Famed food critic, television personality, and former film producer Chua Lam has passed away at the age of 83. His death was announced on June 27 via his official Facebook and Weibo accounts. The statement shared that Chua died peacefully at the Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital on June 25, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. As per his wishes, no funeral service was held, and he was cremated privately. “Thank you all for your concern for Mr Chua,” the message concluded.

A wave of tributes followed the news of his passing. Among those mourning him was Jackie Chan, who had worked with Chua on several films, including City Hunter (1993), Crime Story (1993), Thunderbolt (1995), and Mr Nice Guy (1997). On Facebook, the 71-year-old action star referred to Chua as his “half-master,” reminiscing about the wisdom and memorable stories Chua shared with him, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Biao during their time filming in Europe.

“I was on set when I heard the news,” Chan wrote. “What came to mind immediately were the days we spent filming together abroad. He taught me many profound lessons back then—lessons I only came to understand as I grew older. I remember him saying life is about learning how to live, how to die, and how to endure. But above all, what matters most is whether you're happy. He lived a joyful, free-spirited life, and that’s what counts.”

Singaporean chef Benny Se Teo, founder of the restaurant chain Eighteen Chefs, also honoured Chua in a heartfelt Instagram post, calling him “a towering figure in the culinary world.” He praised Chua’s sharp wit, bold taste, and deep passion for food, crediting him for influencing how many—himself included—see and experience cuisine. “He wasn’t just a gourmand—he was a storyteller,” Benny wrote. “Chua Lam was a flavour that lingers.”

Hong Kong director Patrick Kong shared on Instagram that he grew up reading Chua’s books, which helped him understand “what a tasteful life is.” Meanwhile, Amanda Strang, a French actress and pastry chef based in Hong Kong, expressed her sorrow at losing a mentor. “Thank you for inspiring my culinary journey,” she wrote. “Because of you, I’ve learned so much about food and its power to connect people. Your absence is deeply painful. You’ll be missed dearly.” Born in Singapore, Chua Lam came from a prominent family. His siblings include Chua Liang, a former principal of Nanyang Girls’ High School, and the late TV drama producer Chua Swan. He was married to film producer Cheung King-man, who passed away in 2023.

Chua moved to Hong Kong in 1963, where he began his film career with Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest studios. He later became a well-known food columnist for Oriental Daily and Next Media, and authored over 150 books. In 1989, he co-hosted The Celebrity Talk Show with sci-fi writer Ni Kuang and lyricist James Wong, where they interviewed stars like Maggie Cheung, Chow Yun-fat, Leslie Cheung, and Joey Wang. Chua Lam was also the final surviving member of the celebrated group known as the Four Great Talents of Hong Kong, which included Louis Cha, James Wong, and Ni Kuang.