Renowned food critic Chua Lam dies at 83

Chua Lam, a celebrated food critic and cultural figure in the Chinese-speaking world, has died at the age of 83. The news was announced on his official social media account, which stated that he passed away at the Hong Kong Sanatorium Hospital, surrounded by his family and friends. According to the post, Chua Lam had requested that there be no ceremony to avoid disturbing his loved ones, so his body was cremated quietly. The cause of his death was not mentioned in the announcement.

Chua Lam was widely recognized as one of Hong Kong's 'four greatest talents,' a group that also included the famous Cantopop lyricist James Wong Jim and the well-known novelists Jin Yong and Ni Kuang. Of the four, Chua was the last to pass away. He was born in Singapore but moved to Hong Kong in the 1960s, where he began his career in the film industry. He produced several movies, including some starring the legendary action actor Jackie Chan. His work as a producer required him to travel extensively to scout for filming locations, which sparked his interest in food from different places. This led to him being invited to write a column for a local newspaper, where he began sharing his thoughts on food and restaurants. Over time, Chua Lam became known as a leading food critic.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Chua Lam's influence grew as he wrote numerous books and appeared on various television programs focused on food and travel. He became one of the most respected voices on Chinese cuisine, known for his insightful commentary and deep appreciation for culinary traditions. In 2012, he served as a consultant for the popular documentary series 'A Bite of China,' which introduced viewers to a wide range of Chinese dishes and food culture. In 2023, Chua Lam suffered a serious injury when he fell and fractured his pelvic bone while trying to help his wife, who had also fallen at home. Sadly, his wife passed away later that year. After his injury, Chua Lam largely withdrew from public life. His passing marks the end of an era for Chinese food criticism and culture, and he will be remembered for his passion, knowledge, and significant contributions to the world of food.