peanut Noodles with Chicken, Mandarin Scallion Pancakes, and Wontons in Hot-and-Sour Chilli Sauce.

22. Macanese Delights

September 1, 2002

The Portuguese first set foot on Macau in 1513 and their influence has evolved into a culture called Macanese. Martin visits Macau and tries some Macanese cooking courtesy of Chef Dona Manuela. This episode's recipes include: Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs à la Macau, Macau-Style Stuffed Prawns, and Tamarind Braised Pork.

21. Old Timers

September 1, 2002

"Wo" in Cantonese means harmony or togetherness. Martin illuminates the harmony between generations as he samples classic Chinese dishes in Honolulu, San Francisco and New York and visits a New York Chinatown Senior Centre. This episode's recipes include: Big Pot War Wonton Soup, Velvet Oysters with Ginger-Green Onion Sauce, and Triple-Decker Egg Fu Young.

20. Like Father, Like Son

September 1, 2002

Martin pays a visit to a tag team of father and son chefs and discusses Dim Sum and the local menu in Toronto's Chinatown. This episode's recipes include: Wok-Braised Lobster Tails in Creamy Rum Sauce, Steamed Fish with Mushrooms and Baby Bok Choy, and Mushrooms and Baby Bok Choy in Garlic Soy Sauce.

19. Hawaiian Icon

September 1, 2002

Martin discovers the Chinese legacy in Honolulu and tries some favorites of Hawaiian restaurateur Sam Choy. This episode's recipes include: Tofu Puff with Long Beans and Mushrooms, Sam Choy's Whole fish with Fruit Salsa, Okey Dokey Poke, and Lu'Au Stew.

18. The Reunion

September 1, 2002

Respect and Confucian beliefs come into play as Martin has a reunion with his teacher and boyhood friends from China who now live in New York. This episode's recipes include: Stir-Fried Beef with Bitter Melon, Braised Fish Fillet with Tofu Puff, and Daikon and Bean Thread Noodles.

17. The Hong Kong Connection

September 1, 2002

Martin finds that old world favorites get a new world twist in Vancouver's Chinatown. This episode's recipes include: Master Sauce Squab, Oven-Baked Salmon in Spicy Chilli-Bean Sauce, and Pepper seared Scallops.

16. The Chinese Iron Chef

September 1, 2002

With the help of his friend Chef Tse, winner of the "Iron Chef" competition, Martin discovers the food found between the gates of heaven and earth in Yokohama's Chinatown. This episode's recipes include: Sweet and Tangy Catfish Fillets, Pepper Steak in Soy-Red Wine Sauce, and Sweet Chinese Herbal Tea.

15. Tea House Foods

September 1, 2002

Martin visits a 24-hour teahouse in Singapore and introduces Chef Susan Tieng, one of the few women chefs in Singapore. This episode's recipes include: "Steamed Buns" with "Buddha Bun Vegetarian Filling", Shrimp and Tropical Fruit Rolls, and Golden Baked Buns with Shrimp-Scallop Filling.

14. Wine and Dine

September 1, 2002

Martin drops into the Harbour Village Restaurant in San Francisco's Chinatown to taste the blend of east and west cuisine created by Chef Andy Wei and learn about wine pairings with Chinese food. This episode's recipes include: Lemongrass Lamb with Minted Orange Sauce, Dungeness Crab with Basil San Francisco-Style, and Three-Pepper Game Hen.

13. Everyday to Elegant

September 1, 2002

Martin tries traditional Chinese cuisine in Melbourne, from the quick and inexpensive to dishes with a very elegant flair. This episode's recipes include: Chinese Doughnuts, Shrimp and Scallops with Chinese Doughnuts, and Flower Drum Crab Baked in the Shell.

12. Street Dining to Fine Dining

September 1, 2002

Martin and Chef Chen sample the best of everything from Haute Cuisine to simple street fare in Singapore. This episode's recipes include: Steamed King Prawns with Cilantro Pesto, Crispy Seafood and Mango Packets, and White Cloud Wok-Seared Scallops.

