◇ Origins

Dai Pai Dong are those improvised restaurants with tables and chairs strewn along small streets. "Dai Pai" means the big license issued by the Government Authority whereas 'dong' stands for 'stall'. They were originated as low cost sidewalk food stalls in the 50s and 60s in Hong Kong. They were popular places at night for many Hong Kong people who had no better places to go which did not cost money. Despite of their simple, crude and often crowded environment, they have attracted many people to hang out and take their meals.