Hong Kong : Chua Lam, renowned food critic and a prolific writer, popularly known as Chai Lan, has passed away on June 25.

Surrounded by family and friends, the famous cultural icon in the Chinese-speaking world passed away peacefully at Hong Kong Sanaterium  & Hospital.

 He was 83.

The death was announced by his assistant Yang Ao on Weibo on Friday.

“No ceremonies and his body has been cremated as he wishes to avoid disturbing others. We would like to thank everyone for their care and concern for Chua,’’ Yang wrote.

Chua Lam, born in Singapore and lived in Hong Kong, was named as one of the four greatest talents of Hong Kong with Cantopop lyricist James Wong Jim, and novelists Jin Yong(Louis Cha) and Ni Kuang.

Wong passed away in 2004, Jin Yong in 2018 and Ni Kuang in 2022. 

Chai Lan published over 200 books, known for his deep knowledge, love, and commentary on food. He hosted numerous culinary programmes and was widely regarded as a prominent food critic in Hong Kong.

Two years ago, Chua Lam had an accidental fall which fractured his hip, requiring surgery and resulting in him needing a wheelchair after being discharged.

In late April this year, there were rumours that his health had deteriorated, and he had been hospitalised, with some reports claiming he was critically ill and had been admitted to the ICU.

 At the time, his assistant clarified on Facebook that while Chua Lam had some minor health issues, they were not serious and he was recovering.

Chua Lam himself also reassured fans on Facebook:

“Thank you all for your concern. I’m not critically ill, so there’s no need to worry. Just smile.”

Chua also served as the chief consultant for the popular documentary “A Bite of China” and was the honorary chairman of the World Chinese Healthy Eating Association. Aside from being a gourmet, he was also a well-known figure in the Hong Kong film industry, having worked for major studios like Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest as a film producer, with many friends in the entertainment circle.

Restaurants are fond of displaying a photo of him in the restaurant as a famous food critic. 

He visited Malaysia many times where he tasted local cuisines and attended events related to publication, cultural activities and others.

A durian lover, he held a calligraphy exhibition in Sin Chew Daily, the first time in Malaysia, in September 2023. 

Chua Lam was in wheel chair due to a fall earlier when he was in Kuala Lumpur to launch the three-day exhibition showcasing 100 pieces of his calligraphy. 

At the launch of the exhibition in Sin Chew Daily, he was asked what would he tell Ni Kuang and Wong if they were to meet. 

Chua Lum was quick to give a witty response in Cantonese : ” You mean if they are back alive? 

Starting his reply with a curse, he said : ” Dear buddies, why did you leave so early? l have been waiting here for a long time ” 

He was good at cracking witty jokes with words. 

The exhibition raised RM756,000 and he donated the entire sum to an old folks home. 

In September last year, Chua Lam donated a truck for the Sang Riang Senior Citizen’s Home in Triang, Pahang through Sin Chew Daily.

Referred by Sin Chew Daily, the proceeds of the fund raised from the exhibition were donated to the home which currently houses 485 senior citizens of all races.