Remember that discount on Sachima? That’s King Wah Centre for you. Right here on Nathan Road.
King Wah Centre. It’s more than just a building. It’s a living history book. Originally a single restaurant the King Wah Restaurant it opened in 1955. It served everyone. From the bakery on the first floor to the exclusive nightclub on the fifth.
Tan Jienan a Foshan native opened it. He was known as the ‘king of dim sum’. His restaurant spanned 40000 square feet. It hosted more than 150 diners for banquets. It was a Mong Kok landmark. Each floor catered to a different social group. The ground floor offered baked goods and even had a spittoon. The second floor was Western. The third served tea. The fourth offered Chinese wine. Waiters there even provided towels and asked for tips.
Gamblers flocked to the restaurant on horse racing days. They enjoyed a special discount on Sachima. Sachima sounds like the Cantonese word for horse. Gamblers believed eating it brought luck. Every Mid-Autumn Festival a huge mooncake ad appeared outside.
The restaurant closed in 1989. The current building however cost two hundred million Hong Kong dollars. In the 1990s a Wing On department store occupied it. After its closure independent shops took over. They sold fashionable clothing and accessories. Teenagers loved it. People nicknamed it ‘Red Spot’. The building’s sign had a distinctive red spot. Other signage now covers it up.
In 2013 all original tenants moved. Sincere Department Store took over King Wah Centre. Forever 21 also bid. The rent was a staggering six million Hong Kong dollars a month. The lease was for ten years. Sincere was expanding their business in the area. Many locals mourned the loss of smaller businesses.
Today King Wah Centre stands tall. It is a blend of old and new. It reflects Mong Kok’s vibrant past and its exciting present. It is a testament to the dynamism of Hong Kong. Take a moment to appreciate this iconic building. It represents a rich history a legacy of commerce and a vibrant community.