Three of Hong Kong’s oldest restaurants, Part Three – the Gaylord
From Tai Ping Koon, which opened in 1860 and served Sun Yat-sen, to Gaylord Indian Restaurant, open since 1972, to the award-winning abalone served in Forum since 1977, these restaurants have stood the test of time.
In a city where restaurants come and go with dizzying speed, those which have stood the test of time are few and far between.
Some number the history of their business in decades, others more than a century, but three stand out for their longevity and signature dishes which have proven timeless in their appeal.
Hong Kong’s oldest Indian restaurant, Gaylord, celebrated its 45th anniversary last year. The name Gaylord refers to a “Happy God”. The restaurant was opened on Wyndham Street, Central, by O.P. Seth. It moved to Chatham Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, before moving to nearby Ashley Road, where it has been for the past 29 years.
Gaylord Restaurant Circa 1980 In Tsim Sha Tsui Courtesy Gaylord/SCMP
Affable and gregarious, Rajeev Bhasin is the managing director and a passionate advocate for his home country’s cuisine. He puts the restaurant’s history in context.
“One innovative approach back in the early 1980s was the buffet lunch, which allowed Chinese diners, in particular, the chance to try Indian cuisine, to dispel the misconception that our food is extremely spicy. It’s not about being spicy, it’s about being fragrant.”
Gaylord circa 1990. Photo: courtesy of Gaylord/SCMP
Source: Secrets of three of Hong Kong’s oldest restaurants: quality, loyalty and consistency SCMP 22nd March 2018
This article was first posted on 3rd April 2018.
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