Remembering the 1980s Singaporean social phenomenon of the McDonald’s Kids, whose hangouts were the popular American fast-food restaurants in Orchard Road.
My friends and I have witnessed plenty of change in Orchard Road. We were there when Planet Hollywood came and went. We were there when Hard Rock Cafe opened more than a quarter of a century ago.
But further back than that, we were there when Singapore’s first McDonald’s opened in 1979 in Liat Towers (opposite Lido cinema). The arrival of McDonald’s sort of marked Singapore’s coming of age for us. Like fast food, life in the island republic shifted to a higher gear almost overnight.
Banning cars from Orchard Road may kill, not kindle its appeal
We gathered in McDonald’s a few times, and at least once with beer concealed in a paper bag. But later, we were, like the rest of Singapore, surprised by the advent of the McDonald’s Kids – a huge nightly gathering of teens who spilled out onto the staircases and walkways, making a royal ruckus
The social phenomenon was even given due coverage in The Straits Times. And I recall being a little judgmental like the rest of Singapore.
Little did I know that I would years later marry a McDonald’s Kid (I only found out she was a McDonald’s Kid last month.) I can assure you my wife is well-adjusted, well-mannered and an incredible mother and partner.
Today, none of our three children, nor their friends, hang out in Orchard Road or a McDonald’s restaurant. Like most Singaporeans (and foreigners), there are so many other compelling alternatives vying for their attention today.
