Golden Dragon, one of the UAE’s early Chinese restaurants, is marking 50 years in business with a new Abu Dhabi outlet scheduled to open on 21 October.
Golden Dragon expands to Abu Dhabi
Founded in Bur Dubai on 14 October 1976, Golden Dragon is preparing to open its newest restaurant at Deerfields Mall in Abu Dhabi, extending its presence beyond Dubai and Sharjah.
The opening comes a week after the restaurant marked its 50th anniversary. It follows the recent launch of an outlet at Sharjah Central Mall.
The Abu Dhabi expansion also reconnects the restaurant with a city whose residents once travelled to Dubai to dine there, when Chinese restaurant options in the Emirates were limited.
From Bur Dubai to five decades of dining
Golden Dragon was established by the late Shri K. M. Bhatia under KM Brothers. Former general manager Sunder Mans helped establish the restaurant, travelling to China for more than a month to select furniture, equipment and traditional artefacts for its original interiors.
Over the years, the restaurant became a destination for family gatherings, birthdays and weekend meals.
SFC Group became involved with Golden Dragon in 2013, with the aim of maintaining its established identity while adapting to changing dining preferences.
Classic Chinese dishes remain on the menu
The restaurant continues to serve established favourites, including Dragon Dumplings, Mapo Tofu, Chilli Chicken and Dragon Pot Rice.
It has also introduced a broader selection of Asian dishes, including Singaporean Chilli Crab, alongside its traditional offerings.
Anniversary reunion brings together founder’s family
Golden Dragon marked its golden jubilee with a gathering of the founder’s family, former colleagues, longtime patrons and other guests. H.E. Mirza Hussain Al Sayegh, the UAE’s first Ambassador to India, attended as chief guest.
The event also held personal significance for K. Muraleedharan, chairman and managing director of SFC Group, whose professional career began at KM Brothers.
“Golden Dragon’s 50th anniversary is deeply personal to me. My professional journey began with KM Brothers, and I still remember with gratitude Mr. Sunder Mans signing my appointment letter. Today, we fondly remember the late Mr. K. M. Bhatia, who founded this wonderful restaurant.
To celebrate this occasion with his family, Mr. Sunder Mans, former colleagues and longtime friends is truly special. When we became involved with Golden Dragon in 2013, we felt a responsibility to preserve the legacy they had created. It is heartwarming to see that legacy continuing across generations.”
Restaurant seeks memories from its early years
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Golden Dragon is inviting former customers to share old photographs and personal memories of the restaurant.
The initiative aims to document the experiences of families who have visited over the decades and preserve a record of the UAE’s changing dining culture.
With its upcoming Abu Dhabi opening, Golden Dragon is entering its sixth decade while continuing to build on the restaurant’s original history in Bur Dubai.
