In today’s digital age dominated by viral short videos, it’s become common to see young influencers exploring local eateries, often employing flashy camera techniques and exaggerated language to capture their audience’s attention. Yet, one remarkable individual, an over-80 Chinese “Uncle” named Liu Xihuang, is carving out a niche for himself by creating content in Cantonese. Although he doesn’t rely on flashy presentations, his genuine sharing and love for traditional cuisine aim to “revitalize Chinatown.”
Known online as “Uncle Big Lau,” Liu has earned the title of “the most trusted food critic in Chinatown.” Two years ago, he began posting videos on various social media platforms, showcasing restaurants in different Chinese communities around the city. In a landscape filled with colorful and extravagant short videos, Uncle Big Lau’s candid storytelling in Cantonese, accompanied by English subtitles, stands out as a refreshing perspective, breathing new life into traditional culinary delights.
With a following of over 50,000 on TikTok and Instagram, 82-year-old Uncle Big Lau ventures into various restaurants, from Chinatown to Brooklyn’s 8th Avenue and Flushing, sampling classic dishes. Beyond tasting the food, he engages in conversations with the owners, often signaling his approval with his signature thumbs-up.
Liu Xihuang, originally from Taishan in Guangdong, immigrated to the United States from Hong Kong in 1967 at the age of 25. Due to language barriers, after navigating military service obligations, he started working in garment factories but soon transitioned into the service industry by becoming a waiter in a café, thanks to a friend’s introduction. After gaining experience, he opened a restaurant in the Flushing area with relatives but eventually returned to Chinatown to work for other establishments when he couldn’t sustain the business.
During the opportunities presented by that era, he even ventured to Florida to enter the beverage trade before returning to New York to manage the “Golden Phoenix Nightclub” with friends. He recalls a time when gang activity was rampant, stating that he navigated these challenges through connections in both legal and illegal circles and served as an auxiliary officer for the NYPD’s Chinatown precinct.
During the pandemic, while at home, Liu found inspiration from his daughter and began to ponder if he could find new endeavors despite having no interests like Mahjong. Recognizing the economic downturn in Chinatown and other areas, he aimed to combine his experiences to help revitalize these communities.
Drawing from his years of work as a dishwasher, waiter, manager, and owner, Liu hopes to contribute to society by sharing his insights and “reviving multiple Chinatowns,” driven by his initial desire to encourage people to return to Chinatown and reduce the loss of excellent restaurants and chefs.
In late 2021, Liu started experimenting with video. At first, he explored eateries alone, filming himself with his phone. Eventually, his daughter, Liu Yanshan, joined him not only to assist her father, who has mobility challenges, but also to take on the editing responsibilities. Despite the change, Liu was no stranger to taking photos for family members, having done so decades ago when he was in business in Florida.
Walking the streets of Chinatown today, Liu runs into many old friends. As his recognition grows, he finds himself frequently approached for photos by fans. This newfound fame has prompted him to don his slightly formal shirt daily, ensuring he looks neat and respectful—earning attention even from renowned food critic Chua Lam in Hong Kong.
As his follower count increases, numerous restaurant owners and businesses have reached out, hoping to collaborate, including the famous sauce brand Lee Kum Kee. However, Liu has declined some offers, stating that his video endeavors aren’t driven by profit and he seeks to maintain his integrity. He believes it’s important to support businesses without glossing over their shortcomings but remains firm in his commitment to honesty.
Liu feels that his age adds to his credibility among viewers. Acknowledging the gradual decline of Cantonese language, he aims to resonate with the community through his use of Cantonese. Liu expressed, “I hope to give back to the community because I earned my living there and grew up surrounded by it.”
