Ming-Na Wen

Photography by Dennis Kwan

About The Author

Born in Macau then moving to Hong Kong later and eventually the United States at the age of six, celebrated actress Ming-Na Wen spent much of her youth learning about food in her family’s Pittsburgh restaurant, the Chinatown Inn, now a historic landmark and the only remaining establishment from the city’s original Chinatown. As an adult and now an Asian American icon, Ming-Na has appeared in television and films ranging from her breakout starring role in The Joy Luck Club, based on Amy Tan’s bestselling novel, to Karate Kid Legends in 2025. She broke barriers with her seven-year run as Dr. Chen on the Emmy Award–winning NBC series ER and was beloved by a younger generation for voicing the titular role in Disney’s acclaimed Mulan. She went on to be named a Disney Legend thanks to roles such as Agent May on Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Fennec Shand on the Star Wars franchise shows The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. With hundreds of other roles she’s played over decades, Ming-Na was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2023. She lives with her husband Eric in Los Angeles, and she is proud that they have raised their two beautiful children, Michaela and Cooper, to be passionate foodies.

Books by Ming-Na Wen

Have You Eaten Yet?

Family Recipes from a Restaurant Daughter (A Cookbook)

A heartfelt collection of stories and recipes from beloved actress and Asian American icon Ming-Na Wen, weaving together her childhood in her familys Pittsburgh Chinese restaurant with the dishes she now cooks at home for loved ones and friends.
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