In the era dominated by social media and attention-grabbing short videos, strikingly beautiful young influencers exploring urban eateries have become the norm. However, an 82-year-old Chinese-American known as “Uncle Big Lau” is making waves by sharing his authentic culinary experiences in Cantonese. He aims to revitalize Chinatown through his heartfelt content, which is refreshingly devoid of flashy presentations.

Dubbed by followers as “the only reliable food critic in Chinatown,” Uncle Big Lau began posting videos on various social media platforms two years ago, showcasing restaurants in different Chinese communities throughout the city. His account stands out as a “breath of fresh air” amidst the glamorous short videos, as he narrates his culinary adventures in Cantonese with English subtitles, passionately highlighting traditional dishes.

Currently boasting a follower count of over 50,000 on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Uncle Big Lau shares mouthwatering experiences from various restaurants in Chinatown, Brooklyn’s 8th Avenue, and Flushing. Not only does he evaluate the dishes, but he also engages with the restaurant owners and gives his signature thumbs up in approval.

Originally named Lau Sik Wong, Uncle Big Lau hails from Taishan, Guangdong, and immigrated from Hong Kong to the U.S. in 1967 at the age of 25. After navigating language barriers and evading military service, he started off as a garment factory worker. However, a friend’s introduction led him to the restaurant industry, where he eventually opened a restaurant in Flushing with family members, only to return to Chinatown to work in other establishments when that venture did not succeed.

During a time of great opportunity, he even ventured into the beverage business in Florida and later co-managed the renowned “Golden Phoenix Nightclub” in Chinatown upon returning to New York. Uncle Big Lau recalls the era of rampant gang conflicts and credits his connections with both lawful and unlawful figures for his safety. He also served as a volunteer officer with the NYPD’s Chinatown precinct.

During the pandemic, while spending time at home online, Uncle Big Lau was inspired by his daughter to find new interests, prompting him to consider how he could help the struggling economy in Chinatown. With over five decades of experience in various roles such as busboy, waiter, manager, and owner, he felt compelled to give back to the community.

As he explored restaurants in Chinatown, his initial goal was to encourage people to return to the neighborhood and help retain excellent restaurants and talented chefs. “Uncle Big Lau” officially began making videos in late 2021, initially filming solo with his phone, before being joined by his daughter, Lau Yan Shan, who not only helps with filming but also handles editing. Though the process of sharing videos felt familiar, as he had previously taken pictures for family back in Florida, the addition of his daughter streamlined the efforts.

While strolling down the streets of Chinatown today, Uncle Big Lau encounters many old friends and is increasingly recognized by fans who ask for photos. In response to this newfound fame, he has taken to wearing a slightly more formal shirt daily, ensuring he maintains a polished appearance as a sign of respect. Even the well-known food critic Choi Lan from Hong Kong has heard of Uncle Big Lau’s rising popularity.

As his online presence grows, numerous restaurant owners and businesses have reached out to collaborate with him, including the renowned sauce company Lee Kum Kee. However, Uncle Big Lau has turned down these lucrative offers, valuing honesty over profit in his video content. “I won’t shy away from discussing flaws to support a business, but I won’t pretend everything is great just for the sake of money,” he stated.

He firmly believes that his age lends him credibility, making his audience more likely to trust his insights. Moreover, as Cantonese usage begins to decline, he aims to resonate with his community by speaking in that language. Uncle Big Lau shared, “I hope to give back to the community that raised me and where I’ve made my living.”