Dismay at closure of one of Hong Kong’s oldest traditional cafes, Mido Cafe, announced in an ambiguous note – but is it permanent?

The cha chaan teng on Yau Ma Tei’s Temple Street became a popular local haunt after opening in 1950, but a note posted outside hints at its permanent closure

Many shared their grief on social media at the loss of a ‘Hong Kong icon’, known for its striking interior and architecture

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Mido Cafe on Hong Kong’s Temple Street suddenly announced its closure in an ambiguous note. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 6:17pm, 19 Jul 2022Updated: 11:36am, 21 Jun 2023

Mido Cafe, one of Hong Kong’s oldest traditional cha chaan teng – cafes that serve Chinese-Western fusion food – has announced its closure in an ambiguous message posted outside its premises.

The farewell note is written mostly in Chinese, and includes a photo of a shop cat perched on one of Mido Cafe’s iconic Formica tables.

The brief message struck a poignant note with its opening: “Life has its share of decades, and without knowing, 72 years have passed since Mido Cafe began here.

“So let’s give it some time now to get some rest, a moment to take a breath. Please remember that after today, there will still be another day, and many decades to follow after.”

Mido Cafe announced the closure with a cryptic note. Photo: Sam Tsang

The note then humorously quotes lyrics from the 2021 runaway hit Hai Gum Sin La (See You Later) by local group MC Soho and Kidney: “All right now, see you later, bye bye. So long farewell adieu ciao sayonara adios.”

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