Golden Dragon Marks 50 Years in the UAE, Reuniting the People and Families Behind Its Legacy Founded in Bur Dubai in 1976, the pioneering Chinese restaurant celebrates five decades of culinary heritage, family memories and enduring friendships, with H.E. Mirza Hussain Al Sayegh, the UAE’s first Ambassador to India, joining the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
In 1976, when the UAE was just five years old and before the Dubai World Trade Centre opened its doors, Golden Dragon was already welcoming diners to experience Chinese cuisine in the heart of Bur Dubai.
Established on 14 October 1976 by the late Shri K. M. Bhatia under KM Brothers, Golden Dragon was among the UAE’s early Chinese restaurants, becoming a familiar dining destination for generations of residents.
Mr. Sunder Mans, then General Manager of KM Brothers, played an instrumental role in initiating and establishing Golden Dragon. He travelled to China for more than a month to personally select furniture, equipment and traditional artefacts, helping bring the original restaurant’s distinctive character to life.
The original interiors were designed by Mumbai-based architect Lalitha Sakthi, with fit-out work undertaken by Mr. Chandrasekhar.
A Golden Reunion, Fifty Years Later The Golden Jubilee celebration was graced by H.E. Mirza Hussain Al Sayegh, the UAE’s first Ambassador to India, as Chief Guest. His Excellency graciously joined the founder’s family, former colleagues and distinguished guests for the ceremonial cutting of the 50th anniversary cake, marking five decades of Golden Dragon’s culinary heritage and enduring relationships in the UAE.
At the heart of the celebration was a special reunion of the family of the late Shri K. M. Bhatia, including his wife, Mrs. Kamla Bhatia, son Mr. Kamlesh Bhatia and family, and daughter Pinky, alongside Mr. Sunder Mans, former KM Brothers colleagues, longtime friends and patrons.
The reunion held particular significance for Mr. K. Muraleedharan, Chairman and Managing Director of SFC Group, whose own professional journey began with KM Brothers before he went on to establish SFC Group.
Reflecting on the occasion, Mr. Muraleedharan said: “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.”
He also expressed his sincere gratitude to H.E. Mirza Hussain Al Sayegh for graciously joining the celebration and making the occasion even more memorable.
Familiar Flavours, New Discoveries For many families, Golden Dragon has been part of birthdays, celebrations and weekend gatherings. In its early years, when Chinese dining options in the Emirates were limited, patrons even travelled from Abu Dhabi to Dubai to enjoy its food.
Signature favourites such as Dragon Dumplings, Mapo Tofu, Chilli Chicken and Dragon Pot Rice continue to hold a special place on the menu, reflecting the restaurant’s Chinese culinary roots.
While preserving these familiar flavours, Golden Dragon is also embracing a broader Asian offering. Its newly introduced menu features dishes such as Singaporean Chilli Crab, bringing fresh discoveries to the table alongside the classics that generations have enjoyed.
Rediscovering Five Decades of Memories As part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations, Golden Dragon is inviting longtime guests to revisit their family albums and share photographs and memories from the restaurant’s earlier years.
The initiative hopes to uncover personal stories and rare glimpses of the UAE’s evolving dining culture, preserving the moments that have made Golden Dragon part of so many family traditions.
Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future Golden Dragon entered a new chapter with SFC Group’s involvement beginning in 2013, carrying forward the restaurant’s culinary heritage while adapting to changing dining preferences.
Following its recent opening at Sharjah Central Mall, inaugurated in the presence of H.E. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Golden Dragon is scheduled to open its newest restaurant at Deerfields Mall in Abu Dhabi on 21 October 2026, just one week after its 50th anniversary.
The Abu Dhabi opening brings its story full circle: decades after guests travelled from the capital to Dubai for Golden Dragon, the restaurant is now bringing its familiar flavours closer to them.
Fifty years after its founding, Golden Dragon continues to celebrate the values that shaped its beginnings: memorable food, warm hospitality, gratitude, and the relationships built around the dining table.
