Chua Lam's contributions to food critique and media have left an indelible mark in the culinary world.
Tributes Pour in for Celebrated Food Critic Chua Lam Who Passes Away at 83
Tributes Pour in for Celebrated Food Critic Chua Lam Who Passes Away at 83
The beloved culinary icon's legacy spans decades in Hong Kong and beyond.
Renowned food critic and cultural figure, Chua Lam, has passed away at the age of 83, according to his official social media account. His death occurred at the Hong Kong Sanatorium Hospital, surrounded by family and friends, as stated in a recent post on Weibo. In adherence to his wishes, no ceremony was held, and his body was cremated, though details regarding the cause of death have not been disclosed.
Often regarded as one of Hong Kong's "four greatest talents," Lam was not only a prolific writer but also a beloved host of various food and travel programs. Being the longest-surviving member of this iconic group, which included Cantopop lyricist James Wong Jim and novelists Jin Yong and Ni Kuang, Lam carved out a unique space in the cultural fabric of Hong Kong.
Having moved to Hong Kong in the 1960s, Lam started his career as a film producer, working on numerous projects including those featuring action star Jackie Chan. His journey into food critique began serendipitously when he was invited to write for a local newspaper, spurred on by his travels to scout film locations. “So I wrote a lot about food and restaurants,” he once reflected, which ultimately led to his ascension as a respected food critic.
Through his extensive writings and television appearances in the 1990s and 2000s, Chua Lam emerged as an authoritative voice in the realm of Chinese cuisine. In 2012, he contributed as a consultant for the acclaimed documentary series A Bite of China, which showcased the richness and diversity of Chinese dishes.
In recent years, Lam had withdrawn from the public eye following a significant injury he sustained in 2023 while trying to assist his wife, who later passed that year. As tributes and condolences pour in from fans and fellow food enthusiasts, Chua Lam's profound influence on culinary culture and critique will be fondly remembered by many.
Often regarded as one of Hong Kong's "four greatest talents," Lam was not only a prolific writer but also a beloved host of various food and travel programs. Being the longest-surviving member of this iconic group, which included Cantopop lyricist James Wong Jim and novelists Jin Yong and Ni Kuang, Lam carved out a unique space in the cultural fabric of Hong Kong.
Having moved to Hong Kong in the 1960s, Lam started his career as a film producer, working on numerous projects including those featuring action star Jackie Chan. His journey into food critique began serendipitously when he was invited to write for a local newspaper, spurred on by his travels to scout film locations. “So I wrote a lot about food and restaurants,” he once reflected, which ultimately led to his ascension as a respected food critic.
Through his extensive writings and television appearances in the 1990s and 2000s, Chua Lam emerged as an authoritative voice in the realm of Chinese cuisine. In 2012, he contributed as a consultant for the acclaimed documentary series A Bite of China, which showcased the richness and diversity of Chinese dishes.
In recent years, Lam had withdrawn from the public eye following a significant injury he sustained in 2023 while trying to assist his wife, who later passed that year. As tributes and condolences pour in from fans and fellow food enthusiasts, Chua Lam's profound influence on culinary culture and critique will be fondly remembered by many.
