James Aung

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Waimea, HI

Yan James Aung, also known to many as “Burma,” was born and raised in Myanmar before moving to the United States in 2008 to pursue further education. He is a dedicated culinary professional with over a decade of experience and currently serves as Executive Chef at Tommy Bahama Restaurant Mauna Lani, a role he has held since 2025. In this position, he leads kitchen operations with a focus on creativity, quality, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Prior to joining Tommy Bahama Mauna Lani, Aung spent more than six years at Tommy Bahama Waikiki, where he advanced from Sous Chef to Executive Sous Chef. During his tenure, he helped oversee high-volume kitchen operations, developed menu offerings, and maintained consistent culinary standards.

Aung began his culinary career at Alan Wong’s Restaurants in 2011 as a prep cook and steadily rose through the ranks to become Chef de Cuisine by 2016, working alongside Chef Alan Wong. Those formative years helped shape his discipline, attention to detail, and deep respect for high-quality ingredients.

Passionate about innovative cuisine, James Aung is committed to mentoring culinary teams and creating memorable dining experiences that blend tradition with creativity.