Route 1’s “restaurant row” holds a true icon and that is Kowloon Restaurant. The Wong family established Kowloon in 1958. But it was originally The Mandarin House in 1950. William and Madeline Wong bought it and renamed it Kowloon Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge. This began its legacy. It became a Route 1 landmark with its 15-foot tiki statue. The statue looms over the A-framed doorway.
Kowloon became a pop culture and culinary standout. Its large menu features Cantonese, Polynesian, Sichuan, and Thai dishes. WHDH-TV recognized it as one of the best Chinese restaurants in New England in 2004. The Saugus Historical Commission even nominated Kowloon for historical recognition. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association inducted the Wongs into the Hospitality Hall of Fame in 2001. It is reputed to be the largest Chinese restaurant in the United States.
Six kitchens specialize in separate cuisines. They satisfy the appetites of many customers. Kowloon can seat 1200 customers. It offers outdoor dining spaces, a drive-in movie theater, and a tiki bar. These features attract customers from near and far. Celebrities have also visited Kowloon. John Witherspoon, Anne Hathaway, and Forest Whitaker are among them. Jerry Seinfeld, Frankie Avalon, and Phyllis Diller performed in the comedy club. Prominent athletes, politicians, and radio personalities have dined here too.
Kowloon has expanded its operation recently. It partnered with The Brook in Seabrook, New Hampshire. They created a new dining and nightlife spot called 9 Dragons. 9 Dragons offers familiar culinary creations. It features dining areas, an event space, and a cocktail lounge. The “Forbidden City” lounge serves signature cocktails. Guests can enjoy the “Year of the Dragon” Mai Tai and scorpion bowls. Regional and national DJs perform at the lounge.
Andre Carrier, CEO of The Brook, recognizes Kowloon’s importance. He stated that everyone in New England has Kowloon memories. He feels privileged to add a new chapter to its legacy.
Kowloon is a top destination for tiki culture fans. Organized tours frequently stop here. Waterfalls, volcanoes, and a ship deck create an island atmosphere. Faux palm trees, masts, sails, and lifeboats add to the ambiance. Their outdoor concert series is unmatched. The restaurant is even the subject of a short film called “Kowloon!”.
Bob Luz, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, praises Kowloon. He considers it one of the most iconic restaurants in the Northeast. Everyone who has traveled the Northeast knows Kowloon. They know its importance in the history of food and beverage in the Boston area.
Kowloon stands as one of the last old-school businesses on Route 1. The vintage hangouts that once thrived are almost gone. Today, Kowloon is still run by the third generation of the Wong family. William Wong passed away in 2011.
When Madeline and Bill Wong bought the restaurant in 1958 they changed the name to Kowloon. Bill was born in Boston. He was sent to boarding school in Guangzhoudou, China. The Kowloon area became a fixture in his mind. He took refuge there from the invading Japanese army. The restaurant’s exterior features a pagoda-shaped entrance. It was inspired by the pagoda temple at Kowloon Walled City Park. The couple gathered ideas during a honeymoon. They visited Honolulu, San Francisco, and Miami. The tiki influences resulted from that trip.
The customer favorite is the Saugus chicken wings. The wings are slathered in a soy-ginger garlic sauce. It is sticky, sweet, and delicious. Sports talk radio host Eddie Andelman named them. If you order the Eddie Andelman lo mein you’ll get stir-fried shrimp, chicken, onions, and peapods. It is served over pan-fried noodles with black bean sauce.
As you leave Kowloon, remember the Wong family’s dedication. They have provided top-notch cuisine in a themed atmosphere. They have offered outstanding entertainment for decades.