Renowned Chinese-American chef and food journalist Martin Yan has revealed that he may soon call Penang home, a decision he says he has been toying with for quite some time.
In a light-hearted comment during a recent visit, Martin joked about asking his wife to sell all their properties in the United States so they could join the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme and settle down in Penang. While he laughed about it, there is no denying that his affection for the island runs deep.
“Every time I visit Penang, it feels like I’m going home,” he shared.
His fondness for the state is not just about the food or scenery. Martin explained that many of his friends from Hong Kong have already made the move, and he has noticed a trend among them. After relocating, they naturally immerse themselves in familiar industries, particularly in the culinary world. It is a sense of community and purpose that deeply appeals to him.
When asked why not Kuala Lumpur or even Singapore, Martin did not hold back: “People in Penang seem gentler,” he said with a smile. “If I had known earlier, I would have married a gentle Penang woman instead of tying the knot in the US.”
Martin also sees strategic potential in Penang’s cultural and linguistic ties with the Chinese market, especially as Southeast Asia becomes an increasingly important region in global business.
With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 on the horizon, the chef is eager to play his part. He expressed hopes of using his international platform to boost Malaysia’s tourism profile globally.
Martin’s love affair with Malaysia is not new. Nearly a decade ago, he led a production crew across the country to film “Taste of Malaysia”, a 26-episode series celebrating local cuisine and culture, a project that brought Malaysian flavours to international screens.
His recent return to Penang was part of another programme, glimpses of which can be seen on his Instagram @chefmartinyan, where he continues to showcase the people, places and plates that have captured his heart.
Whether or not he officially makes the move, it is clear that Penang already holds a special place in Martin Yan’s world.
