HONG KONG, June 27 (WSH)—Renowned gastronome, writer, filmmaker, and television host Chua Lam passed away peacefully at Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital on June 25, 2025, at the age of 83. In accordance with his wishes, no public farewell ceremony was held, and his remains have been cremated. His passing marks the symbolic closure of the vibrant cultural era represented by Hong Kong’s legendary “Four Talents”—Jin Yong, Ni Kuang, James Wong, and Chua Lam.
A Life Lived with Delight: Talent, Taste, and Travel
Born in 1941 in Singapore to a family of Chaozhou descent, Chua Lam studied film in Japan before returning to Hong Kong to work as a producer with Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest. He oversaw several iconic films including Armour of God and City Hunter. Reflecting later in life, he admitted that immersing himself in the film industry for four decades might have been his “biggest mistake”—only to find his true creative calling through writing.
With food as the central theme of his life, Chua journeyed the world, sampled its flavors, hosted acclaimed culinary shows, wrote columns for major publications, and authored over 200 books. His philosophy: “To eat and drink well is to respect life.”
Effortlessly Free, Lifelong Learner, Living on His Own Terms
Chua Lam often said, “I have lived.” He feared neither death nor reputation. Whether enjoying a stroll through local markets or sipping wine during turbulent flights, he embraced life with playfulness and ease. He encouraged young people to “work hard first, then talk about happiness,” and consistently preached the values of reading, punctuality, and sincerity. Married for over four decades and choosing not to have children, he adopted a minimalist lifestyle after his wife’s passing, continuing to live with elegance and joy.
A Cultural Icon’s Farewell—But His Spirit Endures
As a cultural icon of Hong Kong, Chua Lam stood not only for the art of fine dining but also for the philosophy of joyful living. His words captured wisdom in wit, and his actions embodied the very art of savoring life. “A writer who doesn’t write is already dead,” he said—and he never stopped writing.
Though the curtain has now fallen on his extraordinary life, the legacy of Chua Lam—his appetite for living, his unmatched charm, and his unwavering optimism—will continue to inspire generations across cultures.
