Celebrated Food Critic Chua Lam Passes Away at 83

Chua Lam, a legendary figure in the culinary world and known as one of Hong Kong's "four greatest talents," has died at 83. His contributions to the food industry and cultural discourse, as well as his influence in television, has made him a beloved personality in and beyond Asia.

Renowned food critic Chua Lam has passed away, as confirmed by his official social media account. The 83-year-old cultural icon, originally from Singapore, died at the Hong Kong Sanatorium Hospital surrounded by family and friends, as reported by his Weibo account on Friday. The post stated that there would be no public ceremonies, honoring his desire for privacy, and mentioned that his body had been cremated, though it did not disclose the cause of death.

Chua Lam, regarded as one of Hong Kong's influential "four greatest talents," was celebrated not just as a food critic, but as a prolific writer and television personality. He lived a vibrant life in Hong Kong since the 1960s, where he worked as a film producer, collaborating with action star Jackie Chan among others. His journey into culinary critique began when he was invited to contribute a column on food for a local newspaper, which eventually established him as an authoritative figure on Chinese cuisine throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

With numerous writings and television appearances primarily in the 1990s and 2000s, Chua Lam’s insights into Chinese culinary traditions were widely revered. His role as a consultant in the 2012 documentary series "A Bite of China" marked another milestone, as he helped introduce diverse dishes from across the nation to a larger audience.

In recent years, however, he had stepped back from the public eye following a serious injury in 2023, when he fractured his pelvic bone while assisting his wife during a fall; she, unfortunately, passed away later that year. Chua Lam’s legacy as a culinary critic and cultural influencer remains significant, leaving an indelible mark on both the food industry and the broader cultural landscape of Hong Kong and beyond.