Before reclamation shaped its shores Ngau Tau Kok resembled an ox’s horn. This is Sai Ngau Kok a fascinating area in eastern Kowloon. Its name literally means “ox head corner” reflecting its unique coastal formation.
Sai Ngau Kok boasts a rich history. It was once home to Hakka people and one of Kowloon’s “Four Hills” famous for its granite quarries. This granite was essential for construction across Victoria Harbour even reaching Canton. The 1911 census recorded only 440 residents a stark contrast to its current population exceeding 210000.
Imagine the bustling activity of those early days. Workers toiled extracting granite. The rhythmic clang of hammers echoed across the landscape. Oxen hauled heavy loads transporting the stone across the harbour. Sai Ngau Kok was a hive of industry. Later it transitioned into an industrial area with factories such as Amoy Food’s soy sauce plant.
Amoy Gardens a high-density housing estate now stands where that factory once operated. A reminder of the area’s industrial past. Sai Ngau Kok has experienced both tragedy and transformation. The SARS outbreak in 2003 severely impacted Amoy Gardens. The town gas explosion in 2006 also left its mark. These events shaped the community.
Today Sai Ngau Kok is primarily residential. It’s known for its street food. You can still find traditional Cantonese cuisine including congee and noodles. The area retains a strong sense of community. Many religious ceremonies celebrate the Yu-lan Festival a festival from Chinese ghost tales.
The East Kowloon Cultural Centre a testament to the area’s ongoing development opened in 2021. Sai Ngau Kok’s transformation continues. From its humble beginnings as a granite quarry to its current status as a vibrant residential area it’s a captivating story. A story of change resilience and community spirit. It is a place where history meets modernity. A place worth exploring and remembering.