Hong Kong — Street Side Food Stall

"Street Side Food Stall" was originated from teahouse, and slowly evolves into mobile food stalls on the streets. Street side food stalls which appeared in the 40s were welcomed by the Hong Kong residents. However, the government nowadays forbids the transfer of license from the holders to their children, and hence more and more Hong Kong style food stalls have to be closed down.

Type of food:
The variety of food choices in food stalls is wide, and it is always a combination of Chinese and western food. You can find the type of food you want to have, and choose the diversified cooking styles such as steam, fry, pan fry, deep fry, and many others. Just name your favorite type and you can have it.

Type of customers:
During lunch time, most customers are from the working class. In addition there are foreigners who have been attracted by the renowned cooking styles of the street side food stalls. Nevertheless most customers are people living in the neighborhood.

Locations and environment:
Majority of old-style food stalls are set up on the small streets or lanes, with construction styles suiting the street side stalls. There are mainly big round tables with folding chairs, and simply covered by canvas instead of a permanent ceiling.



Shortcomings of street side food stalls:
The environment and hygiene conditions of the food stalls are always a controversial issue. Reasons why street side food stalls are unwelcomed mainly because of the scattered placement of tableware, plus an unfavorable hygienic environment. Additionally lacking air conditioning and blocking of the passageways are also factors for peoples’ dislike of the street side food stalls.