Born in the river towns of Jiangnan, he left home young to study under a renowned chef in Hong Kong, honing his skills in the legendary Lei Garden’s back kitchen. It was there he developed his management philosophy: “Unity drives success, collaboration reigns supreme,” which has guided his leadership and supplier network.

Yang Kang’s culinary journey has taken him across China, from Qilu to Sichuan, broadening his regional perspective and inspiring innovative approaches to food.

In 2018, he joined Lohkah Hotel & Spa, exploring Fujian’s seasonal bounty between mountains and sea. Over the years, he has refined his focus on the “true essence” of cooking. “Temperature” is his unchanging pursuit—mastering the stove to ensure dishes are served perfectly warm, creating comfort and a sense of home for diners. At XIA, the casserole exemplifies this philosophy, allowing food to retain heat while showcasing pure, unadulterated flavours.