I have a lot of cooking tools. In fact I have a whole drawer full of knives. Cooking tools, especially cutlery, are my toys. Martin Yan More Quotes by Martin Yan More Quotes From Martin Yan People who don't travel cannot have a global view, all they see is what's in front of them. Those people cannot accept new things because all they know is where they live. Martin Yan views inspirational travel So when I do Chinese cooking, I mix everything together, then the kids have to eat their vegetables. They won't have the patience to pick them out. Martin Yan vegetables patience kids I think a lot of times it's not money that's the primary motivation factor; it's the passion for your job and the professional and personal satisfaction that you get out of doing what you do that motivates you. Martin Yan money motivational jobs Happiness is within. It has nothing to do with how much applause you get or how many people praise you. Happiness comes when you believe that you have done something truly meaningful. Martin Yan meaningful believe people Just like if you were brought up on a farm, you would most likely carry on your father's business as a farmer; I was brought up in the kitchen and ended up becoming a chef. Martin Yan agriculture business father If I could only have one type of food with me, I would bring soy sauce. The reason being that if I have soy sauce, I can flavor a lot of things. Martin Yan soy-sauce flavor food Some people never contribute anything positive to society, they may even drain our resources, but most of us try to do something better, to give back. Martin Yan trying giving people Soy sauce is really a multi-purpose seasoning. Martin Yan seasoning soy-sauce purpose As long as the food is well prepared and not overdone, I think it tastes good. It doesn't matter if it's Chinese, Japanese, anything. Martin Yan chinese long thinking Why is America such a great country. It is because we stand united. Martin Yan great-country country america I don't like to waste anything. Any food left over from the night before is always eaten the next day. Martin Yan next-day waste night First of all, I can't really claim to be a great chef. Martin Yan claims chef firsts I can represent my culture while helping not only the Chinese-American community, but also the community at large. Martin Yan chinese community culture In general I love to eat anything. I enjoy anything that is well prepared, a good spaghetti, lasagna, taco, steak, sushi, refried beans. Martin Yan sushi tacos love I normally don't eat junk food. Martin Yan junk-food junk You don't have to show people how successful you are. Martin Yan successful shows people You can do almost anything with soup stock, it's like a strong foundation. When you have the right foundation, everything tastes good. Martin Yan soup strong taste I am just a normal professional with a great job and a great life. Martin Yan normal jobs life When I retire or pass away, I will be able to look back and say that this has been an exciting life. That's all that matters. Martin Yan passing-away life looks At thirteen, when I arrived in Hong Kong after leaving China, I made a living by working in a restaurant. Martin Yan hong-kong restaurants leaving