Published : 20/01/2025
As this year marks the 50th anniversary of McDonald's in Hong Kong, the fast-food chain offered free rides on the Star Ferry between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui on January 1st.
On that day, residents enjoyed a limited-edition McDonald's themed ferry ride across Victoria Harbour, reminiscing over old photos displayed on board while reflecting on the fast-food chain's half-century of development.
Do you know where the first McDonald's in Hong Kong opened? When did it open?
First McDonald's in Hong Kong's opened in Causeway Bay
McDonald's, the world's largest multinational chain, officially opened in Hong Kong on January 26, 1975. The first McDonald's was located on Paterson Street in Causeway Bay.
The franchise was brought to Hong Kong by Daniel Ng Yat Chiu (伍日照), known as the "Father of McDonald's in Hong Kong", who has a doctorate in chemical engineering.
Since then, having burgers and cola has become part of Hong Kong residents' life.
McDonald's significantly influenced HK residents' habits
At that time, American fast food was a novelty for Hong Kong residents, and many Chinese did not consider having hamburgers as a meal. It was not until the arrival of McDonald's that people's eating habits gradually began to change.
With the economic boom and the city's increasing internationalisation, various culinary cultures from all over the world could be found in Hong Kong, which gradually developed into a gourmet paradise.
The self-service model of McDonald's has inspired many local restaurants and indirectly fostered a habit of queuing among Hong Kong residents. It is said that McDonald's even initiated a "toilet revolution" in Hong Kong.
In the past, many public places in Hong Kong did not have toilets; and even if they did, the hygiene conditions were poor. So many customers chose McDonald's for its clean restrooms.
Thus, the popularity of McDonald's indirectly raised the hygiene standards of restaurants in Hong Kong, including their restrooms.
Read more: Opening of the first McDonald's in Hong Kong
Father of McDonald’s in HK created the "Big Mac Index"
Daniel Ng who brought McDonald's to Hong Kong, conceived the "Big Mac Index" based on the McDonald's hamburger, which has become an indicator published by the renowned magazine The Economist to interpret economic phenomena.
It remains an important data for reflecting global price levels and living standards today.
Rooted in Hong Kong for half a century, McDonald's marketing has deeply resonated with the community for years. In August 1976, the first McDonald's in Kowloon opened at Heng Sing Building (恆盛大廈) in Yau Ma Tei.
To make a lasting impression, McDonald's arranged for a super-sized Big Mac, roughly the height of an adult man, to be transported by boat across Victoria Harbour from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon.
Read more: Did Cafe de Coral sell hamburgers before McDonald's?
McDonald's Snoopy toy redemption: Cherished memory for HK residents
The exclusive toys released by McDonald's have become a target for citizens to snap up. Notably, the 1998 "Snoopy World Tour" series generated immense excitement. During the month-long promotion, many McDonald's branches had long queues.
As McDonald's released a differently styled Snoopy figure each day, many people ate at McDonald's daily for the entire month to collect the full set, making it a classic case in the history of Hong Kong's fast-food industry and marketing.
Read more: KFC opened its first store in Hong Kong