: and that's the kind of safe haven reverend chan hoped for back in 1911 when the chinatown ymca wasgrants to access to quality recreational experiences, this cultural hub has been serving members of all backgrounds for over a century. he says teaching teens about specialty asian dishes as an homage to the neighborhood they're planted in means so much to him because of some of the cultural misunderstandings he dealt with as a teen of thai ancestry. he recalls some of those dishes his mom packed for him at school. >> they become like little brown pieces of beef jerky, dried essentially. i remember like i dropped it one time on the floor and another kid was saying it looks like turd or poop. i was super sad or disappointed. but thinking about it now, i'm more sad i dropped the food rather than him saying anything. my mom makes amazing food, so i never feel ashamed about that anymore. >> reporter: now nothing could crack his confidence. and it's the kind of empowerment he loves to provide to his students at the y. from understanding kitchen etiquette to learning new recipes, students li

. >>> ymca and chinatown is hosting a community feast where teens from the culinary academy are show indicating their skills to friends and family. stopping by the center to learn more about the location's history and its continual impact on the community. >>> once a safe haven for chinese immigrants facing discrimination, chinatown ymca here in san francisco is now a vibrant hub providing cultural classes like cook that is welcoming youth of all backgrounds. >> each day, they enter a grand far east style entrance at the ymca in chinatown where he teaches culinary classes to teens. >> once a mentee now a mentor. >> you can come here, not worry so much about money and what high school you go to. they come to this one spot in the city and have a great time >> that is the safe haven they hoped for back in 1911 when the chinatown ymca was established. services quality. and serving members of all backgrounds for over a century. but, teaching teens about special asian dishes means so much because of the cultural misunderstandings he dealt with as a teen of thai. his dishes his mom packed f