daai6 paai4 dong3大排檔大排档
Jyutpingdaai6 paai4 dong3
Yaledaaih pàaih dong
Definition
Dai pai dong; a traditional open-air food stall or local eatery in Hong Kong specializing in Chinese and Western dishes.
colloquialfoodplaces
How it's used
The term specifically evokes a nostalgic, communal dining atmosphere that is increasingly rare in modern urban Hong Kong. While it originally referred to open-air stalls with large license plates, it now broadly encompasses various casual, no-frills outdoor or semi-outdoor eateries. The experience is defined by plastic stools, high-volume chatter, and intense heat from the open kitchen.
Measure word
dong2檔dóngExamples
Shall we go to a dai pai dong for a late-night snack tonight?
The stir-fried dishes at this dai pai dong really have that intense wok heat.
Related words
Common phrases
to eat at a dai pai dong
dai pai dong style
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with a standard restaurant or a fast-food chain, as the term implies a specific, informal street-side culture. Using it to describe a clean, air-conditioned establishment would sound incorrect to a local.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
