A diner waits for his meal at a dai pai dong in Hong Kong's central district on June 21, 2013. Once a common fixture of Hong Kong street life, now only 28 licensed dai pai dong remain in the city.
Last of Hong Kong's outdoor food stalls —
A diner waits for his meal at a dai pai dong in Hong Kong's central district on June 21, 2013. Once a common fixture of Hong Kong street life, now only 28 licensed dai pai dong remain in the city.
Wilfred Chan/CNN
Street food chef Lam Tse-Sing prepares a meal at his dai pai dong, called Sing Kee, in Hong Kong's Central district. Despite their dwindling number, the outdoor street food stalls continue to be celebrated for their traditional flavor and festive atmosphere.
Last of Hong Kong's outdoor food stalls —
Street food chef Lam Tse-Sing prepares a meal at his dai pai dong, called Sing Kee, in Hong Kong's Central district. Despite their dwindling number, the outdoor street food stalls continue to be celebrated for their traditional flavor and festive atmosphere.
Wilfred Chan/CNN
The traditional Cantonese menu, ranging from beef noodles to seafood, is prepared by stir-frying quickly over a scorching hot flame in a process known as "wok hei."
Last of Hong Kong's outdoor food stalls —
The traditional Cantonese menu, ranging from beef noodles to seafood, is prepared by stir-frying quickly over a scorching hot flame in a process known as "wok hei."
Wilfred Chan/CNN
Sing Kee's menu has over 50 items to choose from. "There aren't many places that still cook like we do," says chef Lam Tse-Sing.
Last of Hong Kong's outdoor food stalls —
Sing Kee's menu has over 50 items to choose from. "There aren't many places that still cook like we do," says chef Lam Tse-Sing.
Wilfred Chan/CNN
According to workers, strict licensing laws and the toiling nature of the job mean few young people want to work in a dai pai dong, leaving the future of the street food eateries in doubt.
Last of Hong Kong's outdoor food stalls —
According to workers, strict licensing laws and the toiling nature of the job mean few young people want to work in a dai pai dong, leaving the future of the street food eateries in doubt.
Wilfred Chan/CNN
Diners feast at a dai pai dong on Stanley Street in Hong Kong's Central district on June 21, 2013.
Last of Hong Kong's outdoor food stalls —
Diners feast at a dai pai dong on Stanley Street in Hong Kong's Central district on June 21, 2013.
Wilfred Chan/CNN