Alan Yau OBE is one of Britain's most celebrated and influential restaurateurs — an entrepreneur whose vision has transformed the British dining landscape and brought Asian culinary culture to the heart of mainstream British life.
Born in China and raised in the United Kingdom, Yau founded Wagamama in 1992 — the noodle bar concept that introduced millions of Britons to Japanese-inspired food in a modern, informal setting and spawned a global restaurant chain.
He subsequently created Hakkasan — the Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant that became one of the most glamorous and celebrated restaurants in London — as well as Yauatcha, Cha Cha Moon and Babaji Pide. Each restaurant concept has demonstrated his extraordinary ability to create immersive, culturally rich dining experiences.
Awarded an OBE for services to the restaurant industry, Alan Yau is widely acknowledged as one of the most creative minds in global hospitality and a true pioneer of Asian cuisine in Britain.