Hong Kong’s Chua Lam, one of Asia’s most renowned food critics and columnists, 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 he died peacefully at 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 Jim, Jin Yong, the pen name of Louis Cha Leung-yung, 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 reviews and texts on his life philosophy. He also hosted several cuisine appreciation and travel shows.
He said in a TV interview in January that the most expensive meal he had eaten cost between HK$200,000 and HK$300,000.
