Fri Jun 27 08:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Celebrated Food Critic Cai Lan Expresses Desire to Rest in Victoria Harbour
**Hong Kong** – In a poignant interview given from his luxurious apartment in the Rosewood Hotel, famed food critic and writer Cai Lan, 82, has revealed his plans for his final resting place: Victoria Harbour. Speaking to the press, Cai Lan reflected on life after the passing of his wife, embracing a philosophy of living each day to the fullest and facing mortality with equanimity.
Cai Lan, who first arrived in Hong Kong as a young man and was immediately captivated by the beauty of Victoria Harbour, expressed his wish to have his ashes scattered in its waters. “I am looking at the most beautiful scenery in the world every day. I never tire of it,” he stated. While an assistant playfully pointed out the illegality of scattering ashes at sea, Cai Lan chuckled, mentioning his family had already purchased a niche for him in Singapore, but he prefers Hong Kong.
Living in a high-rise apartment with panoramic views of the Harbour, Cai Lan said: “Such beautiful scenery, such a beautiful place. If I don’t enjoy it now, wouldn’t it be a waste?” He also expressed a desire to enjoy life, with comments such as: “If friends tell me to sleep early and wake up early, or tell me to abstain from this or that, I will chase them out”.
Last year, Cai Lan suffered a fall that fractured his hip, leaving him reliant on a wheelchair and walker. Despite the setback, he maintains a positive outlook and continues to enjoy life to the fullest. He emphasized his focus on personal enjoyment, living each day as it comes, and prioritizing his own well-being.
Cai Lan employs a small team of staff, including a secretary, assistant, nurse, and two Indonesian domestic helpers, ensuring his comfort and care. He finances his lavish lifestyle, estimated at HK$500,000 per month, through the sale of his Malaysian properties and relies on the value of his old house for long-term needs.
Recently, Cai Lan released his autobiography, “Living Through It,” a reflective memoir chronicling his remarkable life journey, from surviving wartime hardship to building a successful career in film, writing, and culinary entrepreneurship. The book is a testament to his philosophy of finding joy in life’s simplest pleasures and embracing every opportunity with an open mind, while always appreciating the beautiful scenery of Victoria Harbour.
First Piper 