Chan Yan-tak

Chan Yan-tak, born in Kowloon, Hong Kong, began his culinary career at age 13 at Dai Sam Yuen out of financial necessity, progressing through Hong Kong restaurants including Fook Lam Moon and Lai Ching Heen at the Regent Hotel, where he served as executive chef from 1985 to 2000. He retired after his wife's death to care for his daughter but was lured back in 2002 as executive chef of Lung King Heen at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong. Under his leadership, the restaurant earned three Michelin stars in 2009, making him the first Chinese chef to achieve this honor, which it has retained since.