11. 21st Century Chinatown

September 1, 2002

Martin explores the new Chinatowns that have evolved in and around Toronto. There he finds everything that exists in a traditional Chinatown. This episode's recipes include: Emerald Chicken with Grapes and Kiwi, Crispy Halibut with Miso Vinaigrette, and Fried Ice Cream with Ginger-Caramel Sauce.

10. Portuguese Influence

September 1, 2002

Martin explores the effect of the Portuguese influence on Chinese cooking in Macau, dines outdoors in the European style, and visits the "Miss Macau" restaurant. This episode's recipes include: Beauty Queen Beef, Spicy Clams with Pork Sausage, and Macau Clay Pot with Rice.

9. Traditional Noodle Makers

September 1, 2002

Martin tries the art of noodle making at the Lee Family Restaurants in London's Chinatown. This episode's recipes include: Jia Jiang Noodles, Shang Dong Stir-Fry Soup Noodles, and Gum Lo Rainbow Wontons with a Seafood Sweet-and-Sour Sauce.

8. Reinventing Classics

September 1, 2002

Martin tours New York's Chinatown with the help of his old friend Henry Chung "The Mayor of Chinatown" and learns about the history of Chop Suey from Professor Jack Tchen of New York University. Then it's off to Ping's Restaurant for a soup that doesn't need a pot. This episode's recipes include: Country Style Black Bean Spare Ribs and Eight Treasures Melon Bowl Soup.

7. The Spice Garden

September 1, 2002

Singapore was once a major seaport during the height of the spice trade. Martin picks spices from the garden of his friend Kwan Liu who has a cooking school here. They use the spices to prepare dishes with the fresh ingredients they found at the Tiong Bahru Market. This episode's recipes include: Double-Ginger Fish, Egg-Flower Soup with Lemongrass and Mushrooms, and Fluffy Cloud in Lime Syrup.

6. Seafood Market

September 1, 2002

Martin tours and samples from the grand opera of seafood in the Sydney Fish Market in Australia. Then he dines on the finest seafood with a fifth generation Chinese-Australian. This episode's recipes include: Wok fried Garlic Crab in Butter-Wine Sauce, Steamed Oysters on the Half Shell, and Nori-Dusted Flounder Bundles.

5. The Fishing Village

September 1, 2002

Martin calls on the fishermen in the Coloane Village on Macau and feasts on the fruit of their labour including a unique "Hanging Fish". This episode's recipes include: Shanghainese Wok-Seared Fish in Wine Sauce, Black Bean Sauce Clams with Fresh Basil, and Cracked Crab in Ginger-Wine Sauce.

4. Local Culinary Guide

September 1, 2002

Martin tours Yokohama's Chinatown with his friend Mr. Zeng and dines in a Beijing-style restaurant on a tatami mat. This episode's recipes include: Nanjing "Surf and Turf" Stir-Fry, Sweet and Tangy Lotus Root Salad, and Mongolian Beef.

3. Ethnic Favorites

September 1, 2002

Martin takes an in-depth look at the variety of food in Toronto's Chinatown and cooks Macanese food with a local Macanese family. This episode's recipes include: Mrs. Ozorio's Okra with Shrimp Paste, Slow-Cooked Seven-Flavour Pork, Stir-fried Soybean Sprouts with Bean Thread Noodles, and Chinatown-Style Sponge Cake with Berries and Cream.

2. Chinatown Markets

September 1, 2002

Martin tours the Chinatown Markets in San Francisco. Then he enjoys a meal at the Pearl City Restaurant owned by his friends Mr. And Mrs. Kin-Fai Chan. This episode's recipes include: Drunken Shrimp Soup, Four-Mushroom Beef, and Five-Flavour Chicken and Eggplant.

1. New Wave Chinese

September 1, 2002

Martin seeks out innovations in East/West cuisine in Honolulu with two chefs who have used their Chinese heritage to create modern masterpieces. This episode's recipes include: Duck-filled Sweet Sesame Balls, Char Siu Quesadillas, Roast Duck Nachos and Beer-Battered Ahi Rolls.

Description

Where to Watch Martin Yan's Chinatowns

Martin Yan's Chinatowns is available for streaming on the Janson Media website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Martin Yan's Chinatowns on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon and Tubi TV.