Actress Ming-Na Wen, known for her roles in "The Joy Luck Club" and Disney's "Mulan," has published a cookbook titled "Have You Eaten Yet? Family Recipes From a Restaurant Daughter." The book, which became available on October 7, 2026, features 70 recipes that blend Chinese and Western cuisine. Wen drew inspiration from her childhood in a family restaurant and her Asian-American identity. The cookbook aims to portray the broader Asian-American experience through food and personal stories.
The title of the cookbook, "Have You Eaten Yet?", reflects a customary greeting in Wen's Chinese-American household. Her mother would often use this phrase to welcome guests, and Wen now uses it to welcome fans. The cookbook includes recipes such as Cantonese grandmother-style wontons and a chestnut chicken dish reminiscent of her Hong Kong childhood. These dishes showcase the blend of culinary influences in her family.
Wen's culinary roots trace back to the Chinatown Inn restaurant her parents opened after immigrating to the United States. As a child, she would set tables, wash dishes, and perform other kitchen tasks. Wen recalled having mixed feelings about being a "restaurant kid," noting that she was initially embarrassed but later developed an appreciation for how the family business shaped her identity.
The cookbook also honors Wen's stepfather, a former army cook who taught her Western dishes such as clam chowder and winter melon soup. Wen narrowed down her selection of recipes from an initial list of a hundred dishes to 70. The collection showcases the fusion of Chinese and Western cuisine that Wen grew up with.
Food writer Eddie Lin, who served as a production assistant on "The Joy Luck Club," praised the cookbook for its personal narrative. Lin described it as "her story on a plate or in a bowl." Wen hopes that her cookbook will promote joy and harmony through food and help to break down stereotypes surrounding Asian cuisine.
Wen's experience as a "restaurant kid" influenced her approach to cooking and food. When she moved to New York to pursue acting, limited finances forced her to rely on the kitchen skills she observed growing up. She would turn simple ingredients like ramen and eggs into more elaborate dishes like Cornish game hens with Chinese plum sauce.
The cookbook is a reflection of Wen's Asian-American identity and her experiences growing up in a family restaurant. Wen aims to bridge cultural flavors and personal stories through her cookbook. By sharing her story and recipes, Wen hopes to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of Asian-American cuisine.
Key points
- Ming-Na Wen's cookbook "Have You Eaten Yet?" features 70 Chinese-Western recipes.
- The cookbook draws inspiration from Wen's childhood in a family restaurant and her Asian-American identity.
- Wen aims to promote joy and harmony through food and break down stereotypes surrounding Asian cuisine.
