Gwei Lao Ria Dai Pai Dong

Gwei Lao Ria Dai Pai Dong is more than just a dining space—it’s a testament to Chaoshan’s cultural soul. Rooted in a retro style, the interior design incorporates functionalist aesthetics to redefine the classic Chaoshan Dai Pai Dongs—those open-air food stalls that once shaped the rhythm of daily life in the city. This design transforms the traditionally cramped, chaotic, and unattractive layout into a space that is coherent and visually striking. The result goes beyond operational efficiency; it embodies Chaoshan’s culinary heritage and vibrant urban life.

Spanning an area of 3,000 square meters, Gwei Lao Ria Dai Pai Dong is divided into four sections: a tea room at the entrance, an open kitchen cum ordering area, a ground-floor dining hall, and private rooms on the second floor. Every detail is thoughtfully designed—from the way people move through the space to the layout of seating—for dining comfort and operational efficiency. Notably, the innovative open-kitchen area retains the social essence of traditional Dai Pai Dongs. Here, guests are invited to stroll through aisles lined with fresh ingredients, selecting what they want and chatting casually with staff—much like shopping at a neighborhood food market. This interaction brings warmth and energy to the space, echoing the lively rhythm of Chaoshan’s urban life. Above the open kitchen, a vertical void with large windows bathes the area in natural light, creating a bright, airy atmosphere that makes wandering through the kitchen feel comfortable and immersive. Semi-circular glass brick partitions create a subtle balance between openness and intimacy, visually separating the dining area from the bustling kitchen while maintaining spatial connection.

To create a compelling spacial narrative, the design extensively uses curves and circles, evoking sea waves and tidal rhythms while reinforcing Chaoshan’s coastal identity. The flooring features distinctive green terrazzo, a material rooted in the region’s architectural history, exuding a retro sense that blends modern aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship. Simple but elegant, furniture and lighting fixtures incorporate warm, vintage materials like wood and fabric, complemented by metal and marble for both vintage appeal and modern refinement.