Renowned Hong Kong-based food critic Chua Lam dies at age 83

Chua Lam, one of Asia’s most renowned food critics and columnists to ever make a mark on Hong Kong’s entertainment and culinary scene, died on Wednesday at the age of 83.

His death was announced on Chua’s Facebook account on Friday afternoon, with the social media post saying that he died peacefully at the Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital in the company of his family and friends.

“In accordance with Chua’s wishes, no ceremony will be held, and his body was cremated to avoid disturbing his relatives and friends,” the post said.

He was the last surviving member of a group known as the “Four Talents of Hong Kong”, which also included James Wong, Jin Yong and Ni Kuang. The title was given to them in recognition of their contributions to the city’s cultural landscape.

Chua wrote dozens of books throughout his life, including travel journals, food critiques and texts on life philosophies, and hosted several cuisine appreciation and travel shows.

Born in Singapore in 1941, Chua developed an interest in film, arts and literature from a young age. He published his first article in newspaper Nanyang Siang Pau at the age of 14. Two years later, he left the city state to study in Japan and majored in film.