Chua Lam, an eminent food critic and beloved cultural figure within the Chinese-speaking community, has passed away at the age of 83, as confirmed by a statement on his social media. Born in Singapore, he enjoyed a prosperous career in Hong Kong, where he was surrounded by family and friends during his final moments at the Hong Kong Sanatorium Hospital. According to a post on Weibo, there will be no formal ceremony in compliance with his wishes, and details regarding his cause of death remain undisclosed.
Often referred to as one of Hong Kong's "four greatest talents," Lam's illustrious career spanned decades, establishing him as a key voice in the realm of food critique. He was instrumental in popularizing Chinese cuisine through his writing and television work, including the notable documentary series A Bite of China, which showcased the country’s rich culinary traditions.
Since the 1960s when he settled in Hong Kong, Lam had also made a mark in the film industry, working alongside icons such as Jackie Chan and gaining recognition as a writer, producer, and television host. He reflected in a 2016 interview on how a chance opportunity to write about food transformed his professional trajectory, ultimately cementing his status as a leading authority on gastronomic topics.
His contributions to food culture and the arts have left a lasting impact, reaching audiences through his extensive writings and captivating television segments throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Following a serious injury in 2023, which also saw the loss of his wife later that year, Lam had largely stepped back from public engagement. Nonetheless, his legacy within culinary and cultural landscapes continues to resonate significantly.
