In an era dominated by influencers and flashy social media content, an unexpected star has emerged from the Chinese community—a charming octogenarian known as Uncle Big Lau, or Liu Xihuang. With his earnest videos filmed in Cantonese, he aims to revitalize Chinatown and its traditional culinary scene without the extravagant production typical of younger content creators.
Uncle Big Lau has garnered a reputation as the “most trusted food critic” in Chinatown. Starting two years ago, he began posting videos across various social media platforms, showcasing different restaurants in local Chinese communities. While his approach is refreshingly straightforward compared to the glitz of many contemporary creators, his authentic storytelling and genuine love for traditional dishes resonate deeply with audiences. His videos feature him narrating in Cantonese, complete with English subtitles, creating a bridge between cultures.
With over 50,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram, Uncle Big Lau explores eateries in Chinatown, Brooklyn’s 8th Avenue, and Flushing, trying out classic dishes and chatting with restaurant owners while flashing his trademark thumbs-up.
Originally from Taishan, Guangdong, Liu Xihuang immigrated to the U.S. from Hong Kong in 1967 at the age of 25. After navigating language barriers and dodging military service, he started his career as a factory worker and then transitioned into the food service industry. With a wealth of experience under his belt from roles ranging from server to restaurant manager, he eventually opened a restaurant in Flushing with relatives before returning to work for other establishments in Chinatown.
Reflecting on the opportunities of his early days, he also dabbled in the beverage business in Florida and later co-owned the Golden Phoenix nightclub in Chinatown. Liu fondly recalls the challenges of that time, citing his contacts in both legitimate and less-than-legitimate circles as instrumental to his success. He even served as a volunteer police officer with the 5th precinct in Chinatown.
During the pandemic, while spending time at home, Liu was inspired by his daughter to seek out new endeavors. Although he doesn’t partake in activities like mahjong, he decided to leverage his extensive experience to help the struggling businesses in Chinatown recover economically.
His journey into online content creation began at the end of 2021. Initially, he filmed videos solo, but his daughter, Liu Yanshan, stepped in to help him, especially given his mobility issues. Despite his unfamiliarity with modern technology, Liu had a history of documenting his life through photography, often sending pictures back to family during his business days in Florida.
Today, he frequently runs into old friends on the streets of Chinatown, and his rising popularity means he’s often approached for photos. To maintain a polished image, he opts to wear a more formal shirt each day to reflect the respect he holds for the community. His contributions have caught the attention of food critics like Chua Lam in Hong Kong, indicating the growing impact of his work.
As his fanbase expands, several restaurant owners have reached out to Liu for collaboration, including renowned sauce company Lee Kum Kee. However, Liu has declined any monetization offers, emphasizing that his videos are driven by authenticity rather than profit. He’s willing to highlight the positives of a business but will not hesitate to be critical if necessary.
Liu believes that his age adds to his credibility with viewers. Aware that the Cantonese language is slowly fading, he hopes that by speaking in his native tongue, he can foster a deeper connection with his community. “I want to give back to the community where I grew up,” he states, underscoring his commitment to revitalizing Chinatown through his platform.
