Renowned cultural figure and one of Hong Kong’s “Four Talented Scholars,” Tsai Lan, passed away at the age of 83. Known for his deep connections with fellow scholars, including Wong Jim and Ni Kuang, Tsai Lan made a pact with them to remain stoic in the face of death, stating that none would shed tears if one of them passed first. In a testament to his lifelong friendships, Tsai Lan once wrote out 100 copies of “Heart Sutra” for the ailing Jin Yong and organized the finest char siu for Ni Kuang before his death. With Tsai Lan’s passing, the cultural era marked by these four legends has come to a poignant close.
Born in 1941 in Singapore to poet Tsai Wen-hsuan and educator Hong Fang-ping, Tsai Lan relocated to Japan at age 18, working part-time while contributing to Shaw Brothers Studio. He later settled in Hong Kong and made significant contributions to the film industry before establishing himself as a writer and food critic, having published over 60 books. He also ventured into the culinary world, launching products like “Baobao Fan Jiao” and opening restaurants, cementing his influential role in Hong Kong’s cultural scene.
Tsai Lan, alongside fellow scholars Wong Jim and Ni Kuang, co-hosted the popular talk show “Tonight Without Guard” on ATV in 1990, where they engaged with stars while enjoying a cigar and drink. This unique blend of friendship and entertainment created timeless moments in Hong Kong’s media history.
With a combination of roles as a writer, food enthusiast, and traveler, Tsai Lan passionately embraced the joys of life. He served as a judge on the Japanese culinary program “Iron Chef” and was a chief advisor on the CCTV documentary “A Bite of China.” Despite not labeling himself as a “food god,” Tsai preferred to call himself a “good eater,” valuing the simple pleasures of life over lofty aspirations.
In his later years, Tsai embraced social media platforms like Weibo and Xiaohongshu, amassing a following greater than the population of Hong Kong. He candidly expressed that the younger generation’s approach to life, including a sense of relaxation and contentment, was entirely acceptable. His philosophical musings often returned to the essence of enjoying good food and drink as the true essence of life.
The upcoming article in the “Wind Letter” section will feature Tsai Lan’s last piece and two tribute sections dedicated to remembering this unique literary figure whose vibrant life and philosophical insights have left an indelible mark on Hong Kong’s cultural landscape. The legacy of Tsai Lan and his contemporaries reminds us of the importance of friendship, joy, and the celebration of life’s simple pleasures.