“I’m already in my eighties, and I couldn’t be happier with my life right now.”
With its striking yellow signage and a cheerful carrot mascot, the storefront of Indian Provision Store & Supermarket is a vibrant, eye-catching sight. Overflowing with fresh produce, fruits, and vegetables, the display naturally catches the eye of passersby from afar, tempting them to pause and take a closer look.
Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by a surprisingly bright, spacious interior. The shelves are neatly packed with an array of goods, allowing customers to browse for their favourites at a leisurely pace. Curiously, tucked away at the very back of the shop is a compact office. A figure can be seen stepping in and out, alternating between jotting down notes and answering phone calls. This is Brarbutasingh—the third-generation custodian of the family business.
The roots of the supermarket trace back to 1957, when Brarbutasingh’s grandfather first moved to Hong Kong. After working hard to save up enough capital, he struck out on his own to establish an Indian grocery shop. Five years later, following his grandfather’s advice, a 17-year-old Brarbutasingh made the journey to join him. He recalls that immigration procedures back then were a breeze—just a simple stamp in his passport. Looking back, he remembers a Hong Kong with a completely different skyline, featuring only one or two tall buildings and no cross-harbour tunnel in sight. “I had never even heard of Hong Kong at the time, so of course I was terrified,” he admits. Yet, that initial fear gradually dissolved as the foreign streets became familiar.
Upon his arrival, Brarbutasingh threw himself into English classes while spending his free time helping out at the shop. Through daily interactions, he naturally picked up Cantonese and learned the ropes of local life. Following his grandfather’s passing, leadership of the business fell to the second generation—Brarbutasingh’s father. Then, in 1985, Indian Provision Store & Supermarket officially moved into Chungking Mansions, witnessing the building’s evolution first-hand. It watched as the space transformed from a primarily residential block with a handful of retail outlets into a thriving, bustling hub filled with grocery shops, clothing boutiques, and restaurants.
Having been rooted in Chungking Mansions for over four decades, the supermarket has earned its status as a household name. Brarbutasingh proudly shares that it was his idea to officially add the word “Supermarket” to their shop name. Noticing the diverse mix of ethnicities gathering in the building, he was confident the store could cater to everyone’s daily needs. “Every single item in here is a personal favourite of mine. We carry fresh produce alongside imports from every corner of the globe.” Today, the business has successfully expanded to three or four branches—all built from the ground up by Brarbutasingh’s son, a feat that fills the elderly father with immense pride.
Even today, Brarbutasingh continues to show up at the shop every single day, including Sundays, working virtually year-round. He laughs, explaining that coming to the store beats sitting idly at home. With a hearty chuckle, he says contentedly: “I’m already in my eighties, and I couldn’t be happier with my life right now.”
Interviewed by Carly Chan
Cover Image: Chung King Colours by Bonnie Chung
